"They're athletic and aggressive, and they've given us a lot of trouble in the past," Wheaton said.

Junior Erin Matias leads the defense that will have to shut these two down.

Combined with the brilliant play of sophomore goalie Brooke Donahoe, the Crimson defense has allowed just four goals so far this season.

So far this year, Brown has yet to score four goals.

The Bears opened their season with games against national powers Duke and North Carolina.

Brown lost to Duke, 3-1, and was then thrashed by UNC, 8-0.

Returning home, they lost their Ivy opener 1-0 to archrival and soceer power Yale.

"We should have won that game," Fischer said. "We were just unlucky, and some of our shots didn't go in."

The same type of luck has plagued the Crimson offense.

Against Columbia, Harvard unleashed 46 shots but only scored three goals.

Wheaton is not worried.

"As long as we get the quality shots, we'll score eventually," he said.

How Sweet It Is

Last year, Brown defeated Harvard, 4-0, at Ohiri Field in the Crimson's worst loss to Brown ever.

"Revenge is always a factor," said Johnston, who was held scoreless in last year's loss.

But Wheaton raised the more fundamental issue.

"We don't need inducement to get the team excited to play Brown," Wheaton said. "Today's game is going to go to whichever team has a better day."

But in games of this magnitude, there is often another force at work, the coach added.

"And a little good fortune wouldn't hurt either team."