Mackenzie Moranz played high school soccer since the seventh grade. But for the first 13 games of her freshman year at Syracuse, she hasn’t gotten onto the field.

“My mindset coming in everyday is improving, getting better and doing my best to improve as quickly as possible,” Moranz said.

Moranz is the potential heir apparent to four-year starting goalkeeper Brittany Anghel. Although she hasn’t seen much time on the field yet, Moranz has received nothing but positive remarks from her teammates and head coach Phil Wheddon on her contributions and improvement.

Her willingness to learn alongside Anghel has Moranz set up to fill the void left behind by the Orange’s all-time leader in wins and shutouts.

Before coming to Syracuse (5-7-1, 1-5-1 Atlantic Coast), Moranz established herself as an elite defender up until she reached high school soccer — as a middle schooler. Moranz’s team had a void at goalie, and she was willing to learn and evolve, two traits that are more prevalent for her today than at any other point.

Moranz is currently in a role where learning and improving is much more important than the effect made between the lines. An integral part of the learning and improving is Anghel, who has become her mentor this season.

Moranz’s mother Michelle noted that the potential of being able to work with Anghel might have influenced Moranz to come to Syracuse.

“Her goal from the start was to get right behind Brittany and learn as much as she possibly could from her,” the elder Moranz said. “Brittany’s been great taking Mackenzie under her wing and Mackenzie’s focus is really just on learning and absorbing as much as she can.”

Moranz attributed some specific improvements she’s made already at Syracuse directly to working with Anghel.

“Brittany has really helped me a lot with communicating across the field and my positioning in the keeper’s box,” Moranz said.

While her presence on the field may not be felt yet, there’s no doubting the talent the coaching staff believes Moranz holds. Wheddon, who has an extremely decorated resume — including being the goalkeeper coach for both the men’s and women’s U.S. national teams — said Moranz fits the bill under his ultra-critical eye for goalkeepers.

“Mackenzie can be a good shot-stopper, keep up with the pace of the shots you’ll see in the ACC and has a lot to offer to the team with her ability,” he said.

Wheddon and teammates stressed the role Moranz has played on the team this year. The bond with her teammates and her effect away from the field is palpable.

“She’s adapted well and has become an integral part of the team,” Wheddon said, “and I think she has the opportunity now to continuing developing and get ready to take over for (Anghel) next year.”

Published on October 9, 2013 at 12:14 am

Contact Connor: cgrossma@syr.edu | @connorgrossman