While we still have some celebrating to do this year, several of you faithful(!) UNC fans have already enthused with great confidence about the 2013 season. Let's have at it here! In my view, the line up next year is WIDE OPEN! In my mind there are only 4 for-sure starters coming from the 2012 championship team. Only Dunn, Ohai, Bowen, and Green are locks. The rest of the line up will take all season to finally get figured out. There are so many choices and so many unknowns. The talent will be there, but it will take near genius coaching to make sense of all of the permutations possible and the experimenting will likely still be going on late into November. Simplistically, based on how we ended up in 2012 and replacing the three seniors with national team players, the following would be a logical line-up for 2013: Goal: Haeberlin Backs: Murray, Ball, Gardener Holding MF: Boyles Midfield: Bowen, Dunn, Morris Forwards: Green, Bruder, Ohai And it may turn out that way, but I doubt it! Consider the possibilities and quandries: (1) While Haeberlin is probable in the goal, she will be challenged by Seiloff and Harris, who may surprise everyone. (2) Will Brigman make it back to her accustomed spot in the starting line-up? Who would she displace? Will she end up in the back line or at holding mid? Might Bowen end up at center back and will we go to a flat 4? But will Katie just stay at right half where here stamina and speed were great this year or go to holding mid? (3) Will Romero or Ramirez blossom at defense and displace Murray, Ball, or Gardener? (4) Who will get the holding mid slot? Boyles, Brigman, Gardener, and Bowen are all prime candidates. (5) Dunn has said that her preferred position is left wing. Will she finally get it, or given that she is SO effective at attacking mid working with Ohai, will she have to stay at attacking mid? If Crystal goes left, will that displace Meg Morris? If so, would Dreisse get the nod at attacking mid? How will international Michelle Clemente fit in next year? (6) The center forward slot is totally up for grabs. Emily Bruder is in the same mold as Indi Cowie.. big (5'9") strong and determined, but would either of these forwards fit in Anson's running pressure defense? And will a healthy Reilly Parker challenge for a starting role? (7) And then there are the unknowns who may be surprising everyone. Jessica Holmes may be hard to keep off the field and her motor and wheels fits AD's pressure scheme well. Same with Maya Worth. Jenny Chiu will get some PT -but how much and where? And I personally look for Darcy McFarlane to be even stronger than her big sister. And my God...Amanda Rooney and Cameron Castleberry are ranked as two of the top 75 players in the country. How will they show up? (And I can't even figure out Firstenberg, O'Halloran, and Bill -the latter being primarily a lacross player- but any one could surprise.) (8) With the fabulous class of Dunn, Ohai, Morris, Seiloff, etc graduating and only a very small class coming in 2014, how many red shirts will we have in 2013 looking to make a splash the next season? (9) And what of the 2012 super subs (Brooke Elby, Kelly McFarlane, Kat Nigro, and Bianca Gray)? Will one or more of them step it up to starting status? In may ways, the puzzle is more daunting than it was this year. The 2013 season should be very interesting and exciting!
Great questions for the next year, and I've got a couple notes to add: 1) Over on the UNC Olympic sports forums on scout.com, it was stated that Morris is graduating this year a early. If she does graduated in May, the question becomes whether she'll still use a fourth year of eligibility by attending UNC for grad school. 2) I agree that Brigman has a great chance of competing with Boyle for starting mid if she comes back fit. She's great in the air and has 2 years of starting with a 3-back, so she's not starting blind like a freshman would (it took even a great player like Brooks until the ACC tournament to break in to the starting lineup her freshman year). 3) I think Cowie is the biggest wildcard of the roster; no one knows how exactly she'll do once she's on the field against NCAA competition.
Brooke Elby to me looks very good. I think thats why she sees a lot minutes off the bench. I wish she got starter minutes though. Kat Nigro is a good player but needs to get in better shape. She would def play more. She can pass very well. Kelly Mcfarlane improves every year. Brigman was our best defender in 2011. She was big time threat scoring out of the back. How the new kids adjust from highschool to college is always iffy. Some struggle and some start right away. The hardest position to play at UNC is forward. You gotta be in top notch condition to start muchless come off the bench and get minutes.
Bruder, Ohai and Green, backed by Dunn and Boyles next year. NASTY! Contrasting writeups of the Heels' championship season: JR at TDS who says this year's championship was the result of nothing intricate, another token: http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/north-carolina-remains-a-step-ahead_aid28191 Chris at All White Kit who says it was a total team performance for the ages: http://www.allwhitekit.com/?p=11010#more-11010 Maybe it's just me, but I think Chris showed up JR's piece as nothing intricate.
