Aug. 18, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis men's soccer program will open preseason practice on Wednesday morning, Aug. 19 at 8:30 a.m., at the Park Avenue Campus. The Tiger squad will look to build off a 6-11-2 season last year, which included a third-place finish in the Conference USA standings.

Richie Grant's squad returns nine players who saw extensive playing time for the Tigers last season led by returning goal scorer Parker Duncan, a sophomore from Johnson City, Tenn., who tallied six goals and one assist on his way to a C-USA All-Freshman team selection. Duncan was also selected to the All-C-USA third team. Duncan will be joined up front by senior Brian Farrell and junior Ryan Ruble. Memphis also brings back goalkeeper Michael Goodlett, who posted a 1.30 goals against average in 18 matches, including four shutouts. Goodlett will be joined in the back by returnees Rick Alleman, a senior, junior Rory O'Connor and Thomas Shannon, a sophomore. At midfielder, Memphis returns sophomore Cody McCoy, a product of Knoxville, Tenn.

The U of M squad will welcome several new faces to the fold in 2009, with 11 newcomers joining the fray. The group is led by US Under-18 National Team member Justin Watson, a native of Myrtle Beach, S.C., who will bring his speed and goal-scoring prowess to Memphis' attack this season. Watson is joined by native Memphian, J.J. Greer, a graduate of Christian Brothers High School, in being two of several newcomers who will look to see playing time in their initial seasons in the Bluff City.

"With so many new faces on the team this year, we are excited to get back on the field," said Memphis head coach Richie Grant.

The Tigers will play exhibition matches against Christian Brothers on Aug. 23 and against perennial men's soccer power Saint Louis on Aug. 26, before opening the season on national television against Bradley on Sept. 4 in Peoria, Ill. The game will begin at 10 p.m. (CST) and will be aired live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Fans interested in purchasing season tickets for Memphis men's soccer can visit the ticket office located on the North end of the Athletic Office Building. Season tickets cost $40 for the Tigers' eight homes games at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.