Men's Soccer Set to Open 2009 Season

(FULTON, Mo., Aug. 28) - The William Woods University men's soccer team will open the 2009 season on Tuesday, September 1st. The Owls will travel to the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kans., for a 4 pm match.

William Woods is coming off a 9-9-1 2008 season. The Owls finished fifth in the American Midwest Conference, and lost in the opening round of the AMC postseason tournament 0-1 at Columbia College. The nine victories was the largest win total for William Woods since the 2000 season (13).

William Woods returns nine starters from the 2008 season, including senior Pete Smith and senior Steve Brocks. Smith and Brocks were Honorable Mention All-AMC selections last season.

Four opponents on this year's schedule are either ranked, or receiving votes, in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 (Complete Poll). AMC rivals Hannibal-LaGrange College (14th) and McKendree University (23rd) cracked the Top 25. New AMC member Park University and Benedictine College (Kans.) were among others receiving votes.

The Owls will open its home schedule on September 9th. WWU will host Culver-Stockton College at 5 pm at Firley Field.