The last time Dartmouth scored a goal was against Yale, way back on October 19. It has played three games since then, and two of them have ended in 0-0 overtime ties.

Clearly, this team lives on its defense.

"They play really tough defense," Flion- is said. "The defense makes their goalie's job a lot easier. [Reuter]'s agile and moves quickly, but I don't know how much she's been challenged."

Swanson prefers not to talk about his strong defense and offensive ineptitude, instead stressing the teamwork aspect of his squad's play.

"We have 11 awfully good players on the field for us," Swanson said. "Except for Kari [Reuters], there are no 'stars' on our team."

But those players will be hard-pressed to get past the strong Crimson defense. The defense has carried a flat Harvard team through games before, and the Big Green's low-scoring offense should make the Crimson's job easier.

The real clash will come at the other end, where the potent Harvard offense meets the powerful Dartmouth defense.

Co-Captain Robin Johnston and forwards Jen Minkus and Laurie Uustal will have to be in peak form in order for the Crimson to triumph.

"It will be a low-scoring game," Flionis said. "But our midfielders are as strong as theirs, and our forwards are stronger."

Harvard seems to think it has the advantage, but Dartmouth is not underestimating the Crimson squad.

Which way the balance will tip is uncertain. What is certain, according to Swanson, is that the spectators will be in for a great game.

"It will be a good day for women's soccer," Swanson predicted.