Aug. 13, 2010

Box Score

Box Score

Memphis, Tenn. - Freshman midfielder/forward Christabel Oduro netted an unassisted goal in the 49th minute to lift the University of Memphis women's soccer team to a 1-1 draw with Western Kentucky in a preseason exhibition match Bowling Green, Ky., on Friday.

"We got better as the game progressed tonight," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "I didn't expect perfection from the team tonight because we knew we would be playing a lot of players tonight. Everybody that was healthy played tonight and it is always hectic when newcomers are on the field trying to gel with the other student-athletes."

WKU was awarded a penalty kick in the 26th minute after the Lady Tiger defense was whistled for their physical play. Hilltopper midfielder Kelsey Meyer converted the penalty kick to give WKU the 1-0 advantage.

"We weren't happy with the team at the half," said Monaghan about his coaching staff. "We started the game strong then went into a slump. We picked it up in the second half and progressed well. Preseason is good because it really shows what you need to work on and we will work on those things as we prepare for the season opener next week."

As a starting midfielder, Oduro collected the ball from about 30 yards out and dribbled to the 18-yard box and fired a shot to the right of WKU goalkeeper Libby Stout to collect the game-tying goal in the 49th minute. Oduro finished the match with four shots to lead all players. Freshman Rasheeda Ansari received the start at forward and collected two shots on goal. The Lady Tigers finished the game having outshot the Hilltoppers 11-4.

"Most of the game we had two freshmen in the midfield," said Monaghan. We have to get our midfield playing together instead of individuals. Overall the newcomers did well and showed their capability. We are extremely excited about this group and it will take them some time to adapt to our system and produce to their capabilities." Junior netminder Jordan Boyle played the full 90 minutes in net Friday night, finishing with one save. The Memphis defense limited WKU to four shots in the match and only two shots on goal.

The Lady Tigers will open the 2010 regular season schedule at Saint Louis on Aug. 20 at 5:00 p.m. Memphis opens the 11-match home schedule on Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. against Samford at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Season tickets for both men's and women's soccer matches are available by calling (901) 678-2331.