EDMOND —
Central Oklahoma will play half of its 2012 soccer schedule at home when the Bronchos make their debut in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
UCO made its eighth NCAA Division II playoff appearance since 2000 while playing as an independent last season and will host nine of its 18 regular-season games at Tom Thompson Field, with six of those coming in September.
The Bronchos of 14-year head coach Mike Cook open the 2012 campaign with two games in San Antonio, Texas Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 before hosting the inaugural Fischer Classic Sept. 7-9.
UCO goes to Dallas Baptist on Sept. 12 for a rematch with the team that knocked it out of the national playoffs last year and then plays its first MIAA game at home against Missouri Southern on Sept. 14 to open a four-game homestand.
The Bronchos meet intrastate rival Southwestern Oklahoma on Sept. 16 before ending the season with 11 straight conference games.
UCO will also be at home Sept. 21 (Truman State), Sept. 23 (Lindenwood), Oct. 5 (Fort Hays State), Oct. 7 (Nebraska-Kearney) and Oct. 19 (Northeastern State). Highlighting the league road schedule will be an Oct. 11 showdown at defending champion Central Missouri.
The MIAA Postseason Tournament is Nov. 1-3 in Kansas City, Mo.
Note: Former Claremore Lady Zebra standout Miranda Thorne is a sophomore fullback for UCO.


