July 18, 2000

MILWAUKEE - The 2000 seniors are the only active UWM soccer class to have played in the NCAA Tournament, and women's soccer coach Michael Moynihan hopes they will lead the team back to that pinnacle.

"We want the seniors to draw on their experience and help bring this team back to the tournament," said Moynihan.

Moynihan is confident that the 2000 women's soccer team has the ability to win the MCC championship and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA. According to Moynihan, the team's prospective success comes through the program's consistency in talent and development.

"We've reached the stage where we have players who have put in a little time, gained one or two years of experience here, and then emerge as significant contributors to the team. The program now maintains a level of stability that is able to generate itself," Moynihan said. "It may not sound that glamorous, but it gives us tremendous depth and flexibility within the team."

The Panthers' coach credits the stability to the players' realization that the program is bigger than any individual on the team. "In the past, we were dependent on a couple of players to win games. With this team, you can take any player off the field, and we'd still have a talented, competitive team."

The team's consistency has been recognized elsewhere. The Panthers have earned respect, as shown by their ranking in the Great Lakes Region top 10 for the entire 1999 season. The team then demonstrated their versatility this past spring season when many of the players changed positions and made an effective transition.

Though pleased that the team members have a lot of confidence in each other, Moynihan contends they need more confidence individually in order to get back to the NCAA Tournament.

"To get to the next level, we need to have more assertive individuals who will find a way to win every time they step onto the field," said Moynihan. "We play attractive soccer. Our possession game has really evolved into something that is fun to watch. But last year too many players were content with their roles within the possession. When everybody waits for someone else to step up and score, we have a problem. Our players need to accept that responsibility as individuals. They need to be more selfish and be more determined in the attacking third. I'm hoping that this season, individuals will develop the mentality that they can be the difference in the game. If this happens, UWM women's soccer could see it's best year ever."

Leading the Panthers on the field with experience and determination are the seniors: 1999 MCC Player of the Year Fanta Cooper, Danielle Alberg, and a trio of MCC Second-Team All-Conference members--Katie Waltenberger, Stefanie Hosni, and Lindsey Munkwitz. Cooper was named to the All-MCC First Team last season for the second consecutive year after standing out as a central defender during the regular season. Entering the conference tournament, she made the move to forward and made a huge impact in the team's attack.

"Fanta tore it up at the MCC Tournament, becoming our leading scorer in only three games as a forward," Moynihan said. "We expect her to boost our team's offensive production, whether she scores or just draws a lot of attention and frees up space for others."

Returning in the center as a midfielder will be Danielle Alberg. Alberg has been an exciting player to watch, known for her game-winning goals, most notably against No. 8-ranked Nebraska two years ago. "She's very creative and can throw the other team off balance with her individual possession. Danni's definitely fun to have on the team," said Moynihan.

One of the biggest surprises this past spring was discovering the versatility of Katie Waltenberger. Waltenberger, who has played a key role at forward in the past, made the switch to defense. "Katie really stood out this spring as an outside back. We'll definitely try to build around her," said Moynihan. "She really boosted our possession game and our ability to attack out of the back."

Stefanie Hosni, the 1999 UWM PrimeCo Classic Tournament MVP, also played in the back this past spring. Hosni has been very pliable, contributing at forward, outside midfield, and now at outside fullback. She has been the Panther's second-leading scorer for two consecutive years, and may still contribute in the attack. "Stef's been among the team's leading scorers for the past couple of years, so we'll look for her experience in creating more goal scoring," Moynihan said.

Moynihan will also rely on the experience of midfielder Lindsey Munkwitz to help guide the team. Her speed and skill were instrumental in getting UWM involved in the attack. Munkwitz was named to the All-Conference team for the second consecutive season last year. "Lindsey has always been one of the fittest on the team and we'll look to her experience as an offensive-minded midfielder," Moynihan said.

