University of Minnesota Athletics
2003 Golden Gopher Soccer Season Outlook
8/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
"We have multiple players who have the ability to take our team into a top-four Big Ten finish," fourth-year head coach Barbara Wickstrand said. "In fact, our leadership is the strongest it has been in years. Our upperclassmen have already begun to foster a winning attitude on a young team and have the ability, along with their teammates, to succeed in the near future."
The 2003 campaign looks to be a chance for the Maroon and Gold to continue its revival after several lean years that have seen Minnesota absent from the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments. The Golden Gophers have missed the conference tournament for two consecutive seasons, but Wickstrand and assistant coaches Ellen Obleman and Chris Higgins have assembled a roster of players with the commitment, dedication and talent to see the program succeed and prosper. In its quest for success, Minnesota will use strong junior and senior leadership, a 2002 freshman class that contributed more points with less playing time than any class in the history of the program and an incoming class with immediate impact potential.
Minnesota returns 16 letterwinners and seven starters from the 2002 squad, giving the Golden Gophers a strong base of players with quality experience in Big Ten action. The Golden Gophers are thin in the senior ranks as only midfielders Amanda McMahon and Anna Nudell Lee return in 2003, but the ability of these transfers to lead the Maroon and Gold is not a concern. Minnesota's roster includes five juniors, 10 sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and two incoming freshmen.
"We return a solid core of athletes that have seen a lot of playing time in the Big Ten," Wickstrand said. "Experience is a key element in those tight games. This year's squad should be able to draw from that game experience throughout the season to lead Minnesota to the top of the conference."
A quick glimpse at the breakdown of the 2003 roster makes it clear that the Maroon and Gold will rely heavily on the 10-member sophomore class. Minnesota returns 28 points from last season and the 2002 freshman class provided 14 of those markers.
"We couldn't have been more pleased with the performance of our freshmen last season," Wickstrand said. "Now, with a year of experience under their belts, those 11 players need to take the next step if we hope to compete in the Big Ten this season. Our sophomores bring a lot to the table in every aspect of the game. We're excited to see the class of 2006 in action this season."
A significant key to the level of success that the Golden Gophers reach in 2003 comes down to one simple aspect of the game - scoring goals. Minnesota has not outscored its opponents over a full season since 1999. Last year, UM tallied 22 goals to the opponents' 27. The entire team knows that the Maroon and Gold will need to find the back of the net more often in the upcoming season in order to live up to hopes of resurgence. The Golden Gophers will look to a host of players to contribute on the scoreboard this season. Returning goal-scorers include McMahon (3g, 2a, 8pts) and and sophomore midfielder Annie Carr (3g, 0a, 6pts), but the entire roster will be expected to step up this season and put points on the board.
Defensively, Minnesota had a strong 2002 season, allowing three or more goals just twice. The Golden Gopher backfield returns largely intact with seven defenders and three goalkeepers on the 2003 roster. In the net, sophomore Karli Kopietz leads the way with junior Marni Prall available as an experienced reliever. The defenders are led by junior Jen Cressman and sophomores Hilary Stowell and Amanda Edwards.
"Despite losing some key contributors from last year, our lineup is as talented and as deep as we've had at Minnesota over the past few seasons," Wickstrand said. "We'll look to a greater number of players than in prior seasons to contribute on the scoreboard. This is a team game, and we expect the entire team, rather than a few individuals, to lead us both offensively and defensively."
Fans and followers of Minnesota soccer can expect a tenacious and athletic style of play that has been featured in Gold Country since the program's inception in 1993. The Maroon and Gold return a strong core of talented players in addition to several newcomers who can jump in immediately and contribute. Combined, the Golden Gophers will employ a relentless attacking style on both sides of the field. In addition, the coaching staff has preached a strong work ethic on and off the field. That emphasis on hard work has been and will continue to be a hallmark of Minnesota soccer.
