This is the year. At least that's what Utah soccer coach Amy Winslow hopes. After six years of being on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, this is the year she expects her Utes to finally qualify for the big dance.
OK, Winslow isn't exactly going out on a limb considering the tournament is expanding from 48 to 64 teams this year. But with 32 spots going to conference champs, she insists it will be as competitive as always.
"That doesn't leave a lot of room for error," said Winslow.
Even if the tournament weren't expanding, Winslow would still be tabbing this as the year.
Utah returns 11 starters from last year's decent squad, but with the addition of the best recruiting class in school history, the Utes should be better.
"I think we underachieved last year," said Winslow. "It was a season that leaves a bad taste in your mouth."
It was one of those seasons in which a typical loss was 4-3 or 3-2. The Utes could score goals, but they just couldn't keep other teams from doing so.
With every starter returning, why does Winslow think it will be any different? Maturity.
Utah's defense of Maren Harper, Megan Maxwell, Jen Williams and Lesa Zollinger worked feverishly during the offseason to improve, and Winslow can see it paying off.
They'll need to play well because Utah is playing its toughest schedule ever. Eight of Utah's 18 opponents qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year, with six even advancing toe the second round.
"This is a great schedule for this team," said Winslow. "This team is ready for this schedule."
It all starts against No. 18 Florida on Aug. 31 in Gainesville.
Even though the defense still has something to prove, the offense should be a real strength. The Utes will attack with three forwards, a style that Winslow absolutely loves.
Unlike past years though, the Utes probably have a legitimate reason in pushing three players forward. Amy Kofoed, Shauna Gurr and Katie Tate could be an awesome goal-scoring trio. Kofoed was first with 16 goals last year followed by Tate's 12. Gurr was first with 12 assists.
"We're one of the few teams that has three all-conference forwards," said Winslow. "It's been fun to see."
Making Utah's forwards even more potent is a player who isn't even starting — but who might be the best one.
Freshman Julie Herdic scored 210 goals during her prep career, which is the fourth-best career total in the nation. She posted 63 goals during her senior year at McIntosh High in Georgia last year and was a two-time all-American.
"She had an amazing prep career and has the opportunity for a great college career at Utah," said Winslow.
With as much skill as Herdic possess, you'd think Winslow would feel obliged to start her. However, she looks at the skill she'll have coming off the bench as the real asset.
If Utah's midfield, which might have been the real weakness last year, evolves into the strength Winslow is hoping, the Utes might be tough to be.
Sophomores Heather Wilhelm and Amber Brower, and senior Alli Cerruti are the returning starters, but their being pushed heavily by some youngster. Freshmen Erin Pruitt and Esther Imotan, along with sophomore Bobbie Benegas are all on the verge of starting.
"It's so competitive in the middle," said Winslow. "It's going to be difficult for players to maintain their spots."
This year's squad appears poised to become the best team in school history, assuming they don't underachieve like last year.
E-MAIL: jedward@desnews.com