Blue Raiders set to host four-team soccer classic

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee will look to continue two impressive streaks when it plays host to the fourth annual Middle Tennessee Soccer Classic at the Blue Raider Soccer Field this weekend. Mississippi State, Tulsa, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee make up one of the strongest fields since the tournament's inception in 2003. The Blue Raiders (0-1-1) are 6-0 all-time in its Classic and they will look to extend their 21-game win streak at Blue Raider Field when they face Tulsa Friday at 7 p.m. Western Kentucky and Mississippi State meet in the tournament opener Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Classic continues Sunday with Tulsa facing Western Kentucky at 1 p.m., followed by Middle Tennessee and Mississippi State at 3:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee coach Aston Rhoden began the Middle Tennessee Soccer Classic in 2003 in hopes of bringing quality programs to Murfreesboro. The event has grown each year but the 2007 line-up is arguably the toughest yet. "You have four very good teams participating in this year's event and all of them are coming from very competitive leagues," Rhoden said. "Mississippi State is a good program from the SEC, Tulsa is a Conference USA team, and then Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee are in the Sun Belt. These are the type of teams we want playing in our city and on our campus because our fans want to see quality teams. "Soccer fans will be treated to what I believe should be four very competitive matches this weekend." Middle Tennessee will be looking to get into the win column for the first time after opening the season with two grueling double-overtime matches on the road, despite allowing just two goals in the two contests; however, the Blue Raiders have managed just one goal during these two matches. Rhoden says the offensive lull has been perplexing because the Blue Raiders have had a fair share of opportunities. "Depending on whom you ask some may say the defense is playing very well and the offense is not, at least in our first two matches, or others may tell you the offense is playing well even though we have not been able to score," Rhoden said. "I believe our offense has created many opportunities and we just haven't been able to finish those chances." Middle Tennessee is adjusting to a new cast of players, particularly in the midfield and across the back after compiling a 17-4 worksheet in 2006. In fact, the Blue Raiders have started six freshmen in their first two games. "I believe all of our new players have performed really well," Rhoden said. "They are all so very different in the contributions they make to the program so it's hard to single one out. We will continue to work and improve and the goal is to make sure we are where we need to be as we enter conference play."

Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

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