Aug. 24, 2010

Cover it Live Wrap-Up

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The men's soccer team hosted Brazilian power Botafogo, Tuesday night, in a clash between two young squads looking to improve. The Tigers, behind a second-half goal from junior defender Thomas Shannon, defeated the Fogao, 1-0.

With 11 freshman on the squad, many youngsters are getting an early chance to make their mark. Newcomers Maxim Van Dyck, Austin Gross and Will Garcia all made the starting 11 for the Tigers in their third preseason match.

The Tigers had chances early on, with junior Parker Duncan and redshirt freshman Mark Sherrod each challenging the keeper in the first half. Sherrod led the Tigers with four of Memphis' 12 shots. Duncan added three shots of his own for the Tigers.

The second half was finally the breakthrough for the U of M. Early in the second, the Tigers earned one of their seven corner kicks in the match, taken by Van Dyck. The left-footer lofted the ball towards the back post, and Shannon redirected it past keeper Rafael de Carvalho for the score.

The match turned dicey towards the end, with Mendonca from Botafogo being shown a red card for unnecessarily rough play.

Sophomore netminder Jordan Leedle started in goal for the Tigers, with freshman Martin Hunter coming in after the intermission. Neither keeper gave up a goal, with Leedle posting two saves and Hunter coming away with one, as well as credit for the victory.