Oct. 30, 2002

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn.-- - Marquette forward Eric Marshall scored two goals and a stingy defense held the Memphis offense to just one goal on 16 shots as the Golden Eagles slipped past Memphis, 2-1, in Conference-USA action Wednesday night at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The loss was Memphis's third straight league loss and eliminates the Tigers from any chance of post-season play.

The Tiger's put forth a strong offensive attack in the early-goings of the match, but a header by defender Chris Schmidt that would have given the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute was wiped out by an offsides call.

Minutes later Memphis (8-6-1, 2-6-0 C-USA) was forced had to play come-from-behind for the sixth consecutive game, after Marshall's first score of the evening gave Marquette (8-7-0, 6-2-0 C-USA) a 1-0 lead at the 15:15 mark. Midfielder Matt Darby and defender Andy Wagner were credited with assists on the goal.

The Golden Eagles, who stand in first place in the C-USA standings, increased the advantage to 2-nil in the 52nd minute when Marshall played a long punt by Marquette keeper Adam Ubert and slipped a sliding shot past Memphis goalie Clark Talley just inside the right post.

The Tigers managed a single score in a comeback effort when midfielder Justin Dyer headed a corner kick from Peter Cummings into the back of the net. Dyer's goal was his second of the year and preserved Memphis's streak of 19 games without being shutout. The Tigers were last shutout on October 20, 2001 when Cincinnati blanked them 1-0.

"You have to credit our young team for the way they battled," said Head Coach Richie Grant. "Unfortunately we have been behind in every conference game except one, which makes it a bit difficult to win."

Ubert made five saves in goal for Marquette. True freshman Chris Post saw his first action of the season and his career, in relief of the starter Talley, and made three saves in 31 minutes of action.

Memphis outshot Marquette 16-9, including 11-5 in the second half. The Golden Eagles committed 25 fouls in the match, 11 of which were made in the second half, against 13 by the Tigers.

Memphis will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 2, for their final home conference match when they host Saint Louis at 7 p.m. at the MRSC.