The Missouri State men's soccer team will open the regular season tomorrow in Tulsa, Okla., against the 14th-ranked Golden Hurricane.  The Bears, who were 1-1-0 in exhibition play, will face two NCAA Tournament teams from last year to begin this season.

Missouri State is led by preseason All-MVC goalkeeper Alex Riggs, who played every minute in net for the Bears in 2008.  Riggs posted six shutouts last season, including 0-0 ties with No. 2 Akron and third-ranked Creighton.

The Bears backline is filled with senior leadership this year.  Seniors Johannes Demarzi, Nick Dryden, and Ryan Hennessy will help solidify the defense.  Junior Chad Johnson and sophomores Cameron Miller and Thomas Vania also saw significant playing time last season. 

Missouri State has an abundance of players that can play at midfield or in other slots on the pitch.  Senior Kyle Windmueller was tied for the team lead in goals and played in every match last season for the Bears.

Sophomore Heath Melugin is the top returning scorer for the Bears up front.  Melugin was an MVC All-Freshman team selection in 2008.

"There will be strong competition at every position this season as our 2009 freshmen will look to contribute," said head coach Jon Leamy.  "As a team, we want to start at a higher level this season and build from there."

The Bears and Golden Hurricane kick off at 7:00 p.m. at Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium.  Missouri State will return home on Saturday to face UMKC at Plaster Field beginning at 4:00 p.m.