COACH SPEAK: Detroit Women's Soccer Preview
Aug. 19, 2008
Detroit women's soccer head coach Mike Lupenec takes time with www.horizonleague.org to preview the Titans' 2008 season. This year UDM tied for fifth in the preseason coaches' poll and return eight starters from last year's squad that finished sixth.
Q: What do you feel is your team's biggest strength heading into this season?
A: "We return a great group of junior and seniors who have played a lot here so their experience will be a great asset for us. I thought we had a great offseason conditioning and training and we have some incoming freshman that will definitely make an impact, especially on offense."
Q: This year your team begins the season with three games at home whereas last year you began the year by playing three of your first four games on the road. Do you think that will help your team get off to a fast start this year?
A: "Anytime you play at home it is an advantage. We will also have the advantage of playing all of our home games on campus. Last year we played most of our home games away from the university with the construction of the new field. The opportunity to play full-time on the new surface will definitely help us."
Q: Last year in league play, your team had three ties and lost three games by just five goals. What is it that your team has to do differently to get over the hump in the games that come down to the wire?
A: "We have to create more scoring opportunities and finish the chances that we have. Last year, there were a number of games that we out shot the opponent, but didn't capitalize on the opportunities that we created."
Q: This year your team adds 13 newcomers to the squad, how important will senior leadership be heading into this season?
A: "It's very important on any team. In the past, when we have had great senior leadership from our captains, we were more successful. It is important that our captains and all of our upperclassmen step up to help lead our freshman."
Q: Last year, Trina Kochanski and Emily Kiely combine to score 11 goals. What do you expect from both players this season?
A: "They are going to be impact players and I expect more from them. Every year that you play, you should get better, so I expect that both will exceed what they did a year ago. Aside from Trina and Emily, we have our captain and leader Melanie Slusher and Shelley Marick returning to our defense. Slusher is a great back player who leads by example on and off the field, while Marick is a tough-minded defenseman and both players will be a vital part of the Titans defense."
