Missouri State University

The Missouri Valley Conference released its 2009 women’s soccer preseason coaches’ poll today.  The Missouri State Bears were picked to finish second behind Illinois State.  The Bears and Redbirds each received three first-place votes in the poll.  Creighton, Evansville, Drake, UNI and Indiana State round out the poll.

“We have a young team,” said head coach Rob Brewer.  “We have a solid defense and have added attackers, so I am cautiously optimistic.  It is good to see that other coaches recognize the quality of core returners we have.  The Valley is a challenge every season.  We are going to be competitive and I think that we will be as good as anybody in the league.”

The MVC also announced the preseason All-MVC team today.  Senior Samantha Aguilar and junior Jordan Reppell were the two Bears on the squad.  Aguilar led the Bears in goals scored (7), game winning goals (3) and points (17), while starting 14 of the 19 matches she played in 2008. She had at least one point in eight of the 19 games and converted the clinching penalty kick in the MVC Tournament quarterfinal win over Creighton. 

Reppell started all 19 matches on defense for the Bears last year and was an All-MVC First-Team selection. 

The Bears were 10-7-2 last season, going 3-3-0 in conference play.  Missouri State advanced to the semi-finals of the State Farm MVC Tournament in 2008 before falling to the number one seed and eventual champion, Evansville.

“Sam and Jordan deserve this honor,” stated Brewer.  “They are leaders on this team and are at the top of their game.  If they continue to work hard, they could be among the best in the MVC.”

The women’s soccer team will play three exhibition matches in four days at Plaster Sports Complex beginning on Thursday, August 13 against Drury at 6 p.m.  The Bears also host Missouri Southern on Friday at 3 p.m. and Central Missouri on Sunday at 6 p.m.  All three matches will be played at Plaster Sports Complex.  The Bears’ regular season opener is August 21 at the University of Oklahoma.

Team                               Total Points
1. Illinois State                   44
2. Missouri State               37
3. Creighton                       32
4. Evansville                       31
5. Drake                            26
6. UNI                               15
7. Indiana State                 11

2009 MVC Women's Soccer Pre-Season Team
M Samantha Aguilar, Missouri State, Sr., Lenexa, Kan. (Olathe North High)
D Jordan Reppell, Missouri State, Jr., St. Louis, Mo. (St. Joseph's Academy)
D Shannon Eccleston, Illinois State, Sr., North Olmstead, Ohio (North Olmstead)
M Alison Gasparovich, Indiana State, So., Overland Park, Kan. (St. Thomas Aquinas) 
M Chelsie Hochstedler, UNI, Jr., Marion, Iowa (Linn Mar)
D Kasey Kutzler, Evansville, Sr., Evansville, Ind. (Central)
D/M Danielle Mutters, Illinois State, Sr., Darien, Ill. (Hinsdale South)
M Emily Orbell, Creighton, Jr., White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake)
GK Lauren Potzman, UNI, So., Florissant, Mo. (Incarnate Word)
M Raquel Rattray, Illinois State, Sr., Evanston, Ill. (Evanston Township)
F Crystal Townley, Drake, Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo. (Palmer) 
F Elizabeth Woerle, Drake, Sr., Coon Rapids, Minn. (Meadow Creek)