Here is a look at the remaining 2000 Panthers, by position:

Forwards:
Ideally, Moynihan would like to play with two players up top in a 4-4-2 system. Several players could combine with Cooper at forward. Perhaps the most dangerous combination in the attack would be adding sophomore Kristin Munyon to compliment Cooper. Munyon, a member of the 1999 MCC All-Newcomer team, was an integral part of the defense last year.

"We experimented with Kristin up top in the spring and we really liked what she had to offer," Moynihan said. "She holds the ball well, distributes really well, and she's got a rocket shot."

Hosni and sophomore Amy Oechsner have also proven their goal-scoring ability. Hosni had four goals, three assists last season, and Oechsner added three goals, three assists as a freshman. "Amy is just one of those players who seems to have a nose for the goal," said Moynihan.

Also expected to contribute at forward will be redshirt freshman Megan Mann and newcomers Erin Shaughnessy, Sommer Rouse, Lisa Bengtsson, and Katie Subkoviak.

Defenders:
The Panthers will feature a zone defense with four in the back. The depth at defense has improved tremendously since last year. Waltenberger's speed and ability to attack from the back will be highlighted as a right defender. Competing for the two central positions are Munyon, junior Rana Thompson, sophomore Carrie Durand, and newcomer Alexa Torres.

One of UWM's top performers as a freshman, Munyon remains in mind as a central defender after her strong showing last season. Munyon started every game for the Panthers and led the defense with her experience and physical domination.

Thompson was inserted into the central defense last spring from midfield, and the change proved effective. Thompson's outstanding communication organizes the defense very efficiently, and she provides good possession out of the back.

Sophomore MCC All-Tournament team selection Carrie Durand also played this position well in the spring. "Carrie gained a lot of experience and has made improvements in terms of reading the game," said Moynihan. "She gives us a strong, physical presence."

Expected to compete for the outside back positions are Hosni, juniors Meghan Peot and Kristine Coburn, sophomore Kari Krzykowski, who was UWM's Most Improved Player last season, Bengtsson and other newcomer Jeney Walter.

Midfielders:
The midfield probably holds the greatest flexibility, with many players able to effectively execute UWM's possession game. Depending on the chemistry, the Panthers will play with four or five in the midfield. If they play with five, Moynihan says the midfield will need to contribute a lot more offensively.

Junior captain Erin Blaedow has established herself as a starting defensive central midfielder after a strong spring showing.

"Erin is definitely our hardest-working player and fits right into the position's demands. The team responds really well to her leadership and work ethic on the field, and that's something we need in the middle," Moynihan said.

Also competing in the center is sophomore Maggie Suminski, who contributed significantly as a starter for the Panthers last season. Moynihan hopes Suminski, one of the team's steadiest possession players, will become more involved in the attack.

The greatest flexibility at midfield rests with sophomore Katie Kubacki, junior captain Julie Ruma, Munkwitz, Alberg, and Thompson. All can play centrally, yet still offer good options playing wide.

"Our Newcomer of the Year Award went to Katie last year for her work in the middle," Moynihan said. "She's returning this year from knee surgery in the off-season, and we hope she'll continue to make an impact." Exposing the wing space at outside midfield are the possibilities of Ruma, Munkwitz, Oechsner, and sophomore Emily Jessen.

"Julie and Lindsey will give us the experience there. Julie's a good possession player and is attacking with alot more confidence," Moynihan said.

"Emily and Amy have also gained a lot of confidence. Both are among our fastest players and will be looked at to contribute significantly on the wings."

Redshirt freshman Stacey Jacobs, as well as Torres, Walter and other newcomer Evann Franklin will also compete in the midfield.

Goalkeepers:
There will be a few players vying for the goalkeeping position. Returning to the Panthers are redshirt sophomore Mary Duffy and redshirt freshman Jenni Zumberge.

"We're looking for a strong recovery from Mary. After redshirting and then suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, she's made great strides in coming back during the spring," Moynihan said.

Zumberge also demonstrated improvement and a lot of athleticism in goal during the spring season. Competing with Duffy and Zumberge in goal will be newcomer Kerri St. Aubin.