1. North Carolina
The Tar Heels seem as well-suited to the role of underdog as Shaquille O'Neal is to playing Tiny Tim. Yet that's how Carolina was cast last year, when undefeated Santa Clara -- which had beaten the Tar Heels during the regular season -- entered the Final Four as the favorite. "Being the underdog made us work harder," says Carolina senior forward Meredith Florance.

Having dispatched Notre Dame (which had upset Santa Clara in the semis) for its 16th national title in 18 years, Carolina finds itself back in the role of the heavy. Eight of the Tar Heels' top 10 scorers from 1999 are back, including speedy sophomore forward Susan Bush, who is fresh from a summer stint with the U.S. national team. With the return of senior midfielder Laurie Schwoy, a three-time All-America who was a medical redshirt in 1999, coach Anson Dorrance says this Carolina squad will have a "remarkable attacking personality."

The defense is more suspect. Sophomore goalie Jenni Branam returns, but three of last year's four starting backs are gone. Still, Dorrance is right when he calls this team his deepest. Ring number 17 awaits.

2. Nebraska
Junior midfielder Meghan Anderson (21 goals in '99) will lead the Cornhuskers to their first Final Four.

3. Florida
The '98 champs were stunned by Hartford in the second round of the NCAAs a year ago, but junior forward Abby Wambach and defender Keisha Bell will make sure that doesn't happen again.

4. Santa Clara
The Broncos, who have four straight losses in the NCAA semis, will look to sophomore midfielder Aly Wagner to help shake their bridesmaid's reputation.

5. Notre Dame
The loss of six seniors -- including Jenny Streiffer, Mia Hamm's only company in the career 70-goals-70-assists club -- leaves the Irish too green for a Final Four encore.

6. Penn State
When sophomore forward Christie Welsh is on the pitch -- she was one of the final cuts from the Olympic team -- the Nittany Lions can beat anyone.

7. Clemson
Nine starters return, including junior goalie Katie Carson (a national-best 13 solo shutouts).

8. Texas A&M
The Aggies have 23 players from the talent-rich Lone Star State, including senior forward Nicky Thrasher (21 goals).

9. Hartford
The Hawks won't sneak up on anyone in 2000, but the presence of '99 America East Rookie of the Year forward Katharina Lindner ensures a return trip to the NCAAs.

10. Stanford
A talented seven-player freshman class includes keeper Nicole Barnhart, who excelled as the boys' team's goalie at Boyertown (Pa.) High in '99.

HOT DATES

Sept. 15
North Carolina vs. Penn State in Houston Tournament

Sept. 22
Florida vs. Hartford in Virginia Tournament, Charlottesville, Va.

Dec. 1, 3
NCAA Women's College Cup, at San Jose State

DIVISION II

Franklin Pierce takes aim at its sixth championship in seven years, a term at the top nearly twice as long as that of its namesake (who was U.S. president from 1853 to '57).

DIVISION III

Led by junior forward Denise Buckley (11 goals), The College of New Jersey will win the program's third NCAA soccer title.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Penn State's Christie Welsh, who had 27 goals and 13 assists last season, is the most dynamic scorer in the college game. The 1999 Big Ten Player of the Year has only improved after taking last spring off to train with the national team.

CYBERSOURCES

www.collegesoccer.com
Scores, polls and features

www.socceramerica.com
Soccer America's official site