(Brought over from the 2012 thread) Indeed, Cowie is a source of great curiosity for may of us UNC fans.I got to watch her in spring practice a year ago and she was pretty strong playing on for front line (in the center then on the right a bit.) Going in, I somehow had the idea that she would be very technical given her position as the top female free styler in the world, but that is not what I saw. He first touch was pehaps average compared to many UNC recruits (ie quite good) and she did not seem as quick as I would have liked in getting her shot off in traffic. However, that said, I left quite impressed with her and her potential. With good coaching she could very effective as she is physically strong and determined. As you indicate, the big issue is where to effectively play her, and this will depend on her development. One of the key issues will be how she handles her transition from free styling. Can she do both? If not, Will she be able to abandon free styling to fully commit herself to playing for the Tarheels on the field? Would she really want to do this if necessary? (Most free style artists are not top soccer players on the pitch and there has been much discussion about this in years past as to what the impediments are. Most of what I have seen is that it may be an attitude issue for most of these players.) All in all, I'm a fan of Indi, and am expecting to see good things on the pitch!Is it really she that runs the player's Twitter account. (I had assumed it was Brittany Bartok.)
Isn't Bartok a couch? UNC has two twitter accounts, and one of them says it is player run. Indi is behind the camera in a lot of the behind the scenes video, so I assumed she pulls the strings there. I wouldn't be surprised if its an assortment of players tho. I am really hoping Cowie breaks the stereotype that freestylers have on the pitch. A lot of people are talking about her attacking prowess, but I have a gut feeling she will be a great replacement for Amber Brooks. Her technical skill and strength on the ball would make her a great conduit for the transition from Defense to Offense. I had a chance to watch Boyle's play at one of her CASL games. The girl can move, but I just don't see her, or Indi for that matter, starting in favor of some of the upperclassmen. Even Bowen will be relegated to the bench I think, especially if Brigman returns. I'm predicting a Bianca Gray break out season! Given how UNC finished in the Championship game, I would not be surprised at all if Anson starts the season with a flat 4 in the back, especially if Brigman returns. Gray | Green Ohai Morris | Dunn | Elby Gardner | Ball | Brigman | Murray Heaberlin
Bartok is in her 5th year with the Tarheels. She was one of the first subs in for three years as a forward, and many of us were looking for that break-out year as she did have the technical ability and speed. However, she snapped her ACL two years ago. (You could hear it pop from the other side of the field in the stands.... ouch!) and has been the student assistant coach since. However, it turns out that she is an excellent videographer. Her whole series of videos are technically very good. The theme is "girls having fun" and features UNC players on and off the field. Take a look at the series from Europe from 18 months ago. They are fabulous! [ http://www.youtube.com/user/UNCwsoc ] In my opinion, her work is hugely positive in humanizing the team and has to be a wonderful recruiting tool. She also is a natural mimic and clown and is one of the players at the center of a really fun sub-group which frequently appear in her videos. (Only every now and then do you see her in the videos, and I'm not sure who is behind the camera at those times.) Unfortunately, she is moving on and next year plans on doing missionary work overseas and so won't be involved with the team going forward into the 2013 season. I have assumed that it has primarily been Bartok involved with the player Twitter account, as her sense of humor and knowledge of Taheel alumnae carries forward, although it is true that Cowie has been around since that account was established. And I don't know where Anna Seiloff fits into this mix. She is a great natural leader and team booster.. a real jewel. I expect to see a lot more of her off and on the field next year as a senior. I see team chemistry and "playing for each other" as absolutely necessary for success. I see Seiloff as a key part of that equation. Very interesting that you have Cowie slotted at holding mid. Could work... Can she jump? Brooks will be a tough act to follow no matter who ends up there. I do disagree with you about Bowen. I have her as an absolute lock on a starting position. She has the skills and athletic ability, plus she reads the game very well. Word is that Brigman is determined to get back into the starting line up. She is a real wild card, IMO. She could play center back in the 3-back or 4-back system. (She has a height and speed advantage over Ball, although Ball has developed into a very solid predictable player on the back of her great understanding of the position's mental requirements.) I also see Brigman as holding mid. She also can make great disruptive runs forward and can score. Gray? Hmmm. That would be great, but could she really displace all of the other talent to claim a starting position? There will be so many players to choose from next season. It will be very interesting!
