March 9, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis men's soccer program will host "Kicks for a Cause" on Wed., March 24 at 7 p.m., at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The event will feature a game between the Memphis men's soccer team and the Colaiste Ide Prep program from Dublin, Ireland. Admission for the game is $2. All proceeds and donations will go straight to the Red Cross to benefit their efforts in regards to the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12.

"We are really pleased to be able to put on this event for such a good cause," said Memphis head coach Richie Grant. "We are very excited about the support that we have had from the community so far as we prepare for the event on March 24. This game has been a joint effort between the people at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, the local soccer community and the University of Memphis."

The game will serve as an exhibition match for the Tigers, who are coming off a 7-7-2 season during the 2009 season. Memphis comes into the match with a young but seasoned squad that includes 2009 All-C-USA third team selection Andreas Guentner and 2009 C-USA All-Freshman selection J.J. Greer. The Tigers also return Parker Duncan, a junior-to-be who has led the Tigers in scoring each of the last two seasons, as well as defender Thomas Shannon, who connected on three crucial penalty kicks last season.

Colaiste Ide has been responsible for producing several Tigers over the past few years, including current defender Rory O'Connor. The native of Dublin, Ireland, will be a senior for the Tigers in 2010. Included in the list of former Colaiste Ide players are 2009 senior Brian Farrell, 2008 graduates Michael Coburn, a first team All-C-USA defender, and Thomas Hyland. Both Coburn and Hyland currently play for teams in the League of Ireland.