In each area of the Minnesota lineup, the Golden Gophers will rely on the talents of several experienced athletes to provide direction and focus for the forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers. Senior midfielder Amanda McMahon and junior defender Jen Cressman will provide the entire squad with veteran leadership as captains in 2003. Overall, the Golden Gophers will be looking for a rejuvenation of a program which belongs among the upper echelon in the college soccer world. The coaches and players all agree that it's time to see Minnesota atop the conference and competing nationally again.
"There's no question that the University of Minnesota women's soccer program belongs among the elite in the Big Ten and NCAA," Wickstrand said. "We've struggled for a few seasons, but everyone involved with Golden Gopher soccer believes that the program cannot and will not settle for mediocrity. Minnesota will be a nationally-prominent team again soon."
Forwards
The forward corps for Minnesota features a new look as only one starter, sophomore Kaitlin Neary, returns from last season. Neary and fellow sophomore Becky Dellaria each tallied one assist in 2002, representing the lone returning points from forwards. Clearly, contributions from the forwards will need to take a step up in 2003 if the Golden Gophers hope to improve upon their struggles in the goal-scoring department over the past three seasons. Neary and Dellaria head the depth chart, but sophomore Katlin Ruff and freshman Haley Lentsch can expect to see plenty of action throughout the season.
Neary is an intelligent attacker with excellent skills and speed. She's a valuable asset up front for Minnesota as she can finish with both her right and left foot. Similarly, Dellaria has the ability to score from both sides of the pitch. She enters the season as the likely contender to fill the complementary position alongside Neary.
"We'll look to Kaitlin and Becky to provide an increased scoring punch for us in 2003," Wickstrand said. "Becky has speed that is hard to beat and Kaitlin's deception and field awareness is an asset we hope to put to use a lot this year. With a full season of experience behind them, they're hungry for the upcoming year and excited about creating more opportunities in front of the net."
Ruff saw limited action in 2002, but can expect to garner more playing time with her all-around athleticism and solid speed. Lentsch joins the Golden Gophers as one of the most notable recruits in the state of Minnesota for 2003. She is a natural talent who is strong both technically and tactically. In addition, redshirt freshman Andrea Neuman, a transfer from Connecticut, can expect to see action at forward this season. She is a versatile players that will be utilized in many areas of the field.
"There's no doubt we need our forwards to score goals for us this season," Wickstrand said. "Each forward brings athletic strength and speed, along with technical and tactical ability. I'm interested to see their performance with the added responsibilities they've been handed."
Midfielders
The midfield for the Golden Gophers in 2003 is in the talented and experienced hands of several veteran players. Senior captain Amanda McMahon will quarterback the midfielders from her central position and give the Maroon and Gold an outstanding offensive talent at the middle of the pitch. She has fully recovered from her broken leg suffered last season and is a preseason favorite to attain all-conference and all-region honors. Before succumbing to injury in the ninth game of the 2002 campaign, McMahon tallied three goals (including two game-winners) and two assists to rank second on the team with eight points.
"Having Amanda back in the lineup is huge for us this season," Wickstrand said. "She's an outstanding athlete who will set the pace of the game, and serve as both playmaker and attacker. Amanda is a threat from anywhere on the pitch with her abilities to read the game and finish one of her deadly shots."
Joining McMahon in the midfield is fellow senior Anna Nudell Lee, juniors Jen Cressman and Mary Kasper, sophomores Annie Carr, Laura Hoppe, Lisa Trachsel, redshirt freshman Neuman, and freshman Kjirsten Sigmund. With her blinding speed, Nudell Lee has solidified her starting position at outside midfielder and looks to improve upon her three-point season in 2002. As one of only two returning players to start all 19 matches in 2002, Nudell Lee will be expected to provide leadership with her wealth of experience on the field.
