Five questions with UAA Sports Information Director Anthony Moscaret

A couple days ago, I had the opportunity to talk with University Athletic Association (UAA) Sports Information Director Anthony Moscaret about both the women's and men's soccer teams. Here is what Moscaret had to say about both programs in the exclusive interview.

And a quick note: the men's team was chosen third in the recently-released UAA coaches' poll. Check back here in the next few days for a breakdown of the men's team.

1. Both of the UR soccer teams were picked third in the UAA coaches' poll. Which team has a better chance to "upset" the Association and win the UAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament?

Senior striker Ellen Coleman should once
again be the leader of UR's offensive attack.

Looking at both team's, I would say the women have the best chance to upset.  The men I feel could do it as well, but not knowing if they have that closer to score a lot of key goals will play a factor. The women have Ellen Coleman who knows what it takes to close out games and I think that her ability could really carry the team.

2. How do you think the women's team has reacted to having a new head coach in Tom Dardaganis? Will having a new coach cause any issues for the women's team come the start of the season?

Having a new head coach in any sport or on any team is hard, but Coach Dardaganis knows the girls very well and has coached them as their assistant coach for many years.  So, I think having him as their head coach will be fine. I do know he is very passionate for the game and his team and he is willing stand up for his players in games.  It may take some time to get use to him as the head coach but I think they will be fine.

3. What kind of season can we expect out of two-time All-American Ellen Coleman, especially considering her fellow striker for the past three years, Bridgette Varin, has graduated? Do you see Coleman having the same type of success she has had in recent years?

Look for senior midfielder/forward Josh Richards to be a
key component of the the UR scoring attack in 2011.

It definitely will be tough for Ellen since she did lose Varin, but knowing how talented Ellen is as a player, I think she will still be the force and the leader of the offense. A lot of girls will need to step up to fill that role that Varin played, and if they do so, which I think they will, I feel that Ellen will have success in what she does best and that is score.

4. Last year, the men's team scored just 27 goals in 19 games (1.42 goals per game). Their lack of scoring was probably the biggest issue the team had in 2010. How do you think UR's offense will fare this year?

I do agree that not having that finisher or closer in the scoring area for the men did hurt them last year. But they did find ways to win matches. If one or two of the players can come out of training camp as a scorer/finisher for them, they will definitely be an improved offensive team.

5. Who should we look for on the men's side to lead the team's offensive attack?

Based on what I saw last year, I think that Max Eberhardt and Josh Richards could be two guys that step up into that role as goal scorers.