My kids go to Alta HS (where she attended), my oldest son has been on dates with her. She's fantastic. She's the best winger the Cougs have ever had. She's as good at PK's and corners as anyone in the country. If she were five percent more athletic, she'd be playing on the national team.

But she has offered little to no defense at any time in her career. I don't blame her for it, I think it's probably at least in part by design.

I too have seen a few defensive hustle plays from her in the past two or three games, which have been a welcome sight for sure. She just generally seems to have been more emotionally engaged the past few weeks than at any point in the season. But one or two defensive hustle plays per game don't take much pressure off Shepherd's shoulders. It's not like Shepherd can get beat and feel safe that Brecken will pick up the slack behind her. Part of that is just the difference between a CDM like Shepherd and a wing like Brecken. Part of it is scheme. But we have five field players that play defense. The rest really don't play any D at all. That's a big reason why we score so many goals. But it's also a reason we sometimes are extra vulnerable to athletic teams on D.

Shepherd has to come up big against the Tar Heels for the Cougs to have a chance. I think she probably will. Go Cougs!