BYU’s Spring season (7-1; 28 goals for, 5 against) demonstrated that BYU has a really talented, young team that should be able to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this Fall provided the players stay healthy. Although I was only to catch a game or two, the reports that I have received demonstrate that BYU should be a much better team than last Fall’s tournament team.

Starting from the back, here is my analysis:

Goalie Rachel Boaz, who led San Diego State to the Sweet 16 in 2012, has transferred to BYU after her mission and has moved up the depth chart to the Number 1 keeper. She is 5’10” and very athletic. Her twin sister is a star on the BYU Women’s Rugby Team, and Rachel has the same Rugby mentality and fearlessness. Hannah Clark has also played well, and yesterday made an incredible save against Utah to preserve the shut out. When future freshman Sabrina Macias, a U-20 National Team Keeper, arrives this Fall, BYU will have at least three very capable keepers.

The backline has been very impressive snuffing out attacks, and is a big reason for the +23 goal differential. The big surprise on the backline has been the incredible play of Steph Ringwood who has played a lot of minutes at outside back. Because of Ringwood's offensive skills and speed down the flank, she has been able to expose and open up opposing team’s defenses, and has been the impetus for many of BYU’s goals. Her long legs and stride allow her to recover quickly and run down opposing forwards. Taylor Campbell has also played well and has incredible speed, and is the leader of the back line. Taylor has become more experienced and has learned to pass the ball through the midfield and around the back (rather than playing long ball), and has even made a few good runs forward when the opportunity presents itself. Miranda Bailey has stepped into the shoes of Annie Amos and has also played well. Speedy Sarah Chambers has also played well at outside back although she suffered a foot injury that has kept her out of few games. Sarah played well against Utah. With Stephanie Ringwood and Sarah Chambers playing outside back, look for many offensive attacks down the flank next Fall.

It will be very interesting to see where Paige Hunt ends up playing when she returns from her mission in June. Paige was an incredible defender before her mission. Paige could end up on the backline again or perhaps move into a midfield role. With Paige, BYU should have plenty of depth in the back and potentially added depth in the midfield.

The midfield has continued to impress. Elena Medeiros has continued to score goals finding herself in the right place at the right time. Bizzy Phillips has played well at holding midfield and continues to provide the link between defense and offense and direct and control the flow of play. Although Bizzy is one of the smaller players on the field, she is able to win numerous head balls against taller opponents. Steph Ringwood has also played some midfield, as has Michelle Murphy. With the addition of Paige Hunt and the incoming freshmen, it will be interesting to see who ends up playing midfield with Elena and Bizzy.

The forward line has continued to progress. Opposing teams have started to focus on marking All-American Ashley Hatch and making her life difficult. Ashley has continued to score and play well, but because opposing defenders now mark her so tightly, she has opened up opportunities for the other forwards such as Michelle Murphy who has been described as a “blur” on the field as she knifes through opposing defenses. Michelle has an uncanny ability to receive a ball with a defender on her back and either turn with the ball, or make a great play forward. Nadia Gomes and Maddie Lyons have improved dramatically and scored several quality goals. Maddie has incredible speed and strength, and as she gains more experience, she has started to score goals (including two goals yesterday against SUU and Utah). Nadia is one of the most creative and interesting forwards and can score bunches of goals (including a hat trick against NM). Nadia needs to learn how to think ahead one or two plays and anticipate her runs rather than simply react to the play. She is working hard to improve this facet of her game, and once she does, will terrorize opposing defenses.

In the Fall, it will be interesting to see where the coaches play Brianna Hatch, the younger sister of Ashley. Apparently Brianna can play outside back, midfield, and forward. Bri has the talent to start immediately and it will be interesting to see where she ends up. At a minimum, she will provide some real depth.

Avery Calton and Marissa Nimmer will also contend for starting spots and playing time, and will provide significant depth.

IMO, BYU has the opportunity to make it to the College Cup during the next two seasons if the players can remain healthy. I can’t wait for Fall.