June 1, 2007

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Goalkeeper Emily Zaler has transferred to the University of Missouri, announced Head Coach Bryan Blitz on Friday. Zaler, who played her freshman season at Oregon in 2006, will join the Tigers for the upcoming fall season.

"We are extremely excited about the addition of Emily to our soccer family," Blitz said. "Not only has Emily proved herself in the classroom thus far, but her experience playing in the Pac-10 will no doubt add to the depth of our goalkeepers."

Zaler started five games in net for the Ducks in 2006 and posted a 4-1 record. She was named the Pac-10 Conference Player of the Week on Sept. 19 after notching shutouts over Gonzaga and Eastern Washington to become only the second freshman in Oregon history to earn the award.

"From both an academic and athletic standpoint, I feel Missouri is the perfect fit for me," Zaler said. "Missouri has everything I was looking for in a school. I am looking forward to working with Coach Blitz and the rest of the coaching staff."

A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., Zaler helped lead Pinnacle High School to three straight championship game appearances. As a senior in 2004, Zaler recorded 17 shutouts to set a new Arizona state mark. She was a two-time all-region first team selection and earned all-state first team honors as a senior in 2005 and second team honors in 2004.

Zaler played for the Sereno 88 White club team that won six consecutive state championships and was a national finalist in 2003. She was named the goalkeeper MVP of the 2004 Surf Cup as the team claimed the championship.