BRUIN NAMES HIS GOALS FORMER LITTLEROCK STANDOUT HOPING TO SPARK UCLA OFFENSE.Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer When it comes to the UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX men's soccer team, the Griffin surname SURNAME. A name which is added to the christian name, and which, in modern times, have become family names. 2. They are called surnames, because originally they were written over the name in judicial writings and contracts. is associated with minimal scoring. Maxwell Griffin is hoping to reverse that. Two seasons after his brother Leonard left UCLA as an All-American defender who helped set a program record for lowest team goals-against average, Maxwell Griffin arrives ready to spark the Bruins' offense. The Littlerock High graduate scored on his first two shots of the season and is expected to see consistent playing time as a freshman. ``I hope to contribute to the team as much as possible,'' Griffin said. ``I just want to put some goals away and contribute whatever I can. Im excited to get started.'' Griffin, 17, is part of the Bruins' corps of young forwards that keep UCLA optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op about a fourth consecutive Pacific-10 Conference The Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) is a college athletic conference which operates in the western United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I. Membership Full members championship despite the loss of its top three scorers from last season. The Bruins take a 1-1 record into Sunday's nonconference game at Loyola Marymount. Griffin appeared in both of UCLA's games last week. He scored in a season-opening loss to Santa Clara Santa Clara, city, Cuba Santa Clara (sän`tä klä`rä), city (1994 est. pop. 217,000), capital of Villa Clara prov., central Cuba. , then added another goal two days later in his first collegiate col·le·giate adj. 1. Of, relating to, or held to resemble a college. 2. Of, for, or typical of college students. 3. Of or relating to a collegiate church. start, a victory over Maryland. Leonard was on hand to watch his brother in a preseason scrimmage at Indiana. The brothers talk frequently, with Leonard providing some insight on how defenders think and how Maxwell can better penetrate them. The younger Griffin soaks up his brother's advice, but wants to be known for more than family ties. ``His name does get thrown in there a lot,'' Maxwell said of Leonard. ``Obviously now that I'm here, I want to make a name for myself and not just be known as the little brother.'' Maxwell already has an impressive resume of his own. In addition to being a leading scorer during his four years with Littlerock's soccer team, he was a three-year letterman in cross country. He was the leading scorer for Arsenal FC, which won the 2004 U.S. Club Soccer National Championship and this year's 17-and-under Dallas Cup The Dallas Cup is an international football tournament for invited youth teams, held annually in Dallas, Texas. It was first held in 1980. 2007 Tournament The 2007 Dallas Cup is sponsored by Dr Pepper. . He helped Littlerock to the 2005 Golden League title and a berth in the Southern Section quarterfinals. Being surrounded sur·round tr.v. sur·round·ed, sur·round·ing, sur·rounds 1. To extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle. 2. To enclose or confine on all sides so as to bar escape or outside communication. n. by elite players has helped Maxwell Griffin see how much more he can grow as a player. He said he's not intimidated in·tim·i·date tr.v. in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing, in·tim·i·dates 1. To make timid; fill with fear. 2. To coerce or inhibit by or as if by threats. and is eager for the challenge of proving himself at a new level. ``I'm real excited,'' Griffin said. ``The level of play is way different than the club game. It's way more intense and fast-paced.'' The experience so far has been enjoyable. ``This was my first choice,'' Griffin said. ``This is where I wanted to come and I love it down here so far. It's cool, all the guys are real close. So soccer-wise and otherwise, I'm happy.'' Heather Gripp, (818) 713-3607 heather.gripp(at)dailynews.com |
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