There comes a time when expectations climb high enough to assume that every season will be better than the last. Teams go from rebuilding to reloading. The incoming players arrive as talented as the veterans and departed seniors. Winning is no longer the lone goal as championships and tournament appearances are the true vices to satisfy the competitive spirit. Not to say Head Coach Mike Tucker and the UD womens soccer team have become spoiled. Even last season’s 16-5 campaign is quality stuff in spite of missing the NCAA Tournament. To think it settled in the stomachs of the players and coaches as ‘good enough’ could be a mistake however. The sting of losing in the tourney finals to Xavier – a team Dayton beat 4-0 earlier in the season – was a tough pill to swallow on an otherwise outstanding year. The loss kept the Flyers from the NCAA Tournament and turned the proverbial bride into a bridesmaid. But for those who follow the program closely, what felt like hard work gone wasted at the time is the very reason the 2001 Flyers should end up the best in the program’s history. By and large, it’s a team out to prove that last year’s final chapter ended too soon, to be rewritten this year with a different ending.

Looking back…

By capturing their third A-10 regular season title in a row and fourth in six seasons, the Flyers solidified themselves are the marquee program in the conference. A slow start to the season with a 2-1 loss to Evansville in the opener and a 2-1 heartbreaker to #6 Clemson saw the Flyers 0-2, but UD rebounded by winning seven of their next eight games. A poor showing at LaSalle resulted in a 2-0 loss, but Dayton ripped off nine wins in a row before dropping a 1-0 decision to Xavier in the A-10 Tourney finals. In that streak, the Flyers had key wins over UMass and Rhode Island – games determining who the regular season champ would be. The Flyer defense carried the team by allowing just 20 goals in 21 games – including eight shutouts. Sophomore GK Steph Weisenfeld lead a mostly freshmen back line to defensive dominance, while All-American forward Missy Showtime Gregg (MSG) won her second A-10 scoring title and was named A-10 Offensive Player of the Year.

Departed seniors…

The Flyers lost just three players to graduation, but each of them played an important role in Dayton’s success. Megan Worley occupied the left fullback position for much of her career while Ingrid Zielke — one of two captains a year ago — turned into a versatile utility player who could jockey between the midfield and defensive backfield. Melissa Buck was the lone pure striker of the three, but was one of the few players to consistently threaten the goal mouth other than MSG.

Not returning…

Backup GK Caitlin Wolf has elected to leave the program and continue her career at another institution – perhaps basketball as she was a standout player in HS.

The returnees…

In a word: potent. Most of the players from last year know what to expect. As a whole, the only weakness is parlaying their skills into a consistent effort night in and night out. Too often the Flyers found themselves playing to the level of the competition for stretches in a game – which in most cases is a step down rather than a step up. A more consistent spark from whistle to whistle spells trouble for opposing teams – including the good ones.

Gregg has solidified herself as a bona-fide superstar at the college level, nearly rewriting the UD record books in career marks after just two seasons. Perhaps the top striker in the nation, her uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time – often in the air – continues to amaze. A bazooka left foot and strong technical skills compliment her game. With a dominating summer campaign in the semi-pro W-2 soccer league against current and former college stars that saw Gregg manhandle the competition, it’s safe to say Showtime could and will have another banner year at Dayton. Fresh off winning the W-2 League MVP Award, Top Goal Scorer Award, Top Points Scorer Award, being named to the All W-2 Team, and guiding the Memphis Mercury to a W-2 National Runner-Up finish in their first year of existence, it’s been a good summer for the former two-time HS All-American. Only Penn State All-American Christie Welsh has scored more points in D-IA soccer over the last two seasons than Gregg.

Were it not for Gregg however, GK Stephanie Weisenfeld would be getting more attention – and deservedly so. The most forgotten and overlooked player in the conference — and perhaps the Great Lakes Region — she’s already as good as any Flyer goalkeeper before her and is probably more technically advanced at her position than other goalkeepers rated higher. Weisenfeld ended last season ranked 19th in the nation with a 0.80 GAA (Goals Against Average), yet couldn’t crack the All Conference first or second teams — behind two other conference goalkeepers possessing very mediocre stats. Even this year, she was inexplicably left off the preseason All Conference list. Few fans can forget her dominating performance in the 1999 A-10 Tournament Final against Xavier that Head Coach Mike Tucker once summed up, “If not for her, we lose by two or three goals easy.” Yet there she was, on the outside looking in as someone else won the Tournament MVP award, nevermind the fact that she was completely left off the All Tournament Team. But perhaps there’s a reason. The A-10 as a whole has never been known to be good judges of talent — which is why all but two or three teams in the league are mildly competitive. It’s no secret that the A-10 is run by East coast people from East coast schools, and for one reason or another, one of UD’s star players has been singled out to take the fall.

Weisenfeld solidified herself as one of the country’s best unknowns this summer by leading the W-2 League in goals-against-average (GAA) among all goalkeepers — good enough to earn the W-2 Top Goalkeeper Award. She played every minute of every game and helped guide the Chicago Cobras to a third place finish. With great instincts, strong hops, and a nose for making the big play, she is a legitimate All-America candidate in 2001 if the powers-that-be do their homework. At just 5’3”, she’s pound for pound the best player in a Flyer uniform.

