Michigan Wolverines
Overall Rank: #13
Conference Rank: #2 Big Ten
Michigan Team Page
Michigan had its best season since 2002 last season after it finished with a 16-5-3 record a third round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines went unbeaten with nine wins and one tie from September 7th to October 18th, when they were upset by rival Ohio State. Michigan has proven to be consistent with 12 NCAA appearances in 19 seasons of competing in the sport and will be looking for its 13th appearance and third in coach Greg Ryan's sixth year at the helm.
2012 Record: 16-5-3, 7-2-2
2012 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Greg Ryan
Strengths:
The Wolverines had success despite having eight freshmen, 10 sophomores and just four seniors on last year's roster. The most important returnee though is Nkem Ezurike, who returns after scoring 15 goals last season and assisting on three others. The Wolverines have some offensive firepower, but that's largely because of Ezurike, who scored 15 of the squad's 42 goals. Shelby Chambers-Garcia had four goals last season, while two others, including Corinne Harris, who had three apiece. Harris also had five assists, while Meghan Toohey had three goals and a team-leading six assists.
Weaknesses:
While Michigan was a force on offense, it was just as much a force on defense as well, as the team allowed just 17 goals all season. Unfortunately the player mostly responsible for that, keeper Haley Kopmeyer, graduated. Kopmeyer played 2,246:41, while her two backups combined to play 9:46. Those two players, Maddie Clarfield and Zaryn Jennings will be challenged by incoming freshman Taylor Bucklin. Bucklin is a four-star recruit who is a member of the Canadian U-17 Women's National Team and played in the U-17 Women's World Cup last season. Two of last year's seniors, Clare Stachel and Emily Jaffe, each had three goals so their scoring will need to be replaced.
Final Projection:
Michigan had great success with a large number of underclassmen last year. Well, guess what? Those players are now a year older and full of experience so it would be fair to say the Wolverines will be even scarier than last season. Of course having your leading scorer in Ezurike back is nice. Having to break in a new goalie will be tough but other than San Diego State and Pepperdine, the nonconference schedule isn't too bad, so whoever takes the reigns in goal should be well prepared for conference play. The Wolverines are lucky in that they get to play their first six games at home. The incoming freshman class has some firepower in it. In addition to Bucklin, Michigan brings in two-time Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year Madi Lewis and fellow forward Nicky Waldeck, who finished her prep career with 111 goals and 43 last season, both school records.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Nkem Ezurike, Senior, M/F, 15
Assists: Meghan Toohey, Senior, M, 6
Shots: Ezurike 79
Saves: None
Madness 2014 NWSL Draft Rankings:
#8 Nkem Ezurike
#30 Shelina Zadorsky
Madness 2013 Women’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#58 Madi Lewis
#119 Anna Soccorsi
#132 Taylor Bucklin
See All Women's Soccer Top 44 Team Previews
