Feb. 20, 2004

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- - After being snowed-out in Dallas, the University of Memphis men's soccer team will open its spring campaign on Sat., Feb. 21, in the Fourth Annual Memphis Cup Tournament. For the second consecutive year Christian Brothers University, Rhodes College, Lambuth University and Memphis will make up this tournament field. Admission for the tournament is free.

Memphis won the Inaugural Memphis Cup tournament in 2001, defeating CBU 2-0. However, in 2002, Rhodes came away victorious as the Lynx edged the Tigers in penalty kicks after ending regulation in a 0-0 tie. CBU earned the Memphis Cup title last after defeating Rhodes in the Championship match.

The Tigers went 1-1 in last year's Cup Tournament, handing Lambuth a 2-1 defeat before falling to Rhodes on penalty kicks,

"We are pleased to continue the tradition of this event with CBU and Rhodes," Tiger head coach Richie Grant said. "Our squad is looking forward to competing in and 11-a-side game."

Lambuth head coach Paul Conway has close ties to the Memphis program as he assisted Grant for three years in the Tiger soccer program.

The Memphis Cup will be played at Rhodes College and Echles Field. Rhodes and CBU will open the Tournament at 9 a.m., followed by Memphis and Lambuth at 10:30 a.m. Both games will be played at Rhodes. A consolation match will be played at 2 p.m., between the losers of both matches and the Cup championship match will round out the tournament at 3:30 p.m. The final two matches will be held at Echles Field.