Backup goalkeeper Stacy DeLuca, a sophomore, should see more playing time this year and continues to develop. DeLuca gives the Flyers a different look between the pipes as she stands a good three inches over Weisenfeld and fits the prototypical goalkeeper mold.

In the defensive back line, sophomores Nina Diguardi, Erin Showalter, and Beth McHugh form a solid trio of size, speed, and reliability that will give Dayton a chance to pull off an upset or two in 2001. DiGuardi provided the muscle at stopper last year while Showalter played sweeper and McHugh on the right side. Look for McHugh to get more playing time in the offense from now on though – her speed she showcased last year and in her HS days as a state track finalist at Medina HS provide a clear weapon for the Flyers as only two or three players in the league can keep pace on the run.

With McHugh sharing time as both a defender and a forward, look for senior Sarah Walker to fill in defensively. Walker is small but very quick and possesses a bulldog mentality that should aggravate opposing strikers. Though she’s been primarily an offensive player in the past, the coaches have confidence in her abilities and may elect to use her as a defender more often. As a captain last year, her teammates have confidence in her as well.

Most of the midfield returns in tact from a year ago as Liz Brown, Kara Kenney, Lindsey Whitehead, and Megan McKnight will look to tie everyone together and form a positive conduit from defense to offense and vice versa. Also, the return of Shannon Kuhl – who missed last season with an injury – should make the Flyers that much better. McKnight is the designated free kick specialist and tends to play a defensive midfield role, while the others push forward and crowd the penalty box or flank the sides near the corner flags. McKnight played well in the W-2 League this summer and helped the Cincinnati Ladyhawks finish first in their division. Teamed with former Flyer defender Jen Davin — who earned the W-2 Top Defender Award — McKnight looked good in a June matchup against Memphis where she drew the assignment of marking Missy Gregg.

At forward, Dayton could change things and play three strikers up top this year in a 4-3-3 alignment instead of the more customary 4-4-2 fans saw a year ago. If that’s indeed the case, Bridget Bushman could move from the midfield to one of the forward positions and provide an effective alternative for Gregg. Bushman had a super spring and summer and the coaching staff believes she is ready to shine.

Kenney and Judi Aschenbrener are combo players who can play midfield or forward. Kenney, a sophomore, has strong foot skills while Aschenbrener, also a sophomore, was recruited to score goals like she did while earning two-time All America status at Bay Village HS (OH). If both players can attack with more pace, their impact down the stretch will greatly help Dayton’s chances. Aschenbrener was hobbled by injuries last season but is healthier now and in better shape. Look for good things from both of these players.

Walk-ons Clare Quinter and Erin Skladany saw the field in several games last season and helped out in the midfield and defense. Both are decent players from strong HS programs and are familiar with working hard, and most importantly — winning.

The newcomers…

Every year Coach Tucker and his staff show fans how Dayton can attract the best players in the nation and this class is no exception. For the third time in three years, Dayton brings in a two-time HS All-American from the state of Ohio, along with a standout defender and several other quality nabs from inside and outside the area.

Tesia Kozlowski (Cmbs DeSales HS) was one of the nation’s top recruits a year ago and turned down offers from several big-time programs to come to Dayton. Her HS resume is long and distinguished: two-time All American, two-time Ohio Player of the Year, two-time NSCAA State Player of the Year, and last year’s Gatorade State Player of the Year. Her DeSales Stallions squad finished #3 in the nation after beating a Missy Gregg-led Alter team in the 1998 D-II state finals. Interestingly enough, current Flyers Erin Skladany and Sarah Walker were on that same DeSales squad.

Kozlowski had a strong summer and should prove to be an immediate impact player in the midfield – her natural position. Her forte is making everyone around her better and controlling play while getting the ball to the right people at the right time. Kozlowski doesn’t possess McHugh-like speed and must adjust to a more physical game, but she’s quick when the ball is at her feet. She can score goals too, but her HS scoring numbers were never the hallmark of her game.

Yet another standout player from the Cleveland area, defender Jen Simonetti (Copley HS) could prove to be a major steal in the state of Ohio. A D-II 2nd team all-state selection a year ago, Simonetti is rock tough and won’t back down from a challenge. Though she was a sweeper in HS, she could wind up anywhere in the defense and make a strong impression. She’s also an effective long-ball player from the back and, of all things, led her HS team in scoring in 1999.

Leah Phelps caught the coaching staff’s attention in Cincinnati at the club level and is very familiar with UD soccer. While projected to learn the ropes and develop behind the current starters, the long-term potential is promising — and could be a reason why she was voted to the preseason A-10 All Rookie team along with Kozlowski.