"Anna brings an exciting dimension to our attack with her quickness on the outside portion of the field," Wickstrand said. "We need to utilize her speed and serve her the ball regularly to get the offense going from the outside." The remaining starting positions at the midfield will likely be held by Carr and Hoppe. Carr made an immediate impact in her freshman season, finishing second on the team with three goals and third with six points. A finesse soccer player with outstanding size and a solid shot, Carr will complement McMahon at in the central mid position. Hoppe also jumped into the starting lineup in her first collegiate season, exhibiting her versatility and athleticism all over the pitch. She has blossomed into a stellar player and will play a heightened role in 2003 for the Golden Gophers.
"Annie and Laura are exceptional players in the midfield and will be expected to raise their game to the next level in 2003," Wickstrand said. "With Annie's size and strong leg, and Laura's hard-nosed play, our midfield has the potential to become a premier group of athletes this season."
As subs at the outside mid position will be Cressman Kasper, Neuman, Trachsel, while Sigmund will likely sub at center mid.
Defenders
In the backfield, the Maroon and Gold features several capable and experienced defenders, led by junior captain Jen Cressman. The team's two-time "Heart and Soul" awardwinner, Cressman brings an exceptional work ethic and a versatile package of talents to the field. She has solidified her starting position with strong play at both midfield and defender, and serves her role well as a sparkplug for the Maroon and Gold. Cressman leads the depth chart in the back position.
"Jen is an excellent leader, both on and off the field, and we expect that leadership to translate into strong performances from her and her teammates on all areas of the pitch," Wickstrand said. "Jen is one of the hardest workers on the team and has the ability to play several positions. I'm truly excited to see how much she has excelled over the summer."
Alongside Cressman at center back is sophomore Amanda Edwards. A skilled defender, Edwards played in 14 games in 2002 and will look to contribute more this season with her good size and wealth of offensive and defensive skills. Also at the center back position will be redshirt freshman Lisa Berg and incoming freshman Kjirsten Sigmund.
At the outside back positions, sophomores Hilary Stowell, Nicki Burnie, Lisa Trachsel and Andrea Neuman will vie for starting jobs. Stowell is a tall defender who cracked the starting lineup in the fifth game of the 2002 season. She brings good experience to the field as she saw playing time in all 19 games, starting 15. She finished the season with a team second- best three assists. The coaches will look for Stowell to start the attack from the back this season.
Burnie was a pleasant surprise for the Golden Gophers in 2002, earning the team's Most Improved Player and Spark (Super Sub) awards. Trachsel looks for an increased role in 2003, bringing good size and speed to the table for the Maroon and Gold. Minnesota will be without the services of junior Tierney Palmer-Klein as the two-year starter will spend the 2003 season studying abroad in Chile.
"Although our defensive corps loses Meghan Jones and Tierney Palmer-Klein, I feel our defenders have the size, strength and ability to compete with any of the offensive attacks that we'll see in the Big Ten this season," Wickstrand said. "We did a great job last season at limiting our opponents' opportunities and I expect our young group of defenders to keep that tradition alive in 2003."
Goalkeepers
The major question mark heading into the 2002 season is no longer a concern as sophomore Karli Kopietz has established herself as the Golden Gopher starter at goalkeeper for 2003, but junior Marni Prall will challenge for playing time throughout the season. Kopietz heads the depth chart with juniors Prall and Kelly Kraft rounding out a staff that features three goalkeepers with NCAA Division I experience. Kraft will likely miss most of the 2003 campaign after tearing her ACL during the offseason.
Kopietz, an athletic keeper with size and quickness, posted solid numbers in her freshman season with a 1.23 goals-against average and 4.5 shutouts. She possesses an exceptional leaping ability and has natural instincts inside the 18-yard box. Wickstrand, herself a standout goalkeeper at N.C. State, expects even greater things from Kopietz in the upcoming campaign.
"Karli is an outstanding athlete and will be heavily relied upon for us this season," Wickstrand said. "To come in like she did as a true freshman last year was huge for us. Now, with a year under her wing, Karli has the opportunity to become one of the best goalkeepers in Minnesota history. There's no reason she can't attain all-conference and all-region honors in the near future. I'm excited to watch her progress and feel supremely confident with her in the net."
