Nov. 4, 2007

Box Score

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The University of Memphis women's soccer team traveled to East Carolina University today, for their last regular season game of the season and a chance to become Co-C-USA Regular Season Champions for the first time in school history, with conference foe UCF. In a hard fought battle, Memphis topped East Carolina, 2-1, giving the Pirates their first loss at home this season. Memphis now 14-3-1, improves on its best record ever in school history.

"We're extremely excited. We worked really hard and the ladies deserved the win," said Coach Monaghan. "I am proud of the team. One of our goals this season was to win the regular season and we did."

The Lady Tigers and Pirates ended the first half, with a score of, 0-0. The period saw seven shots taken by both teams combined. The Memphis defense has been able to hold teams to 7.5 shots per game all season.

"During the first half the game was back and forth. Both teams had a few chances in the second half, but we came out ready to play," added Monaghan.

Six minutes into the second half, freshman forward Ashley Berra put the Lady Tigers on the board first as she connected with the ball off an assist from Kate Murphy, to make the score 1-0, Memphis. Less than three minutes later Berra scored again, unassisted, on a ball that went right over the goalkeepers head.

Coming into the match up, East Carolina was ranked No. 1 in the conference in goals allowed, goals against average and shutouts. Memphis was ranked No. 2 in shots, goals and points, while holding the No. 1 spot in goals per game.

"Ashley scored two great goals and I am happy for her. Everyone played well today. The character of the group this year is really good," said Monaghan. "East Carolina is a very good team. We were fortunate to get a win. Coming into today's match we knew that they were undefeated at home. The team came out ready to play today and we are delighted for the win. Now we have to get ready for Wednesday."

The Lady Tigers will now prepare for the 2007 C-USA women's soccer championship. This year's tournament will be held at UTEP, in El Paso, Texas. The first round of games will be played on Wednesday, Nov. 7, followed by the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 9, with the championship game being held on Sunday, Nov. 11. Memphis will head into the tournament as the No. 2 seed.