This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

At what point does self-assuredness border on being cocky?

Off a 7-10-3 record and a ninth-place finish in the Pac-12 in 2015, the Utes have a number of kinks they'd like to work out — most pointedly on offense, where they finished 10th in the league in goals per game (0.95).

But even with notable graduations, including three-year starting goalkeeper Lindsey Luke, there's an air of confidence among the 2016 group.

They talk about their chemistry, about being unintimidated by the Pac-12 powers, about scoring more goals and getting back to the NCAA Tournament.

Perhaps with an infusion of 11 freshmen the Utes have the benefit of naivete. But perhaps something else is afoot.

"They're a special group for sure," senior Katie Rogers said of the newcomers. "They've really stepped up, and not acting as freshmen. It's really cool to see them establish roles and positions, and take a lead on this team."

The Utes are in need of a fresh start, following two disappointing seasons since their last NCAA berth. If there is a class that can give them a jolt, it might be this one: It includes a former Utah Gatorade player of the year (Holly Daugirda), several state MVP honorees (Haylee Cacciacarne, Ireland Dunn) and internationally seasoned standouts. Dunn and Calfornia product Tavia Leachman were both ranked top 150 prospects in last year's recruiting class by TopDrawerSoccer.com.

They could use some of that newcomer energy up front, where they've struggled to score goals in Pac-12 competition.

The one area the Utes haven't felt deficient is talent, junior Natalie Vukic said. But maybe it boils down to something more intangible: chemistry.

"I think it had a lot to do with cohesion," she said. "We've had trouble with lots of players not knowing how to work together with other players up top.

"We've had individual talent up there, but this year we're focusing on team chemistry."

Chemistry — you hear that word a lot around the Utes this year. They say there's a sense that the team is on the same page, moreso than previous seasons. There's more versatility as well, with more players who may be working in the back able to create a spark up front.

They say that helped lead to a 4-2 result in the Red-White scrimmage they hosted last weekend, which featured five different scorers. While coach Rich Manning said it was a bit of a disappointment after the staff had preached about defense for the previous two weeks, he's not averse to seeing a little more action up front.

"The level was pretty good, and we're new, so it's important to get some mud on the tires," he said. "I think we have some attacking personalities that will really help."

In the back end, the Utes replace significant losses (Luke plus five graduating senior defenders) with their youth. The three goalkeepers on the roster are underclassmen, while five of the freshman can be utilized as defenders.

Following a season-opener with Weber State (Manning's brother, Mike Manning, is an assistant on the Wildcats' staff), the Utes have dates with Minnesota, Utah State, BYU and Purdue, among others, that will help them get a sense if their confidence is well-founded before going into Pac-12 conference play.

For now, the raw excitement is something for the Utes to savor — and to hope to continue.

kgoon@sltrib.com Twitter: @kylegoon —

Weber State at Utah

P At Ute Field

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's record • 7-10-3 (9th in Pac-12)

Big losses • G Lindsey Luke, D Megan Trabert

Key veterans • M Katie Rogers, F Natalie Vukic, F/D Hailey Skolmolski.

Impact additions • F Ireland Dunn, D Tavia Leachman, F/D Holly Daugirda