Aug. 12, 2010

Memphis, Tenn.- The three-time defending Conference USA Champion University of Memphis women’s soccer team will break from the preseason practice regimen and travel to Bowling Green, Ky., on Friday for an exhibition match against Western Kentucky University at 6:00 p.m.

“It is great to get out there and play against someone other than your own teammates,” said head coach Brooks Monaghan. “I think this will be a great match to prepare us for the start of the season because Western Kentucky is a quality program.”

Memphis will field 10 of 11 starters from the 2009 C-USA Championship squad in 2010. The Lady Tigers have 21 returning letterwinners and seven newcomers to add to the experienced squad.

“Our number one approach is next Friday, not this match,” said Monaghan. “We have some players with some minor injuries so we are going to be a little bit cautious with our approach to this game. Every time you step on the field, you hope to win, but it is an exhibition match and we may hold out some players.”

WKU finished the 2009 campaign with a record of 14-4-2 and return five starters from the 2009 SunBelt Conference third place squad. Memphis faced the Hilltoppers for the first time in program history a season ago going away with a hard fought 3-0 victory.

Following the preseason match, the Lady Tigers will open their 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 the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Season tickets to both men’s and women’s soccer matches are available for $40 by calling (901) 678-2331.