Nov. 18, 2009

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - In its 17th NCAA postseason appearance, the fifth-seeded University of North Carolina men's soccer team will rely on the solid play of sophomore midfielder Kirk Urso to advance deep into the tournament. Urso has contributed valuable minutes in all 18 of the Tar Heels matches this season, scoring three goals and adding four assists. After a close loss in last season's championship, Urso and the Carolina men's soccer team are hungry to return to the College Cup finale in Cary, N.C., and win the program's second national championship of the decade.

Urso took time to answer some questions for TarHeelBlue.com as the team prepares to face either Brown or Stony Brook on Sunday at Fetzer Field.

THB.com: What lesson does the team take away from the ACC Tournament?

Kirk Urso: I think one lesson we take away from the ACC tournament is how fragile our season is at this point. Losing hurts, but our team is excited to compete in the NCAA Tournament and our hope is to live up to our own expectations and goals for the postseason.

THB.com: What are the keys to a successful NCAA Tournament run?
KU: For us, it is competing as a team, being aggressive and doing whatever it takes to get the win. We have a talented team so it will come down to effort, concentration and hard work.

THB.com: If you could go one-on-one versus any player, who would it be and how would you beat him?

KU: Probably John Terry. I would have to combine with another player to get around him and then I'd smack it in the back of the net on Peter Cech. C'mon Arsenal!

THB.com: What are your earliest soccer memories?

KU: I started playing soccer in recreation leagues in my hometown before moving on to play for the Chicago Sockers. My earliest soccer memories are the long drives with my dad to practice after school, taking a lil' nap in the car and then waking up right before practice and competing against great players. I was just an elementary school kid on the grind. Seriously though, I never realized all the time my parents put in to take me to soccer, but I love them and thank them for it now.

THB.com: Who is the toughest player you play against in practice?
KU: We have a lot of good players on our team and they all battle, so it is tough to pick out one.

THB.com: What do you enjoy doing when you're not on the soccer field?

KU: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, shooting hoops and getting in the word. Then there is all the time spent doing class work, but I do not always enjoy that.

THB.com: Do you have a pre-game ritual or routine?
KU: I try not to, but I usually listen to music to relax.

THB.com: What is the best class you've taken at UNC?
KU: I'm taking History 140 this semester with Professor Hunziker. I think he's a great professor and the class provides an ignorant American like me with important information on a lot of current global issues that I ought to know.

THB.com: How have you grown in your second season of collegiate soccer?
KU: My passing, my set pieces, my aerial battles, my defending and my awareness on the pitch have all improved. I've also become more aware of my strengths and have really tried to hone those skills.

THB.com: What is the best advice you've received and who gave it to you?
KU: "Don't go through life without goals and you have to have dreams," from my eighth grade basketball coach, Coach Mac.