Illinois and Missouri do it in football. The Illini and Tigers have done it in baseball. So why not in women's soccer?

We're referring to neutral-site competitions in the St. Louis area.

Another State Farm Arch Rivalry game between the schools' football teams takes place Saturday night, certainly the most anticipated meeting since this particular series in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis began.

As recently as 2007, the schools' baseball teams met at GCS Stadium in Sauget, Ill. - across the river from St. Louis - in the Wood Bat Classic.

Maybe the Illini and Tigers should move what's become a regular soccer series to metro St. Louis, too. The area has long been a hotbed in the sport, making it attractive recruiting grounds for both programs. Such a game would showcase each team to potential recruits, the schools' alumni, and the large base of soccer fans in the area.

We have the site for it, too. Investors are working to land an expansion franchise for St. Louis in Major League Soccer and have secured land in nearby Collinsville, Ill., for a proposed soccer complex. If it happens, it would be a big-time venue for an annual Illinois-Missouri matchup.

Until now, the teams have traveled to each other's campuses for matches, most recently meeting last Saturday in Columbia. According to Illini coach Janet Rayfield, the current contract between the schools ends in 2009, but she anticipates the series will continue in some form.

"I would expect that we play at least every other year or so," she said. "Over the last few years we have competed several times either in the spring or fall and it is always a great game, and a rivalry has developed that is great for both teams.

"The proximity and the quality of the (Missouri) program makes it a great game in almost any season."

Rayfield said the schools have not discussed a neutral-site meeting in the St. Louis area. However, if it came to that, she would be in favor.

"Although it would take us off our campus where we like to show off our facilities, it would put us in a very soccer-rich community that has a great soccer history," she said. "And the 'border' rivalry that exists would also make the intensity and environment one that I think would be great for college soccer."

As a certain TV ad says, "Just do it!"