The North Carolina women's soccer team kicks off its 2016 season against Central Florida at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night at Fetzer Field. Here's what to expect from the Tar Heels in their opening game and throughout the rest of the season.
How do they play?
Over the past several seasons, Coach Anson Dorrance has implemented a system that has been the bedrock of the Tar Heels' success.
Dorrance often uses a dozen or so substitutes in a game, allowing the team's overall stamina to stay high and giving a large stable of players the chance to play on any given day.
This strategy could prove crucial for North Carolina in 2016 as it eases key players back from injury.
Midfielders Dorian Bailey, Darcy McFarlane, Cameron Castleberry and Joanna Boyles all suffered ACL tears during the latter half of the 2015 season. Boyles will redshirt this upcoming season, but the other three will benefit from the constant relief substitutions can provide.
Who stands out?
Lindsey Harris, redshirt senior goalkeeper: Harris has spent each of the past two seasons splitting time in goal with recent graduate Bryane Heaberlin, but Harris is set to be UNC's primary option in the net in 2016.
Harris gave up an average of 0.69 goals per 90 minutes played a season ago, amassing a record of 6-3-1. While she has never been the top option for North Carolina, Dorrance believes she has the skills to be one of the best goalkeepers in the country.