Every Wednesday UT head coach Chris Petrucelli will respond to at least five fan questions previously submitted to TexasSports.com.
Name: Chuy
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Question: I just can't believe that the U.S. National Team keeps beating Mexico. To what do you attribute the American's success?
Petrucelli: "The development of numerous players in MLS (Major League Soccer) has had a huge impact on our men's national team. They can now compete with any team in the world consistently."
Name: Steve
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Question: Do you think you will continue to play freshman goalkeeper Dianna Pfenninger during the second half of games when you are in the midst of conference play?
Petrucelli: "Both Dana (Hall) and Dianna (Pfenninger) are not only quality goalkeepers, but they are also both playing extremely well for us this year. With each of them performing at a very high level, we will continue to make playing time decisions based on the upcoming game and opponent."
Name: Billy
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Question: Why don't you use your bench more? It seems like your starters loose their legs by the end of the match.
Petrucelli: "To start, our bench is not that deep. We also feel that we use it a good deal during our matches. Still, any substitution causes a change of rhythm within your team during a game. As a result, we don't like to make changes for the sake of just making changes."
Name: Dan
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Question: I'm excited about the showdown with A&M this coming weekend! The Aggies always seem to have a psychological edge though. During the home matches in 1999 and 2001, the wheels just came off. What do you do to prepare your team mentally to play the Aggies?
Petrucelli: "We try to treat the match with A&M as much like any other game as we can, knowing full well that there is a rivalry there. The emotional level of your team can't be too high or too low. You want it to be as consistent as possible from game to game."
Name: Adam
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Question: Texas seems to have a very powerful attack, however, after getting into the attacking third, they seem to be unable to place a shot on frame. How do you continue to create quality opportunities, but also create quality finishing?
Petrucelli: "Our team has been working a lot in this area over the last several weeks. As a coaching staff, we are not only trying to put our players in situations where they need to create chances, but are demanding that the chances they create are taken well. This area is one that requires a lot of hard work and skill."
Name: Sarah
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Question: How do you think attitude affects the game and how one plays?
Petrucelli: "I think attitude has a huge impact on a game. I also think that a player's attitude is as important as their skill. It affects how well you defend and whether you get to a ball or not. It is also contagious, which means that it not only affects a player but an entire team."
Name: Cindy Daws Mosley
Hometown: Northridge, California
Question: What is your most memorable soccer moment as a coach?
Petrucelli: "There are a lot of memorable moments that I can point to during my career, but with the name Cindy Daws in mind, I would have to say that the most memorable moment would be the golden goal in 1995 that won the National Championship.