Prall and Kraft saw quality playing time last year as Kopietz battled a nagging knee injury in the latter half of the season. Prall gained the majority of the available playing time and shared the shutout in Minnesota's 4-0 upset win over No. 14 Michigan. Kraft played over 124 minutes in three games.
"Karli and Marni are different types of goalkeepers," Wickstrand said. "Marni is technically sound and a great shot-stopper, whereas Karli relies on her athleticism and instincts. Marni's biggest challenge will be to control the 18-yard box and improve her communication with the defense in the defensive third of the field."
"Having Karli and Marni available this season is a significant asset for us this season," Wickstrand said. "The amount of experience our keepers hold will undoubtedly translate into solid performances in the nets in 2003."
Schedule
Minnesota's schedule is not unlike any other year, as the Golden Gophers face a gauntlet of tough teams. In the early portion of the season, the Golden Gophers battle nonconference opponents from around the country. Minnesota opens the regular season with games at home against Buffalo and Creighton on August 29 and Sept. 1. In all, the Golden Gophers host nine games at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Also on the nonconference schedule are Ohio, Florida Atlantic, Western Illinois, Colorado, Drake and Iowa State.
Looming on the schedule for the Maroon and Gold are two match-ups with highly-ranked Big Ten teams. On Sept. 28, the Golden Gophers head to Ann Arbor to face Michigan who finished the 2002 season ranked 11th in the nation. Then, on Oct. 17, Minnesota goes to State College, Pa., to battle 2002 College Cup participant Penn State, the five-time defending Big Ten champions. At home, the Golden Gophers host Purdue, Indiana, Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin in Big Ten play.
Wisconsin plays host to the 2003 Big Ten Tournament this season on Nov. 6-9. The 2003 edition of Minnesota Soccer enters the upcoming season with the pieces in place for an ascent to the top of the Big Ten and a return to college soccer's elite. The Golden Gophers return 18 players from a 2002 squad which bettered the previous season's totals in wins, goals, assists, points, shutouts and home victories. The bulk of the Minnesota roster consists of talented freshmen and sophomores, while leadership will come from the junior and senior ranks. Although the Golden Gophers will be a young team in 2003 with 14 underclassmen, the talent level of this season's squad is unquestioned.
"We have multiple players who have the ability to take our team into a top-four Big Ten finish," fourth-year head coach Barbara Wickstrand said. "In fact, our leadership is the strongest it has been in years. Our upperclassmen have already begun to foster a winning attitude on a young team and have the ability, along with their teammates, to succeed in the near future."
The 2003 campaign looks to be a chance for the Maroon and Gold to continue its revival after several lean years that have seen Minnesota absent from the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments. The Golden Gophers have missed the conference tournament for two consecutive seasons, but Wickstrand and assistant coaches Ellen Obleman and Chris Higgins have assembled a roster of players with the commitment, dedication and talent to see the program succeed and prosper. In its quest for success, Minnesota will use strong junior and senior leadership, a 2002 freshman class that contributed more points with less playing time than any class in the history of the program and an incoming class with immediate impact potential.
Minnesota returns 16 letterwinners and seven starters from the 2002 squad, giving the Golden Gophers a strong base of players with quality experience in Big Ten action. The Golden Gophers are thin in the senior ranks as only midfielders Amanda McMahon and Anna Nudell Lee return in 2003, but the ability of these transfers to lead the Maroon and Gold is not a concern. Minnesota's roster includes five juniors, 10 sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and two incoming freshmen.
"We return a solid core of athletes that have seen a lot of playing time in the Big Ten," Wickstrand said. "Experience is a key element in those tight games. This year's squad should be able to draw from that game experience throughout the season to lead Minnesota to the top of the conference."
A quick glimpse at the breakdown of the 2003 roster makes it clear that the Maroon and Gold will rely heavily on the 10-member sophomore class. Minnesota returns 28 points from last season and the 2002 freshman class provided 14 of those markers.
