JONESBORO, Ark. (8/18/16) – In the wake of 1-0 shutout of UT Martin in their preseason exhibition match a week ago, the Arkansas State women's soccer team is ready to open up the 2016-167athletic season with a home match against Missouri State Friday afternoon at the A-State Soccer Park. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and can be seen for free on the Red Wolves Digital Network on AStateRedWolves.com and on YouTube live on the AStateRedWolves channel.

Fans who are unable to watch the match live are invited to follow the all the action on social media as they can receive live updates by following @AStateGameDay on Twitter. Updates will also be posted on the A-State Soccer social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AStateSoccer/) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/AStateSoccer).

This marks the first time in Red Wolves' soccer history that the squad has opened the regular season against the Bears. Missouri State leads the all-time series 2-1, but has never won in Jonesboro and suffered a 3-1 loss to Arkansas State in 2014. The series began in 2005 with A-State falling 2-1 in Springfield, Mo., and then again by a margin of 3-0 in 2014.

The Red Wolves are also looking to improve upon their record in season openers and capture its first season opening win at home since 2009.

A-State looked sharp in its exhibition match against UT Martin and benefited from a goal from newcomer Taylor Schneider in the second half. The Red Wolves also played a slew of newcomers and split time in goal between sophomore Kelsey Ponder and junior Alexis Philippe.

Missouri State is coming off a 3-1 loss at Saint Louis but did have two preseason All-MVC picks in Brooke Prondzinski andMary Disdore. Prondzinski was second on the team with 14 points last season, including a team-best eight assists. Disidore has earned all-conference honors in each of her two seasons with the Bears and is a pivotal force at midfield.

Following Friday's contest, Arkansas State will host Southern Miss Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Red Wolves and Golden Eagles battled into double-overtime in the season opener in 2015 with Southern Miss earning a 2-1 victory in the final minutes of the game.

For the latest on the A-State women's soccer, log onto the team's Facebook page at Facebook.com/AStateSoccer and follow them on Twitter @AStateSoccer.