Fitness, Defensive Depth Keys for Women's Soccer

A struggling Dan Marino retired, the U.S. economy started to slump, and the Taco Bell on Franklin Street closed its doors for good.

So the days when North Carolina's women's soccer team humiliated its regular-season opponents then moved on to do the same in the postseason might also be fading.

All three of the Tar Heels' defeats last year came against ACC opponents. It was the most conference losses the defending national champions have suffered and the most total defeats they've had since dropping five in 1980.

"In terms of our own conference, we have teams that are better than last year," UNC coach Anson Dorrance said. "So, I think we have our work cut out for us."

And this year's schedule isn't any easier than last season. Eight of North Carolina's 18 regular-season opponents are ranked in the coaches' preseason top 25 poll, and many of its conference competitors are returning more starters than the Tar Heels.

On top of that, UNC enters the season, which begins Friday at Texas, out of shape.

Dorrance said the team's 1-0 exhibition loss to Nebraska exposed its inability to play hard for 90 minutes. He said the Tar Heels won't be at the fitness level he wants until the middle of the season at the earliest.

"We have a pretty good sense of where we are," Dorrance said. "Our fitness base is below average. That's a concern. I think we beat (last year's opponents) with our fitness, which is something we don't have yet."

UNC also has to replace last season's leading scorer, Meredith Florance, and rebuild a defense that graduated several key players, including Kalli Kamholz and Julia Marslender.

Last season, North Carolina used defender and three-year starter Danielle Borgman in attacking situations. But with a lack of depth on the defensive end, the Tar Heels might not have that option this season.

"Throwing Danielle up front was huge for us in terms of energy and physical intimidation," Dorrance said. "For that to happen, though, we have to develop some more defenders. If that's the weakest line, maybe we don't have the luxury of putting her up front."

But a couple luxuries UNC does have are a solid offensive attack and great leadership.

Senior midfielder and team leader Jena Kluegel is in the best shape of her UNC career and should play all 90 minutes each game.

Midfielders Jordan Walker, whom Dorrance called "a tactical wizard," Maggie Tomecka and Johanna Costa will help Kluegel secure the middle. But the Tar Heels are holding their judgments on this year's squad.

"I don't think I can compare this year's team to last year's," Kluegel said. "I think it's going to take a little bit of time to put the pieces together. There's a potential to have a really great year."

Despite some early concerns, there are reasons why North Carolina is the preseason No. 1. This is one of the fastest UNC teams to ever take the field.

A strong freshman class, headed by forwards Mary McDowell and Anne Morrell, and few preseason injuries have the team looking for yet another run at the national title.

"So the sort of disgust we have with our fitness level is mitigated by the fact that we're not as hurt as usual," Dorrance said. "I'm very excited. We have a lot of players that can do different things well.

"But we know how ephemeral that No. 1 position is. We know it can change with one loss."

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.