'Roos Visit In-State Opponents Missouri State and Mizzou this Weekend
9/15/2011 5:16:00 PM | Women's Soccer
On Thursday, the 'Roos put out a valiant effort against Drake in a 0-0 tie, after falling 5-0 to the Bulldogs a season ago. On Sunday, UMKC traveled across state to face Saint Louis where it fell 3-1 to the Billikens, bringing their record to 1-3-3 on the season.
This week, the Kangaroos will end their five-out-of-six games road stretch against Missouri State on Friday and Missouri on Sunday.
Missouri State Bears (4-3-1 as of 9/16)
The Bears enter Friday's match with a 2-0-1 record in their last three games and is seeking their fourth consecutive 10-win season. After facing UMKC, the Bears will open up Missouri Valley Conference play on the road against Indiana State on Sept. 23.
Players to Watch
In four games played and three started, sophomore forward Rachel Weimer leads the team in points (5) and is tied as the team leader in goals scored (2). In seven games, sophomore forward/defender Shelby Stewart has a scored two goals and is second on the team in points (4).
In the net, senior keeper Jessica Teahan has saved 48 shots (.814) and accumulated a 1.39 goal-per-game average.
The Head Coach
In his 16th season at Missouri State, Rob Brewer has gone 141-122-33, including 13 winning seasons. Brewer's notable accolades include winning the MVC Coach of the Year and producing 75 all-conference selections along with 53 academic all-conference honorees.
Missouri Tigers (7-1 as of 9/16)
Since losing their opening game to #20 San Diego Toreros, Missouri has won seven straight including a win over then No. #7 Ohio State. Before hosting UMKC on Sunday, Mizzou will take on No. #9 Florida on Friday night.
Players to Watch
Sophomore forward Alyssa Diggs, sophomore midfielder Dominique Richardson and freshman midfielder/forward Taylor Grant are all tied for the team lead in goals scored (3) this season.
Freshman forward/midfielder Abi Raymer and sophomore midfielder/forward Danielle Nottingham and sophomore forward Brooke Williams, meanwhile, have all scored two goals on the season.
Both Diggs and Raymer are tied for the team's leader in points (7).
In the net, redshirt freshman goalie McKenzie Sauerwein has 27 saves (.844) along with a 0.83 goal-per-game average. In addition, she has pitched three shutouts so far this season.
The Head Coach
In his 15th season at Mizzou, head coach Bryan Blitz holds a record of 154-125-15, leading the Tigers to back-to-back Big 12 championships the past two seasons. In 2010, Blitz was named Big 12 Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons.
The Series
Missouri State: The 'Roos are 0-2 all-time against the Bears.
Missouri: First Meeting
What to Watch For
The "Show Me State" Tour Ends
With the 'Roos visiting Missouri State and Missouri this weekend, the squad will wrap-up its three game road trip within Missouri. Last Sunday, UMKC traveled across state to face Saint Louis, but falling 3-1 to Billikens.
Sophomore Tandem Stepping Up
With only two seniors on the roster, sophomores forward Taylor Bare and sophomore midfielder Ashley Gann have come up big for UMKC. Bare leads the team in goals scored (2) and points (4), while Gann is right behind her in points (3) with a goal and an assist. Gann also leads the team in shots taken with 22.
Summit League Play Right Around the Corner
After next Saturday's home game against Nebraska-Omaha, UMKC will kick off Summit League play on the road against IUPUI on Friday, Sept. 30.
The 'Roos posted a 0-6-1 record last season in Summit League play.
Click here for live stats vs. Missouri State.
Click here for live stats vs. Mizzou.