"We couldn't have been more pleased with the performance of our freshmen last season," Wickstrand said. "Now, with a year of experience under their belts, those 11 players need to take the next step if we hope to compete in the Big Ten this season. Our sophomores bring a lot to the table in every aspect of the game. We're excited to see the class of 2006 in action this season."
A significant key to the level of success that the Golden Gophers reach in 2003 comes down to one simple aspect of the game - scoring goals. Minnesota has not outscored its opponents over a full season since 1999. Last year, UM tallied 22 goals to the opponents' 27. The entire team knows that the Maroon and Gold will need to find the back of the net more often in the upcoming season in order to live up to hopes of resurgence. The Golden Gophers will look to a host of players to contribute on the scoreboard this season. Returning goal-scorers include McMahon (3g, 2a, 8pts) and and sophomore midfielder Annie Carr (3g, 0a, 6pts), but the entire roster will be expected to step up this season and put points on the board.
Defensively, Minnesota had a strong 2002 season, allowing three or more goals just twice. The Golden Gopher backfield returns largely intact with seven defenders and three goalkeepers on the 2003 roster. In the net, sophomore Karli Kopietz leads the way with junior Marni Prall available as an experienced reliever. The defenders are led by junior Jen Cressman and sophomores Hilary Stowell and Amanda Edwards.
"Despite losing some key contributors from last year, our lineup is as talented and as deep as we've had at Minnesota over the past few seasons," Wickstrand said. "We'll look to a greater number of players than in prior seasons to contribute on the scoreboard. This is a team game, and we expect the entire team, rather than a few individuals, to lead us both offensively and defensively."
Fans and followers of Minnesota soccer can expect a tenacious and athletic style of play that has been featured in Gold Country since the program's inception in 1993. The Maroon and Gold return a strong core of talented players in addition to several newcomers who can jump in immediately and contribute. Combined, the Golden Gophers will employ a relentless attacking style on both sides of the field. In addition, the coaching staff has preached a strong work ethic on and off the field. That emphasis on hard work has been and will continue to be a hallmark of Minnesota soccer.
In each area of the Minnesota lineup, the Golden Gophers will rely on the talents of several experienced athletes to provide direction and focus for the forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers. Senior midfielder Amanda McMahon and junior defender Jen Cressman will provide the entire squad with veteran leadership as captains in 2003. Overall, the Golden Gophers will be looking for a rejuvenation of a program which belongs among the upper echelon in the college soccer world. The coaches and players all agree that it's time to see Minnesota atop the conference and competing nationally again.
"There's no question that the University of Minnesota women's soccer program belongs among the elite in the Big Ten and NCAA," Wickstrand said. "We've struggled for a few seasons, but everyone involved with Golden Gopher soccer believes that the program cannot and will not settle for mediocrity. Minnesota will be a nationally-prominent team again soon."
Forwards
The forward corps for Minnesota features a new look as only one starter, sophomore Kaitlin Neary, returns from last season. Neary and fellow sophomore Becky Dellaria each tallied one assist in 2002, representing the lone returning points from forwards. Clearly, contributions from the forwards will need to take a step up in 2003 if the Golden Gophers hope to improve upon their struggles in the goal-scoring department over the past three seasons. Neary and Dellaria head the depth chart, but sophomore Katlin Ruff and freshman Haley Lentsch can expect to see plenty of action throughout the season.
Neary is an intelligent attacker with excellent skills and speed. She's a valuable asset up front for Minnesota as she can finish with both her right and left foot. Similarly, Dellaria has the ability to score from both sides of the pitch. She enters the season as the likely contender to fill the complementary position alongside Neary.
"We'll look to Kaitlin and Becky to provide an increased scoring punch for us in 2003," Wickstrand said. "Becky has speed that is hard to beat and Kaitlin's deception and field awareness is an asset we hope to put to use a lot this year. With a full season of experience behind them, they're hungry for the upcoming year and excited about creating more opportunities in front of the net."
