April 16, 2009

COLUMBIA, Mo - One month ago today, the University of Missouri women's soccer team got their first taste of Women's Professional Soccer's St. Louis Athletica. Friday the two teams will meet again, scheduled for an 11 a.m. kickoff at Ralph Korte Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

"We're thankful for the opportunity to play against the highest level," Missouri head coach Bryan Blitz said. "With two of our players being drafted to WPS teams this spring, I think it's important for our seven soon-to-be seniors to experience first hand what it takes to play at the professional level."

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, one of seven teams in the WPS' inaugural season, has an off weekend in league play after going 0-2-0 to start their season.

As for the Tigers, the match will be the fifth and final game of their spring season. Missouri has gone 3-0-0 against college competition with wins over Big 10 foes Minnesota, Purdue, and most recently Indiana.

Following Friday's contest, Mizzou Soccer will host their alumni weekend showcased by the team banquet on Saturday night and a 5k Run/Walk on Sunday morning. Registration for the 5k Run/Walk, in support of Columbia's The Shelter and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is open up until the event's check-in at 9:30 a.m. For more information, download the flyer.