PEORIA, Ill. -- The 2009 Bradley Soccer preseason training camp will move from the practice field to the game field Thursday when the Braves visit in-state rival Western Illinois for a 5 p.m. scrimmage at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.  Thursday's exhibition will be the first of Bradley's two preseason games in advance of the 2009 season opener Sept. 1 at Northern Illinois.

Under the direction of 14th-year head coach Jim DeRose, the Braves return 13 lettermen, including eight starters from their 2008 squad.  The returning group is led by senior all-star candidates Grant Campbell and Chris Cutshaw, who teamed together this summer to help the Chicago Fire Premier reach the Premier Development League national championship game.

"With a fairly veteran group of returning players, we have been able to focus in the preseason on larger tactical issues," said DeRose.  "The chance to play on Thursday will allow us to see how we have evolved from the spring."

DeRose added that he expects the team's three newcomers -- Jochen Graf, Tapiwa Machingauta and Chris Minor -- to make contributions this season, but believes the key to the season lies with his veteran players.

"While we always hope newcomers can come in and contribute," said DeRose, "we are most excited about our returning corps of players."

lthough Thursday's scrimmage will not count toward the all-time series results, Bradley has won 13 of 21 regular-season games against Western Illinois.  The Leathernecks have won two of the last three games, however, including a 1-0 overtime triumph last year at Shea Stadium.

Following Thursday's exhibition game, Bradley will visit #28 Louisville for its second exhibition Tuesday afternoon.