"I think the team is playing well right now," he said. "We have the ability to control games if we keep possession of the ball."

The emotional leader of the Crimson is its junior captain Ryan Kelly. Kelly, who leads the talented Harvard defense alongside two new starters, provides leadership to a young team with only eight juniors and seniors compared to 18 freshmen and sophomores.

After scoring five goals last season and playing alongside two extremely talented senior defenders, Kelly is looking to make his mark this year as the leader of a national power.

"I really enjoy being captain of a such a great team," Kelly said. "I try to set a good example, and I get a lot of help from the seniors." Kelly said he feels that the strength of the team rests in its attitude, togetherness, and new coach.

"Coach is a great guy," Kelly said. "It's definitely a change. We respect where he's been and played. He knows the game, and we listen to him."

Behind Kelly on the field stands the man with perhaps the heaviest burden of all. Sophomore goalkeeper Mike Meagher must fill the gaping hole left by Jordan Dupuis '99. Dupuis was stellar last season and set the school record for career saves.

This year, the Crimson is relying on the talented athletic skills of Meagher, who is also a decorated player on the men's lacrosse team. Despite playing only six minutes all last season, Meagher said he is ready to step up.

"I haven't had much time in the net so far," Meagher said. "But I learned a lot from [Dupuis]. I learned how to have the attitude of a successful college goalkeeper. I learned how to train and work hard so that I can succeed."