Expectations can be either a great tool or lead to a tremendous letdown. In the case of the Utah Salt Ratz, they're hoping the expectations of a regular-season crown, and having previously beaten their opponent three straight times, can lead to a league championship.
The Ratz take on the Arizona Sahuaros today for the Men's Premier Soccer League title. Utah dominated the three regular-season matchups, outscoring Arizona a combined 10-3. Coach BJ Noble says they are determined not to reflect too much on those previous games.
"They picked up two Brazilian forwards since the last time we played them, and they have been lighting up the league," said Noble. "They are a different team than last time we played them."
Utah will again rely on the creativity of midfielders Christian Bowers, Jake Huber and Bryce Stevenson, as well as the finishing ability of league-leading scorer KC Nordfors. Their play, and the contributions of nearly every Ratz team member, led to a 9-0 rout of the Northern Nevada Aces last week. Noble was quite certain the result tonight would not be quite the same, since "They have a very athletic keeper who just makes it tough to get the ball past him. Their coach (Petar Draksin) is very solid, he also coaches Grand Canyon University. He will have them ready to play."
Arizona will be riding an emotional high after upsetting the Chico Rooks in last week's semifinal. Chico was the only team to beat the Salt Ratz, and several players actually expressed a little disappointment in not having the ability to avenge their earlier losses. Noble did not share that sentiment. "Our opponent really doesn't matter," he said. "We know we have the ability to win. We just want to continue playing our game. If we play as well as we can things will work out."
The game will be at Juan Diego High School at 7:30 p.m.
E-mail: mblack@desnews.com