The OU soccer team's official season will begin on Friday in Tulsa where it plays Tulsa and Oral Roberts on Sunday, both games at ORU's soccer complex.

Three of OU's starters are injured and will not be playing this weekend.

Head coach Randy Evans said that all he can hope for right now is that his players get healthy and the rest of them stay that way. He does not underestimate any games of intrastate rivalry.

"This is my attitude for any Division I school in Oklahoma. These games target both teams to put forth their best effort. You can throw reputation and what was accomplished out the window when competing with intrastate teams," Evans said.

With some players hurt opportunity has opened up to give several freshmen some playing time. Two that were very successful were Lauren McGlver and Becky Nelson.

Both girls said that they feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity so soon with the faith of the team supporting them.

McGlver and Nelson are both from Tulsa's club soccer team, TSC84, so the question is to see if they will feel at advantage or disadvantage playing at their old, home field.

Nelson said that it makes her nervous and excited.

"I have learned very quickly that college soccer is a lot more intense. You move a lot more. I am so lucky to have the more experienced girls that play my position (forward) always giving me constructive criticism," she said.

In Nelson's pursuit of adjusting to the college level she has already found out many differences. In the past her teams have played two forwards and with OU's scheme consisting of three forwards, she said that she has to play with more defense than ever before.

"I want to learn as much as I can as quick as I can, so I know what I am doing when I am out there," Nelson said.

Evans said that the older girls are all setting great examples for the freshmen on and off the field.

"Hands down! This year's team has the best chemistry by far. There is tremendous leadership on and off the field," Evans said.

Evans said that the team has taken the injured starters and made accommodations for skill and kept great attitudes.

"Someone that really helps the team chemistry is Jamie Farmer. She has been instrumental to the team's chemistry, even though she doesn't see the potential playing time that others do," he said. "It is very abnormal and what every coach hopes for, but on this rare occasion I have seen the seniors nurture the freshman. They do this even if it means that they may take their place. This is what develops a championship attitude."

Freshman McGlver has succeeded. She said that she couldn't have made the transition so easily if it weren't for the chemistry among the team.

"I am nervous, but that is a good sign. It means that I will push myself. After the loss last week I am curious what it feels like to win. But either way having this opportunity is so much fun. I appreciate the team being so supportive so quickly, it is really inspiring," McGlver said.

Evans said that the Saint Louis game which resulted in defeat was more for him to evaluate the players and who is comfortable and ready to compete at this level.
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