Sept. 4, 2009

 Final Stats

 Memphis, Tenn. -

Box Score

 The University of Memphis women’s soccer team was defeated by Ole Miss 1-0 Friday night at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

The rivalry game between the two Mid-South opponents drew the second-largest crowd in University of Memphis women’s soccer history with 853 fans at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

“I think it was a great atmosphere here tonight,” said head coach Brooks Monaghan. “Obviously, thank you to the fans that came out and their support helps a ton. Unfortunately we were not able to get the results we were looking for tonight but it was great to get the support we received tonight and hopefully it continues.  We have a good team and I am not scared to say that, but we have things to work on.”

Ole Miss netted the only goal of the match in the 77^th minute on a rebounded shot on the left side of goalkeeper Elise Kuhar-Pitters by Lady Rebels forward Kendyl Mygatt. Kuhar-Pitters faced two shots on the night with a great effort by the Memphis defenders.

“I thought it was a good game, fairly even game tonight. You have to credit to Ole Miss for the way they came out hungry from the first whistle,” Monaghan said. “I hope this game gives us a little bit more fire. We are a good team but we aren’t good enough to just step on the field and win with Memphis on our jerseys and win games against quality opponents.  Our girls have to come out like they did against LSU, with something to prove.”

The Lady Tigers were limited to nine shots in the match with five shots being saved by Lady Rebels goalkeeper Alley Ronaldi. Senior captain Laura Laufenberg and junior forward Ashley Berra paced the Lady Tigers with two shots in the match.

Ronaldi picked up her third win of the 2009 season and her second-consecutive shutout. Kuhar-Pitters falls to 2-1-0 in the 2009 campaign.

Memphis’ defense has limited opponents to only 13 shots through three matches. Opponents have placed only three shots on goal, due to the Lady Tigers defensive pressure.

“For us the beauty is we have another game Sunday,” Monaghan said. “You hope to learn from certain things during the season and hopefully this is something you can take a lot from. This might be the best thing for us even though I hate to say that. If we take the right things from this game we will get a lot better. We are obviously disappointed to lose to rival Ole Miss, but we will bounce back and be ready to go Sunday.”

Memphis returns to Mike Rose Soccer Complex on Sunday at 1 pm to face Western Kentucky University. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the gate of Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Adult (13 and up) tickets are $5 while youth (6-12) tickets are $3. Children 5 and under will be admitted for free. U of M students can get in for free with a valid Student-ID.