I did feel some pressure. But that was the pressure of wanting to do well for the team and the University rather than as Steve's replacement. This was caused more by the high expectations I set for myself.

2. Last year the WCC sent five teams to the postseason. Who do you think are the frontrunners to go to the postseason this year and what is it going to take for USF to be one of them?

This year all of those five teams will be as good or better than last year. St. Mary's also will be much improved. It is really a toss up, but USD, LMU and Santa Clara might emerge as the league's top teams. Gonzaga and Portland will be right there with them.

This year's version of USF is the youngest in history. We will carry 13 freshmen, 9 sophomores and 6 juniors on our team. Realistically, we will need one more outstanding recruiting class and a seasoning of the freshemn before we can compete for a NCAA bid, but you never know if everything falls into place and we get some luck, what can happen.

3. Do you think that the success of the US world Cup team will have a lasting impact on soccer in the US and where do you see the sport going from here?

It will have a lasting effect as the quality of soccer the US is gaining credibility within and outside the US. The younger players now will have rolemodels such as Landon Donovan and Damarcus Beasley they can emulate.

As of the popularity I think it will be a long time before it will gain the status of the traditional American sports. The sports entertainment calendar seems to fit well for the American sports fan.

4. After watching practices and the exhibition with Sonoma State what newcomer(s) will turn some heads this season?

I am not really sure if our newcomers will turn heads. However I do know we brought in an oustanding class of freshmen student athletes with good character and talent. In general we will be a blue collar hard working team. I do expect in the future that some of our midfielders such as David Martin, Cameron Kolovos and Ben Villaflor will add creativity and flair to our game.

5. On the USF website you say that you want to become a more defensive minded team. What will be some keys for you guys to becoming one of the better defensive teams in the conference?

The first key is physical fitness; endurance. quickness and speed. Second mental fitness; to read situations and communicate effectively with team mates passing on players; mental discipline to stay focused on the task ahead.