Sept. 26, 2009

Final Stats

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -

Memphis/UCF Box Score

The University of Memphis men's soccer team used a 81st minute goal off of senior Rick Alleman's shot and a Parker Duncan back-heel tap in to upend the UCF Knights in the first conference game of the season for the Tigers. With the win, the U of M improves to 4-1-2 on the season and 1-0-0 in Conference USA. UCF falls to 3-3-2 with the loss, the Golden Knights are 0-1-0 in Conference USA.

"I thought it was a good game," said Memphis head coach Richie Grant. "It was open and their was some good football from both teams. They are a real handful playing three (forwards) up front. I am really pleased with the character of our team to each time the game came back to 1-1 or 2-2 we always looked like we were going to back and keep trying to score. I am really pleased (with getting) the points and the result. I thought it was a good base for us for the first game in conference."

The Tigers began the scoring in the 30th minute of Saturday night's contest with Brian Farrell's first goal of the season. Farrell shot the ball from eight yards out off of a throw in from the right side from junior midfielder Ryan Ruble. The assist was Ruble's second on the season. The native of Lee's Summit, Mo., also had an assist against Bradley.

UCF countered six minutes later on a goal from Nik Robson. Robson played a free ball in the middle of the Tiger defense past Memphis goalkeeper Michael Goodlett. Spencer Scott was credited with the assist for UCF. The goal was Robson's third of the season.

Memphis went into the locker room at halftime with a seven to four lead in shots. Both teams had two corner kicks apiece in the first half.

The Tigers went up 2-1 with a 60th minute goal by forward Parker Duncan off of a give-and-go with freshman J.J. Greer. The goal was Duncan's third of the season. The sophomore from Johnson City, Tenn., also had three assists on the season coming into Friday night's game. The assist was Greer's team-leading fifth of the year.

UCF evened up the slate with a 66th minute goal from Scott. UCF midfielder Yaron Bacher played the ball to Scott who was behind the Tiger defense. Scott put the shot in from four yards out past Goodlett.

The Tigers capped off the night with a game-winning goal from Duncan. The shot was initially put in by Alleman, the squad's senior captain from Spring, Texas, Alleman's shot was tapped in by Duncan who used the back of his heel to get it past UCF goalkeeper Shawn Doyle. The goal was Duncan's second of the night and his fourth goal of the season. The assist was Alleman's third assist of his career. Alleman was originally credited with the goal but Duncan tapped the ball in off of Alleman's shot.

"We think Rick (Alleman) is being extremely kind in giving Parker the goal," Grant said jokingly. "We know Rick is going to get his goals. We have all been waiting. Right now I would rather save it. If he wants to give this one to someone else it is fair play because he is going to get his goal."

Goodlett, a senior from Bolton, Miss., gets the win for the Tigers in goal. He improves to 4-1-2 on the season. Goodlett has allowed nine goals on the season while racking up 22 saves.

Doyle, the netminder for UCF, falls to 3-3-2 on the year. He finished the game with four saves and three goals allowed.

Memphis centerback Rory O'Connor was red carded for an altercation with a UCF player following the conclusion of the game. O'Connor will be unable to play against SMU due to the red card.

The Tigers will next take to the pitch on Sun., Oct. 4 against the SMU Mustangs. The game will be aired on tape delay on CBS College Sports.