Elby & Bowen will be rotating pieces regardless of who starts. I think in this instance Elby gets the start only because shes a Senior, but your right Bowen plays the game so well. She also compliments Green nicely on that right side & they work very well together. I certainly hope Cowen is able to get in the air, because that would be a valid concern. I would think one major benefit of free styling that transfers to the field is her leaping and jumping ability from all those around the worlds she can do. She does it with both feet and I think she will have a tremendous vertical as a result. And Sieloff? I think Reilly Parker has a better chance starting as a heart and soul player, mainly because I firmly believe Heaberlin will be a lock for GK. Sieloff could lead the cheer or something, I always been a little scared of her. XD
Completely agree with you, SH, about Bowen--a huge part of this fall's championship for her ability and the team's chemistry. Also, I thought Sieloff looked great at the beginning of the season, but quickly disappeared in the mass of fine goal keepers (Hannah Daly hardly played!). Maybe she was hurt? I would think she might at least split duty next year. And SH, you (and others) have been wanting to replace Caitlin Ball for two years-- because she's too slow, too short, not Whitney Engen (who the heck is?)-- she is, however, as all white kit notes, the starting center back for the 2012 National Champions. Not bad. By the way, Hanna Gardner was a ferocious holding mid for East Chapel Hill hs last spring, a converted midfielder. And what a luxury to have Meghan Brigman, a converted forward (could have played college basketball) who can play all over the field with brains, experience, confidence and speed.
With all the talent coming back next year and all the new recruits I still hope Anson keeps his core players in for significant minutes. Dunn, Ohai, Green, and even Morris are all game changers that have proven their value and need time to establish a rythem during games. When push comes to shove as Anson has stated "UNC has always depended on it Superstars". Bowen is definately a starter no matter where, her soccer IQ is outstanding. So many great plays all year were generated by Bowen, the play that beat Stanford was created by Bowen. I can see Brigman in Amber's spot simply because she is so athletic and fast, she is the closest thing to what Amber was. Can she adapt to that position can she win balls out of the air will yet to be seen. Some players actually play better off the bench, starting isn't always the best option for certain personalities. I always thought Premji was a far better player off the bench. So just because somone isn't a starter tihs is UNC everyone contributes! Next years line up, here we go: Ohai Bruder/Elby Green Morris Brigman Dunn Bowen Gardner Ball Murray Heaberlin/Sieloff Obviously that would change depending on the formation, although Ohai is great on the wing she loves the space she gets being up top and it showed in the NCAA. Green is just going to get better, she was fantastic this year at age 17. I've seen Bruder play, if she can learn to pass she could be just what we need up top, she is big and fast but needs more lateral motion. Elby just on hustle alone could really help Green and Ohai. Morris moving to midfield was one of the most significant changes to UNC this year. She brings the ball up field with speed and power, outside of Dunn she made the midfield dangerous, something it wasn't for a long time. Dunn has to stay in the middle, we all saw the results, she would be great on the wing but in American football language...do you want a great reciever or a great quaterback? Bowen has a great soccer IQ and can create plays, something allot of players can't do, she did it all year and will only get better next year. Gardner has hight and range and is such a raw talent she is destined to be one of the great UNC defenders. Ball is a seasoned warrior that gave UNC and Anson the coourage to move Crystal up, she will be a starter untill she greaduates. She saved us in the Stanford game with a header in goal. Murray is a physical speciman that is fast, strong and I believe came into her own in 2012, NCAA defender of the tournament, at the end she was shutting down everybody. Heaberlin and Sieloff are very close both are athletic and talented I believe this position is up for grabs, whoever wants it most. Heaberlin has a bit more pedigree but don't count Sieloff out she is cat quick and hungry to play, nice to have two great keepers and a third in the wings. Just my two cents, in the end Anson and the coaching staff will have fun with all these options.
Any one have any confirmation/denial of what someone commented a week ago that Morris was graduating early and moving on? I personally don't see it, but I am not plugged in.
As frequently the case, good "stuff" from you. I just pulled the one point on Green. She has the national team back ground with the goals scoring in concacaf and started very well at UNC, especially when Ohai and Dunn were gone. I was concerned about her ability to play with Ohai and not that I saw any one specific thing but I did see a significant scoring drought/decline. I am giving her the benefit of the doubt as a young freshman but from what I saw it looked like she needs to make quicker decisions as she tended to hold the ball much too long and found herself deep in the corner with no options. If felt she needed to shoot quicker or pass quick in the back half of the season. Hopefully she gained some valueable experience playing tougher competition than HS and the the young U17 world cup teams--the ACC and NCAA tourney is quite different.
I would hope anybody playing for UNC is capable of a simple 1-2. There's nothing in that video that wow'ed me, but honestly I have a hard time evaluating players until I see the in a game time situation, that's where it counts, right?
