TODAY'S GAMES

J.V. field hockey v. Holy Cross, 3:30 p.m., Soldiers Field.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

Women's soccer rained out

Patriots Fire

Defensive Coordinator

FOXBORO, Mass.--Rod Rust was fired yesterday as defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, and was replaced by linebacker coach Steve Sidwell.

In announcing the move, head coach Ron Meyer cited the differences in defensive philisophy between himself and Rust, who only lasted midway through his second season.

Meyer said it was "not a spur-of-the-moment" decision and that his dissatisfaction with Rust began before this year's training camp.

The move came three days after one of the poorest defensive performances in the National Football League team's history. In losing to Miami 44-24, the Patricts' defense set club records for most yards allowed in a game (552) and most first downs given up (32).

"The Miami game had very little to do with it," Meyer said of Rust's firing, "although that was part of the picture."

Meyer said Rust, who was defensive coordinator for Kansas City from 1978 to 1981, was shocked by the decision.

Rust was not available for comment.

Meyer, who concentrates on offensive preparations for games, said "there was not a lot of dialogue" between himself and Rust concerning defensive philisophy.

Asked if the firing could have been avoided if Meyer had played a larger role in defensive strategy, he said, "I don't think this could have been avoided."