Instead of wondering how they'll work together in the system they should start the season with a lot of confidence. They should be able to attack right away.

Last year was the first time Patrice had to be a leader on the field. This year, being a senior and one of the area's elite players, I think she's more willing to take on that responsibility.

I'm more optimistic than I've been for the past few years. I think this is a group of kids that will play together. There's talent in the front and back, and kids are developing in support roles. I think the limit will be what they want to achieve as a team.

O'Connor is an Olympic Development Program keeper, and she's very consistent and competitive. She has really impressed us with her focus and her intensity. I'm sure she'll pay her dues, but there's a lot of experience in front of her with (Miller and Romano). She's the best keeper we've had since Kristin Eggert.

They're both good players and mature kids, and I've never had both of them healthy at the start of the season. They both play with more poise and more relaxed when they're on the field together.