Ruff saw limited action in 2002, but can expect to garner more playing time with her all-around athleticism and solid speed. Lentsch joins the Golden Gophers as one of the most notable recruits in the state of Minnesota for 2003. She is a natural talent who is strong both technically and tactically. In addition, redshirt freshman Andrea Neuman, a transfer from Connecticut, can expect to see action at forward this season. She is a versatile players that will be utilized in many areas of the field.
"There's no doubt we need our forwards to score goals for us this season," Wickstrand said. "Each forward brings athletic strength and speed, along with technical and tactical ability. I'm interested to see their performance with the added responsibilities they've been handed."
Midfielders
The midfield for the Golden Gophers in 2003 is in the talented and experienced hands of several veteran players. Senior captain Amanda McMahon will quarterback the midfielders from her central position and give the Maroon and Gold an outstanding offensive talent at the middle of the pitch. She has fully recovered from her broken leg suffered last season and is a preseason favorite to attain all-conference and all-region honors. Before succumbing to injury in the ninth game of the 2002 campaign, McMahon tallied three goals (including two game-winners) and two assists to rank second on the team with eight points.
"Having Amanda back in the lineup is huge for us this season," Wickstrand said. "She's an outstanding athlete who will set the pace of the game, and serve as both playmaker and attacker. Amanda is a threat from anywhere on the pitch with her abilities to read the game and finish one of her deadly shots."
Joining McMahon in the midfield is fellow senior Anna Nudell Lee, juniors Jen Cressman and Mary Kasper, sophomores Annie Carr, Laura Hoppe, Lisa Trachsel, redshirt freshman Neuman, and freshman Kjirsten Sigmund. With her blinding speed, Nudell Lee has solidified her starting position at outside midfielder and looks to improve upon her three-point season in 2002. As one of only two returning players to start all 19 matches in 2002, Nudell Lee will be expected to provide leadership with her wealth of experience on the field.
"Anna brings an exciting dimension to our attack with her quickness on the outside portion of the field," Wickstrand said. "We need to utilize her speed and serve her the ball regularly to get the offense going from the outside." The remaining starting positions at the midfield will likely be held by Carr and Hoppe. Carr made an immediate impact in her freshman season, finishing second on the team with three goals and third with six points. A finesse soccer player with outstanding size and a solid shot, Carr will complement McMahon at in the central mid position. Hoppe also jumped into the starting lineup in her first collegiate season, exhibiting her versatility and athleticism all over the pitch. She has blossomed into a stellar player and will play a heightened role in 2003 for the Golden Gophers.
"Annie and Laura are exceptional players in the midfield and will be expected to raise their game to the next level in 2003," Wickstrand said. "With Annie's size and strong leg, and Laura's hard-nosed play, our midfield has the potential to become a premier group of athletes this season."
As subs at the outside mid position will be Cressman Kasper, Neuman, Trachsel, while Sigmund will likely sub at center mid.
Defenders
In the backfield, the Maroon and Gold features several capable and experienced defenders, led by junior captain Jen Cressman. The team's two-time "Heart and Soul" awardwinner, Cressman brings an exceptional work ethic and a versatile package of talents to the field. She has solidified her starting position with strong play at both midfield and defender, and serves her role well as a sparkplug for the Maroon and Gold. Cressman leads the depth chart in the back position.
"Jen is an excellent leader, both on and off the field, and we expect that leadership to translate into strong performances from her and her teammates on all areas of the pitch," Wickstrand said. "Jen is one of the hardest workers on the team and has the ability to play several positions. I'm truly excited to see how much she has excelled over the summer."
Alongside Cressman at center back is sophomore Amanda Edwards. A skilled defender, Edwards played in 14 games in 2002 and will look to contribute more this season with her good size and wealth of offensive and defensive skills. Also at the center back position will be redshirt freshman Lisa Berg and incoming freshman Kjirsten Sigmund.
