Under the guidance of coach Steve Burns, who was named the first varsity coach in September, the Wolverines went undefeated in league play - the first time they have done so this decade.
The team was 11-0-2 in league play and 4-6 against varsity programs it challenged.
A motivating factor for Michigan this season was a change in post-season play, which emphasizes final league standings.
Michigan is the two-time defending club national champion. But this year's tournament will be significantly different from that which the Wolverines have won the last two years.
In the past there were two post-season tournaments, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association's (NIRSA) tournament and the National Collegiate Soccer Assocation's (NCSA) tournament.
For the NCSA tournament, teams had to win their regional tournament, whereas the NIRSA tournament gave out 16 at-large bids based on power rankings.
"We had received NIRSA bids in the past," Burns said. "But we felt that the NCSA competition was better. Now NIRSA holds all the cards."
This year, in order to get into the field of 16, the teams were required to have strong regular seasons.
"We're really excited because this year the two club championships have been united," Michigan junior defenseman Brian Peters said. "The field will be a lot stronger."
Motivation for the Wolverines this season was the oppertunity for a third-consecutive national championship, in which they could defeat the most elite club soccer teams in the country.
"Before we only had to win the regional tournament to get to the NCSA," Peters said. "But this year the emphasis was on league play which is why we went undefeated.
"People knew that every game counted and that if we lost we might not get back to the tournament. Only two losses separated first and second place."
Another national championship in its final year as the outlet for men's soccer would be a fitting finale for one of Michigan's most successful club program.
"We're on a roll," Burns said. "I like the way this team has come together. This year the NIRSA tournament should be exciting."
-Uma Subramanian
Senior Corey Mather and sophomore Ryan Miller each had strong performances in the Marquette loss.
"The match against the Bearcats featured the hard-nosed play of MVP Mike Livanos and Dave Liepman," Michigan's Ryan Gaylor said. "Zev Winkelman was a major contributor to seal the victory."
After Michigan's final game, Gaylor said that the team improved tremendously and the Wolverines should be a strong contender for the Michigan Cup tournament this spring.
-James Mercier
11-01-99
| Previous Article | Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |