In the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's preseason poll, UNC was ranked No. 5 nationally.
The Tar Heels finished the 2000 campaign first in the conference with a
21-3 overall record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.
Heading into 2001, UNC collected 42 points in the preseason balloting, edging out Virginia, which finished second with 39 points.
