Zach Wells

Barry Faulkner

Just one class shy of completing his degree in American literature

and culture, UCLA senior Zach Wells has been majoring in soccer this

fall, with a minor in shutouts.

And the first-team All-Pac-10 goalie has aced most of his

competition, helping lead the defending NCAA champion Bruins to an

18-1-1 record and the No. 1 seeding in the 2003 NCAA Tournament.

The Bruins, who enjoyed a first-round bye, begin defense of their

national title Wednesday, taking on visiting Tulsa (13-5-2).

It’s the time of year Wells, a former Newport Harbor High

standout, has been anticipating ever since experiencing the euphoria

of last year’s national crown.

“Up until March and April, we were still kind of basking in our

glory, so to speak.” said Wells, who, barring a stunning upset,

figures to add to his collection of school records over the next

couple weeks.

“In a general sense, we’ve been a little flat this season. It

seemed like we didn’t get too excited about the wins and we didn’t

get too down about the loss.”

The lone setback, a 1-0 loss to Maryland Sept. 5, in the third

game of the year, was followed by a 15-game winning streak that

included 13 shutouts and a 40-3 scoring advantage. Only a 2-2 tie

against the University of San Diego Nov. 13 provided any additional

humility for Coach Tom Fitzgerald’s juggernaut.

Wells acknowledges this year’s postseason quest comes with added

pressure.

“I can’t remember the last time a No. 1 seed won the tournament

and it’s always hard to repeat,” Wells said. “For myself, it’s just

more motivation to go out and prove we are the best.”

Wells has been among the best goalkeepers in the collegiate ranks,

ever since he emerged as a sophomore starter.

His teammates voted him team MVP after the 2001 season, in which

he set a school single-season record with 101 saves and posted a

Pac-10-leading nine shutouts.

Last season, he had 90 saves and seven shutouts. He was also at

his best when it counted most. He was named Defensive MVP of the

College Cup -- the sport’s Final Four -- anchoring a defense that

blanked Stanford, 1-0, in the title game.

This year, Wells has 10 shutouts, 66 saves and a stingy 0.39

goals-against average. The goals-against standard would shatter the

old single-season UCLA mark of 0.53 set by former All-American Anton

Nistl in both 1989 and 1986.

At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Wells, who also starred in volleyball for

the Sailors, is among the bigger keepers around. And, he said, his

willingness to engage in contact with opponents factors into his

biggest strength on the field.

“From what other people have said, I think being able to read the

game and anticipate on crosses is something that distinguishes me,”

Wells said. “I’m also pretty confident coming out for balls, so I’m

able to take away a larger portion of the 18-yard box than a more

timid goalkeeper. I’ve been knocked around, but I don’t have much

fear. When you come out with your knees and elbows, your main focus

is to hold onto the ball. If [a competitor] happens to get knocked

down, it’s not intentional on my part.”

Fitzgerald also believes physical prowess works in Wells’ favor.

“A forward or midfielder coming in on Zach would do well not to

have a physical confrontation with him,” Fitzgerald said.

Wells said his college career has exceeded his expectations, but

he does expect to get an opportunity to play professionally. His

coach agrees.

“During my two years here, Zach has been a huge part of our team,”

Fitzgerald said. “He’s a tremendous kid who is smart and a very good

athlete. He has been huge for us and it’s going to be difficult to

lose him. But players move on and I suspect Zach will have some

opportunities to continue playing.”