The University of Minnesota Duluth soccer team advance into the postseason with a five-match undefeated streak to close the 2012 regular season, but were tabbed as the No. 5 in the NSIC Preseason Poll. The 2013 Bulldogs find themselves with greater expectations as a top contender in the league as they open play this week.

The Bulldogs kick off the season at home against non-conference foe Northern Michigan on Thursday at 7 p.m.

"The start of any season is exciting," Coach Cane said. "This being our 20^th season makes the first game at home special. The first game is something that motivates everyone in preseason preparation."

Head Coach Matt Granstand and the Wildcats return only two of their top five scorers from a team that went 4-13 in 2012, including a 3-10 mark in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

All-time, UMD is 11-3-3 against Northern Michigan, including a season-opening match last Aug. 30 in Marquette. The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead into halftime before exploding for three goals in the second frame to earn a 4-0 victory, the first of five shutouts on the 2012 season for UMD.

Coach Greg Cane returns eight starters from the 2012 squad that finished 8-7-3, led by it senior team captain, forward Dani Potter. Potter finished second on the team in scoring last season with five goals and eight assists (18 points), including two game-winners.

Fellow seniors Sally Stromme, Emily Jenson, and Kelsey Woodland will also contribute as leaders of a team with 14 underclassmen.

The junior class features six of the Bulldogs' returning starters, with none more notable than 2012 NSCAA All-Central Region selection, forward Maureen Stormont. Stormont paced UMD in 2012 with 24 points and 11 goals – a mark that topped the NSIC.

A trio of junior midfielders in Jennifer Smith, Hannah Keil, and Kelli Klun also return to the starting line-up. They finished third, fourth, and fifth in scoring, respectively, for last year's campaign, playing in all 18 games and missing just two starts among the three.

Sophomores Leah Nesheim and Kate McMahon also saw time on the Bulldogs' front line in 2012 and will look to contribute more this season.

Offense was at a premium for the Bulldogs in 2012, with UMD finishing fourth in the conference in shots at 18 per game, second in points (6.39 per game), and sixth in goals.

On the defensive side, juniors Riley Allen and Megan Helberg return after starting every game last season, primarily in front of sophomore goalkeeper Marissa Rosa. Junior defender Ana Zdechlik also returns after playing in 16 games for the UMD in 2012. The Bulldogs allowed just 100 shots, and 69 on goal, compared to 166 (132 SOG) for UMD's offense.

Rosa took over starting duties halfway through her freshman season, posting a 7-4-2 overall record and 1.66 GAA with 48 saves. She shut out three opponents, all in conference. Her experience as a first-year player will no doubt help her as she finds herself firmly ensconced in a starting role.

The Bulldogs will trend younger on their bench, as Coach Cane returns five sophomores and adds nine first-year players to the roster. The 2013 additions include five forwards, three midfielders, and a goalkeeper.

First-year forwards Megan Burditt, Jenna St. Germain, Kailey Beatt, Kaleigh Solheim, and Taylor Johnson will compete for time on the front line, while Marissa Ganske, Maddie Barr, and Nicole Becker are slated to contribute in the midfield. Goalkeeper Jordan Melby will take over as the primary back-up to Rosa in her freshman year.

The Outlook
After this match, the Bulldogs hit the road for three, first facing off with another non-conference match-up against North Dakota State before finally opening up NSIC play Sept. 15 at St. Cloud State. Returning home for a two-match weekend Sept. 21-22, the Bulldogs will take on Upper Iowa and preseason conference favorite Winona State.

UMD will play two more at home to open October before embarking on a four-game road swing on the weekends of Oct. 12-13 and 18-20. Three of the Bulldogs' final four games will be on the turf at Malosky Stadium on Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 3.

"The players and staff have worked very hard to prepare for the season," added Coach Cane. "The team is eager to begin games and build momentum for a fine season."

The road will not be easy for the Bulldogs as they evolve from pesky underdog to one of the favorites in the NSIC, but an improving defense and a strong returning offense should lead them on the path to success.