March 16, 2009

COLUMBIA, Mo - The University of Missouri women's soccer team travels to St. Louis today to take on St. Louis Athletica, one of seven teams in Women's Professional Soccer. Coached by Brazilian national team manager Jorge Barcellos, the professional squad includes U.S. National Team players Hope Solo, Lori Chalupny and Tina Ellertson, as well as a cast of top international and ex-collegiate players such as two-time Hermann Trophy winner Kerri Hanks.

St. Louis is currently in the final stages of their preseason as they prepare for the league's inaugural season. The Athletica kick off their 2009 campaign at home on Saturday, April 4 against the Chicago Red Stars who feature former Tiger player Kat Tarr (2005-08).

Today's match will mark Missouri's second of the spring season. The No. 10 Tigers are coming off a 1-0 victory against 2008 Big Ten Champions Minnesota last Sunday in Kansas City.

The game, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. at the Scott Gallagher soccer fields in St. Louis, is the first of two exhibitions between the teams this spring, with a rematch scheduled for Monday, April 20 at 2 p.m.