Memphis Suffers 5-1 Loss at Samford

Friday, August 28

Birmingham, AL

7:00 PM CT

University of Memphis

1-1

Samford University

2-1

Memphis

Samford

Photo by: Jimmy Mitchell

Aug 28, 2015 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Valerie Sanderson scored her first goal of the season in the loss

Valerie Sanderson scored her first goal of the season in the 26^th minute but Memphis suffered a 5-1 loss at Samford Friday night in Birmingham, Ala. The teams had to endure a lengthy weather delay during the second half but were able to finish match.

"The better team won tonight, obviously," Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "They wanted it more from the get-go. Tonight is one of those nights that you hope it's a massive learning experience. You just have to raise your hand and say you got beat by a better team."

Memphis will have the opportunity to put this tough loss behind them when they play at UAB Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in Birmingham. The Blazers suffered a 4-0 loss at the hands of nationally ranked Auburn Friday night.

Sanderson's goal, which came with the Tigers already trailing 2-0 in the first half, was scored off of a rebound after a blocked shot. Marissa Duguay and Elysia Masters were credited with assists.

"We have a talented group but we need to learn that no matter who the opponent is we have to fight and scrap and tonight we just didn't have it. We made some costly mistakes and they punished us. The stats were very similar but they just finished their chances," Monaghan said.

The stats were very even throughout the match with Samford holding a slight 16-15 edge in shots and Memphis managing seven corner kicks to Samford's four. Each goalkeeper made five saves in the match.

"Hopefully we can look back and view this as a valuable lesson and say this was a key moment in our season as a learning point. You can't dwell on one game and you can't let one game determine who you are. I'm expecting the girls to come out flying with something to prove Sunday," said Monaghan.