Aug. 5, 2009

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team kicks off their 2009 season on Wednesday, Aug. 5 with the start of preseason practices. The team, boosted by the addition of nine freshmen and a senior transfer, begins its quest to defend their 2008 Big 12 Tournament Championship and looks to earn their third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth.

The team will complete two weeks of two-a-days, leading up to the season opener on Aug. 21 against Iowa. The Tigers, ranked No. 10 in the final Soccer America poll last season, began Wednesday's session with fitness testing and an intrasquad scrimmage.

Head Coach Bryan Blitz enters his 14 season on the sideline for Missouri and returns 17 players, eight of them starters, from the 2008 squad that went 16-5-2, won the Big 12 Tournament, and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The team plans to host an annual black-and-gold preseason contest at Walton Stadium, with a date to be determined. The team's home opener is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28 against Northwestern.

Tentative Pre-season Practice Schedule
Wednesday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 14: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18: 8 a.m., 3 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 20: 8 a.m.