March 27, 2006

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Kolditz
wkolditz@memphis.edu, (901) 678-2444

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Going undefeated in a spring tournament hosted by Mississippi State on Saturday, the University of Memphis women's soccer team beat Southern Miss 3-1 and played MSU to a 0-0 tie. The Lady Tigers are 3-1-1 in spring competition with the only loss being a 2-1 defeat to the University of Missouri on March 19.

"We played very well as a team," said Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan. "Last weekend against Missouri, we struggled playing together. We were able to turn things around for these two games, and I'm pleased with the result. We created several opportunities to win both games."

Against Conference USA foe Southern Miss, the U of M struggled early and ended the half tied at 1-1. Memphis beat the Golden Eagles in 2005, 5-1, at home toward the end of the season. Freshman Kylie Hayes scored the Lady Tigers opening goal on an assist from sophomore Elaine Sedgewick.

"We came out flat and allowed Southern Miss to control the tempo early," Monaghan said. "Southern Miss came out with a lot of energy and played like they had something to prove after the results from the fall. It was an evenly played game in the first half, but we weren't winning many of the 50 percent chances."

In the second half, Memphis came out with a higher level intensity and put the Golden Eagles away with two goals. Junior Shoko Mikami scored both second-half goals with Geneil Newbern assisting on the two scores.

Despite numerous scoring chances against Mississippi State in the second game of the doubleheader, Memphis was unable to finish on its opportunities. The two teams finished scoreless in double overtime.

"Our focus is not necessarily on scoring but on making progress toward what we're trying to accomplish," Monaghan said. "Although we didn't score, I'm pleased with our performance. I'd rather have us play well and see no results than to have us play poorly and get the result."

The Lady Tigers played solid defense in the two games, allowing only one goal in the 200 minutes of play. Sophomore goalkeeper Isabel Briones put together two strong performances for Memphis.

The U of M will next play a spring doubleheader in Decatur, Ala., against the Region III ODP team and Kennesaw State on Sunday.