Feb. 16, 2005

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis men's soccer team begins its spring schedule in Texas with an exhibition game against Major League Soccer's FC Dallas on Saturday.

It is the second year in a row the Tigers have met up with FC Dallas, formerly known as the Dallas Burn. The scrimmage is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the University of Texas at Dallas soccer field.

"This game is a great opportunity for our players to experience the highest levels of soccer in this country," said Memphis head coach Richie Grant. "It gives our players a good focus for our spring training sessions. Both teams have practical reasons for the game in preparing for the 2005 season."

Last year the Tigers lost 4-0 to FC Dallas who used their starters for a large portion of the game.

"FC Dallas is very competitive," Grant said. "Last year we saw 20 of their players. Their style of play is really a lesson on how to compete. They will take the game seriously because no MLS team wants to lose to a college squad."

The Memphis spring soccer schedule will run through May. After returning from Dallas, the Tigers will play in the annual Memphis Cup against Rhodes College and Christian Brothers University on Saturday, Feb. 26. Additional spring games scheduled includes a fifth-annual home match-up at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex against Colaiste Ide. Grant and current Tiger players Cormac McArdle, Gavin McInerney, Gary Connolly and Michael Coburn are all former players of the team out of Ireland. A tournament with UAB and Furman is also scheduled along with a Holland/Belgium tour in May.

"Once again we have a strong spring schedule that we will use to prepare for the demands of Conference USA next season," Grant said. "It is very important for us to continue with a strong selection of games."

Spring 2005 Men's Soccer Schedule
Feb. 19	FC Dallas		Texas at Dallas	10 a.m.
Feb. 26	Memphis Cup
	Memphis vs CBU	Rhodes Field	1 p.m.
	Memphis vs Rhodes	Rhodes Field	1 p.m.
Mar. 14	Colaiste Ide	MRSC		7:30 p.m.
April 2	Tim McCage 7 v 7	Echles Field	All Day
April 9	UAB and Furman	Birmingham, Ala.
May 5-15	Holland/Belgium Tour