With the transfer of backup GK Caitlin Wolf, UD brought in Amanda Kuntz to fill the void. A local product from Vandalia-Butler, the Flyers needed a third goalkeeper if nothing more than an insurance policy, but Kuntz is more than that and could give DeLuca some stiff competition at the #2 GK position.
Jessica Melvin (Troy HS) was a D-I 2nd Team All State selection a year ago and provides more scoring punch at the midfield and forward positions. One the better players from the Dayton area, Melvin should be anything but a pushover at practice and give the coaching staff yet another option in the attack.
Sarah Maxwell, a Huntsville, AL, native, was a late addition to the team and may see spot duty in the defense.

The schedule…

Twice as tough as last season. Top-10 foes Santa Clara and Stanford along with Top-25 opponent Michigan and surging Cal-Irvine dot the non-conference lineup – all on the road. A road date with Michigan State looms as well. UMass, Rhode Island, and Richmond on the road as part of the league schedule mean three of the top four games that will positively decide the conference champion are away from Baujan Field — which is significant considering the Flyers ranked a whopping 17th in the nation in attendance a year ago. The only break is a home date with Xavier. All told, just six home games are on tap in 2001. Unlike last year when home games were plentiful, this year’s team must get it done on the road against the best teams on the schedule.

What to expect…

A more consistent effort from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. The Flyers are more mature and know much of last year’s struggles were wholly or in part a result of hit-or-miss efforts in the hustle department. The attitude is clearly there and so is the talent, but it must remain so throughout the season.
Gregg and Weisenfeld will continue to dominate at their positions. Kozlowski and Simonetti will make immediate contributions as freshmen. The midfield play will improve and do a better job of marking, especially on quick counter-attacks.

Ball rotation in the back line will remain a team hallmark and help create space on the weak side. Look for the coaches to insist on the team attacking the open space much faster than a year ago.

The Flyers should win most or all of the games they are favored in. Expect 2-0 losses on the road to teams like LaSalle to be a thing of the past. The talent level is too good anymore and everyone now expects UD to clean up on the bottom eight teams in the league each and every night.

Dayton will pull an upset over a marquee team. They’ve been close in the past, as close as a 2-1 loss to #6 Clemson on a last-minute goal just a year ago. Look for the Flyers to surprise someone and raise the bar.

What not to expect…

Don’t measure progress by wins and losses. With the schedule at hand, this team could lose six or seven games and still be much improved over last year’s team. Coach Tucker and his staff are developing a schedule that earns an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament, instead of penciling in 16-17 wins a year and hoping UD wins the A-10 Tourney for the automatic birth. Splitting the first six games of the season will be a tough task but if Dayton gets through it in tact, good things will follow.

Don’t expect the midfield to dominate at the beginning. Last year’s Achilles’ heel was questionable defensive marking and an inability to attack with pace, but Kozlowski’s addition will immediately help the cause. The Flyer midfield will come around, but it will take time.

The Flyers will shine if…

UD’s success in 2001 lies in two fundamental areas: winning loose balls and attacking with pace. More players must win free kicks, headers, punts, and loose balls in the midfield. If players can emulate Nina DiGuardi’s strong-mindedness in this area, Dayton’s chances are very good. Their chances are especially good if the midfielders spread the field and attack the free space with the dribble or an assertive pass toward goal.

If Bushman and a couple other players take some of the scoring load off MSG, Dayton will make the tournament. Gregg’s teammates must provide enough of a scoring threat to penalize opponents for double- and triple-teaming her. If other players start finding the net on a consistent basis, the gang-marking on Gregg will ease up and she will be even more dangerous with the pass or shot.

As long as team confidence remains high, the Flyers are capable. Surviving the first third of the season at or better than .500 is essential. If the players start doubting themselves and measuring progress simply by wins and losses, it could backfire.

The Flyers will take a step back if…

Unless the team gets mean, better opponents will take care of business against Dayton and the Flyers will struggle against the mildly competitive teams in the A-10. Everything starts with attitude and the more or less Dayton provides, the better or worse things will go.
If nagging injuries keep various players out of action, it could be a sign of impending struggle. Dayton did a good job of patching things together last season when players got hurt, but players like Gregg, Weisenfeld, McKnight, Kozlowski, and Bushman must remain on the field and not on the bench or in the infirmary.

The Verdict…

This is Dayton’s best team ever and best shot at getting an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. But the Flyers have yet to reach true elite status and rub shoulders with Top-25 teams like Missouri, Michigan, Florida State, BYU, and Furman. In all probability, the national title race will come down to three or four schools again, and likely involve North Carolina or Notre Dame – schools that could beat the remainder of the Top-10 with their second stringers on most nights. Still, the venerable carrot is dangling out in front and the Flyers are ever so close to cracking the barrier and becoming a national program. With enough strong teams on the schedule to beat and garner respect from, there can be no excuses at the end of the season. Unlike past seasons however when fans were hoping for an upset, now may finally be the time to expect one. And it might not be an upset at all. If the stars shine, the supporting cast does their job, the role players fill the gaps, and the newcomers provide a punch, it could be a grand season. However, Dayton still isn’t good enough to mail it in every night. Like any season, there will be a downer or two, but it’s shaping up to be a year of endless possibilities.