Nov. 7, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Coming off the first Big 12 regular season title in program history, the University of Missouri women's soccer team looks to continue its run into the postseason as they await an at-large bid into the 2009 NCAA Tournament. The field of 64 teams, 30 of which are filled by automatic berths, will be announced Monday, live on ESPNews during the 7 p.m. broadcast.
The Tigers asserted themselves as the top team in the Big 12 as they compiled one of the best seasons in school history. Having won its first conference crown last year as 2008 Big 12 Tournament champions, Missouri was selected by the conference coaches as co-favorites to win the 2009 regular season title in the Big 12 Preseason Poll. The Tigers went on to achieve a 7-1-2 mark in conference, good for a program record 23 points, to finish atop the standings.
The team is currently ranked in a variety of polls leading up to Monday's announcement. TopDrawerSoccer.com projects Missouri as No. 29 in their most recent NCAA Tournament 64 rankings, while the Massey ratings have the Tigers at #38 in the nation. The team sits at No. 3 in the latest NSCAA/adidas Central Region rankings.
The team's 13-6-3 record stands as the second best winning percentage in school history and ranks third for number of wins. The year was highlighted by a program-best 10-game unbeaten streak late in the season as the Tigers finished the year strong.
Much of the season's success can be attributed an offense averaging 2.55 goals per game and ranked No. 11 in the nation entering the Big 12 Tournament. The Tigers led the Big 12 in points, goals and assists during conference play and the team's 56 goals are the most scored since the 1999 season.
The team's accomplishments translated into individual honors for several players throughout the season. The Tigers led all Big 12 schools with seven Player of the Week selections and had four players named to the 2009 All-Big 12 first and second teams. Head Coach Bryan Blitz was also honored as 2009 Big 12 Coach of the Year in a season that saw him earn his 150th career victory at Mizzou.
Fans are encouraged to check mutigers.com for news on the 2009 NCAA Tournament or follow the team's social media sites on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for additional updates.