Aug. 19, 2008

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri women's soccer team enters its 2008 season ranked 22nd by TopDrawerSoccer.com. One of four Big 12 teams in the rankings, Missouri is again in the national spotlight after a strong 2007 season.

The Tigers return 10 of 11 starters from last year's squad that reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, losing in double overtime to eventual national champion and current No. 1 USC. Factor in the introduction of a strong recruiting class of six new players, and Head Coach Bryan Blitz's squad hopes to be a fixture in the polls this season.

The No. 22 ranking matches their position in the final SoccerTimes.com poll last season. The team also earned votes in the NSCAA/adidas preseason poll, falling just outside the top 25.

The Tigers emerged unbeaten last week in two preseason matches, tying 1-1 at Creighton on Thursday and beating Illinois State 5-0 on Sunday. Missouri now opens its regular season schedule at home on Saturday against No. 19 Illinois at 6:30 p.m.