April 8, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women's soccer squad took to the pitch again on Wednesday evening to face rival Ole Miss. The Lady Tigers played the Rebels to a 0-0 tie.

"Overall I'm pleased with our performance tonight," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "Ole Miss is a quality team and we always have a battle. I thought there were moments when we created some good chances and I thought that we created enough scoring opportunities to put us in a spot to win the game, but unfortunately were not lucky enough to get the final blow on any of our chances."

The first half was a defensive battle where both teams struggled to gain control. Both squads were able to work the ball deep in the defensive zone, but could not seem to find great opportunities to score.

"We started a little slow," said Monaghan. "Our warm ups were quiet and we started the game a little bit quiet. Play was a little quiet at the beginning of the second half too."

Ole Miss was able to come out and control play and flow early in the second period. Later in the second half, as the field became slick, the Lady Tigers were able to create a few more quality scoring opportunities, but were ultimately unable to capitalize.

"I thought they controlled most of the play for a while and then we bounced back," said Monaghan. "I told the girls that I was happy with the performance. I'm not ecstatic, but at the end of the day we are playing against tough competition. The spring is not all about results and I think we can take some good things from today and there were things that we can learn from."

The Lady Tigers have one full week to hit the practice field to prepare for the final game of the spring slate scheduled for next Thursday.

"We talked about being more consistent," said Monaghan. "It is very hard to come out and dominate a team like Ole Miss, but our energy level was inconsistent and our communication level was quiet at times. We have some new players playing different positions, but offensively we are creating good opportunities and that's the kind of good things that we're looking for."

The final home match of the spring for the Lady Tigers is against Arkansas State on Thursday, April 16 at Mike Rose Soccer Complex with a 7:00 p.m. starting time.