At the outside back positions, sophomores Hilary Stowell, Nicki Burnie, Lisa Trachsel and Andrea Neuman will vie for starting jobs. Stowell is a tall defender who cracked the starting lineup in the fifth game of the 2002 season. She brings good experience to the field as she saw playing time in all 19 games, starting 15. She finished the season with a team second- best three assists. The coaches will look for Stowell to start the attack from the back this season.
Burnie was a pleasant surprise for the Golden Gophers in 2002, earning the team's Most Improved Player and Spark (Super Sub) awards. Trachsel looks for an increased role in 2003, bringing good size and speed to the table for the Maroon and Gold. Minnesota will be without the services of junior Tierney Palmer-Klein as the two-year starter will spend the 2003 season studying abroad in Chile.
"Although our defensive corps loses Meghan Jones and Tierney Palmer-Klein, I feel our defenders have the size, strength and ability to compete with any of the offensive attacks that we'll see in the Big Ten this season," Wickstrand said. "We did a great job last season at limiting our opponents' opportunities and I expect our young group of defenders to keep that tradition alive in 2003."
Goalkeepers
The major question mark heading into the 2002 season is no longer a concern as sophomore Karli Kopietz has established herself as the Golden Gopher starter at goalkeeper for 2003, but junior Marni Prall will challenge for playing time throughout the season. Kopietz heads the depth chart with juniors Prall and Kelly Kraft rounding out a staff that features three goalkeepers with NCAA Division I experience. Kraft will likely miss most of the 2003 campaign after tearing her ACL during the offseason.
Kopietz, an athletic keeper with size and quickness, posted solid numbers in her freshman season with a 1.23 goals-against average and 4.5 shutouts. She possesses an exceptional leaping ability and has natural instincts inside the 18-yard box. Wickstrand, herself a standout goalkeeper at N.C. State, expects even greater things from Kopietz in the upcoming campaign.
"Karli is an outstanding athlete and will be heavily relied upon for us this season," Wickstrand said. "To come in like she did as a true freshman last year was huge for us. Now, with a year under her wing, Karli has the opportunity to become one of the best goalkeepers in Minnesota history. There's no reason she can't attain all-conference and all-region honors in the near future. I'm excited to watch her progress and feel supremely confident with her in the net."
Prall and Kraft saw quality playing time last year as Kopietz battled a nagging knee injury in the latter half of the season. Prall gained the majority of the available playing time and shared the shutout in Minnesota's 4-0 upset win over No. 14 Michigan. Kraft played over 124 minutes in three games.
"Karli and Marni are different types of goalkeepers," Wickstrand said. "Marni is technically sound and a great shot-stopper, whereas Karli relies on her athleticism and instincts. Marni's biggest challenge will be to control the 18-yard box and improve her communication with the defense in the defensive third of the field."
"Having Karli and Marni available this season is a significant asset for us this season," Wickstrand said. "The amount of experience our keepers hold will undoubtedly translate into solid performances in the nets in 2003."
Schedule
Minnesota's schedule is not unlike any other year, as the Golden Gophers face a gauntlet of tough teams. In the early portion of the season, the Golden Gophers battle nonconference opponents from around the country. Minnesota opens the regular season with games at home against Buffalo and Creighton on August 29 and Sept. 1. In all, the Golden Gophers host nine games at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Also on the nonconference schedule are Ohio, Florida Atlantic, Western Illinois, Colorado, Drake and Iowa State.
Looming on the schedule for the Maroon and Gold are two match-ups with highly-ranked Big Ten teams. On Sept. 28, the Golden Gophers head to Ann Arbor to face Michigan who finished the 2002 season ranked 11th in the nation. Then, on Oct. 17, Minnesota goes to State College, Pa., to battle 2002 College Cup participant Penn State, the five-time defending Big Ten champions. At home, the Golden Gophers host Purdue, Indiana, Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin in Big Ten play.
Wisconsin plays host to the 2003 Big Ten Tournament this season on Nov. 6-9.