W. Soccer: Freshmen efforts led by Brooks, Daly, Rich

On a squad laden with experienced upperclassmen, the North Carolina women’s soccer team is getting a boost from some talented young guns.

Against rival Duke on Thursday, freshman Alyssa Rich scored the game winner in overtime, her second game-winner of the year. On Sunday, she struck again to cap off a 4-0 victory over Wake Forest.

“Alyssa Rich is a goal scorer,” coach Anson Dorrance said.

“Here’s this freshman who already has two game-winning goals in nine games; I mean how many times can a freshman claim that in this sport?”

Freshman goalkeeper Hannah Daly, midfielder Amber Brooks and forward Rich all started against Duke on Thursday in the biggest game of their young careers.

For Daly, the Duke game was the first start of her career in goal, but she insists that the magnitude of that game didn’t get to her head.

“I was just playing for fun,” Daly said. “When I play for fun I am just able to relax more and play calm.”

On Sunday against No. 7 Wake Forest, Daly looked composed as she recorded the first shutout of her career.

“In high school, I could just run in there and dominate the players,” Daly said.

“Now I am getting pushed around and I have to go all out for every cross or else someone is going to come and take me out.”

The biggest hurdle for Brooks has been keeping up with the speed of the college game.

“There is a big difference in the speed of the game,” Brooks said. “Those of us who played for the national team, its a little easier, but overall the speed is a lot faster in college.”

Rich reflected the same feelings.

“The speed is still a whole different level when you come to college,” Rich said. “We have had to adjust but we’re getting here.”

Dorrance, however, believes that the rookies have already arrived. The veteran coach praised Brooks’ technical ability on the ball and mentioned freshman midfielder Ranee Premji as another talented contributor.

“She plays like a coach; her game is nothing but technique and tactics,” Dorrance said.

“I love having her on my roster.”

With senior midfielder Nikki Washington injured and goalie Ashlyn Harris and midfielder Tobin Heath traveling with the national team, the freshmen have been granted opportunities to play pivotal roles on this team and have delivered in major fashion.

Brooks has made her way into the starting lineup with her strong play in the midfield, Rich and Premji have excelled as offensive reserves and Daly has become the No. 2 goalie option.

But Daly credits her transition on the pitch to her teammates.

“The best training you could possibly get,” Daly said of practicing with UNC’s übertalented roster.

“I know that when I get into these big games today that I’m ready because I am facing the best talent in the world.”


Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.