The Metro State women's soccer team starts its season Friday with a number one national ranking in the NSCAA/adidas preseason poll. The 2004 national champion Roadrunners play the University of Southern Carolina Upstate at 5 p.m. at Auraria Field.

Coach Danny Sanchez and his team aren't paying much attention to the ranking. "Our focus is on what we need to get accomplished," Sanchez said. With nine new players joining this year's team, Sanchez is pleased about the team's pre-season progress. "So far, so good. We're relatively healthy and I'm pleased with the group's focus. There's a lot of positions still up for grabs and a lot of good healthy competition among the players."

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