I've seen Boyles play and she is big, strong, and damnit she's fast with and without the ball. I try to reserve judgement on players until I see them play. Where does Driesse play now?
I thought Bartok did the twitter feed. I recall hearing at a game someone teasing her for not posting faster when UNC scored and she turned around and said, Hey, I've got to spell check first." I don't know who will start/play in goal, but I am pretty sure Harris will do the PKs. She apparently stopped the most PKs in practice by far this year compared to the other 4 GKs, but Anson was unwilling to burn her redshirt. Her length (wing span) and reaction time/hand/eye coordination are crazy good. It will be interesting to see how many GKs he plays, probably 2 or maybe all 3
Correct, I'm pretty sure Heaberlin will start, but theres no way Seiloff is going to jump both her and Harris any time soon. As for Green, I am extreamly excited to see her mature as a player, she has the technical skill and raw speed, but she just lingers on the ball way too long. She is also a little predictable, she always goes foward when she can. It's strange, Summer Green has always been at her best when she recieves the ball in a position that forces her to go somewhere other than straight down Route 1.
Hard sometimes to tell who has a full scholarship without inside information which you may have. Some girls at UNC we assume likely has a full ride, Brooks, Ohai, Dunn. Looking at who is coming in in 2013 there are some girls (based purely on pedigree) that you can infer may have received real scholarship $. There are some national team/WC players coming in but Dreiessee doesn't seem to be one of them. However, I have not seen her play but from what I understand it would be unusual for AD to give a full ride to a player that is not a national team player. Also, an aritcle about here indicated that AD gave her just 24 hours to decide whether she was coming to UNC. That is not usually the conditions imposed on full scholarship players. But whether she got a full ride or not just want her to help the team win another national championship next year. http://www.northjersey.com/sports/G..._Nickolette_Driesse_lands_in_Heel_heaven.html
Welcome Jersey Football..this is an exciting time for any young recruit going to UNC, when the 2010 class came in with Dunn, Ohai, Morris, etc UNC was almost completey depleted. The 3x National Champs had 8 players going to the pros and two big time players, Meritt Mathias and Jessica Mcdonald that left the team early. It took two grueling years of first in history loseses and doubts about ever getting back to the College Cup again before the 2010 class came of age and boy did they ever. Next years team will be loeaded with a great sophomore class a great junior class along with a group of senior super stars. As of this point everyone on this team is a defending National Champion! Nothing is a guarenteed but this is about the best time to be at UNC for an underclassman. Good luck and nothing could be better than to see Nick become a national champ her freshman year! Go Heels!
Nickolette will be be entering a program with a very good group of players even after the 2010 class graduates it will be an exciting time for her as it was for this years group of freshman.
None of us know what goes on behind the scenes with regard to recruiting. With UNC and other top schools, it is undoubtedly a mad scramble with regard to scholarship money allocation, and adjustments and changes in plans as various recruits change their minds to commit, de-commit, or say maybe. And most of these transactions never are made public so we fans do not know. (We only know about the ones that the family announces publicly, and sometimes these de-commit. When the final class is announced there are always several recruits that we never heard of or even suspected.) With regard to Nickolette Driesse, she was obviously on the UNC radar and then two things changed. Most importantly, she started to really come along nicely in her development. Secondly, there must have been some kind of de-commit freeing up some money/space and Anson acted quickly as she was one of the few quality kids who at the time was yet uncommitted for 2013. (All of the youth national team players had already committed by that time.) If she was not interested, he would have wanted to move quickly to try to sew up a secondary choice. At the time of her commitment, she was a relative unknown ECNL player who had played on the New Jersey state ODP team on 09 but then she had just had an excellent tour in the summer to England with the ECNL all stars with (perhaps not coincidentally) Summer Green. Her game was beginning to take off. On that tour was coach Jay Howell, who formerly was a coach in Durham, NC, and then CASL who undoubtedly knows Anson and could report her developmental progress and abiding interest in UNC. Since that time she has continued to develop and grow as a soccer player at what would appear to be at a faster rate than some of the other recruits her age. The diamond in the rough is being rapidly polished. She had a great season last summer in the W league (for awhile was one of the top scorers nationally) and then went to the id2 camp in Oregon and was selected to go to England to train once again. She is coming on strong. All this being said, given the competition, she will undoubtedly have to show really well to get any significant playing time at UNC, but she sure seems to have the right attitude and is learning fast. Carolina should be a good fit for her.
Cindy Parlow Cone will no longer be an assistant with UNC. She's just been hired to coach the new pro/semi-pro/whatever league team in Portland.