Tiger alum Jennifer Nobis makes WPS debut
6/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
June 15, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo - University of Missouri women's soccer product Jennifer Nobis (2002-05) earned her first appearance in Women's Professional Soccer last month, making her Boston Breakers debut in the second half of a 2-1 loss to Sky Blue FC on May 31 and earning her first start Sunday against the St. Louis Athletica.
The Quincy, Ill., native entered at halftime against the Sky Blue FC for Amy Rodriguez, seeing 45 minutes of action that included "good hustle plays to win balls back for the Breakers" according to Soccer New England magazine. Nobis then played 67 minutes in the Breakers' 1-0 loss on Sunday.
"Everything's been going good," Nobis said. "It took a while to get used to playing at this level, it really is a big difference. Obviously, it's the best soccer I've played."
After playing overseas since leaving her mark on the offensive records books at Missouri, Nobis was drafted as the 29th overall pick in the league's inaugural season - one of two Tigers to have their name called on draft day in January.
Nobis' positive play, including an assist in an exhibition against the Boston Aztec on May 21, has drawn praise from Boston head coach and former US Women's National Team manager Tony DiCicco.
"We've got some good performances from young players," DiCicco said in a Breakers' video online. "Jenny Nobis is looking strong."
"Getting the feel for Tony's style of play and what he wants, that's my main focus," Nobis said. "I'm excited to play St. Louis. I have a lot of friends on the team, so it will be fun to play against them."
While Nobis played against friends last weekend, she has been playing with a friend all season long in former Mizzou volunteer coach Candace Chapman. Following her role on the sideline for the Tigers last season, Chapman - a Canadian international - was drafted as a discovery player by Boston and has made four appearances this season.
"It made it a lot easier knowing somebody before I came here; having that Mizzou connection has really helped," Nobis said.
Chapman also to earned her first start on Sunday and played all 90 minutes, making it an especially proud day for the two individuals, as well as the Mizzou soccer program they were once a part of.
