Aug. 20, 2008

Memphis, Tenn. - The reigning Conference USA Champion Lady Tigers look to start their 2008 season off right. In its 13th season, the Memphis women's soccer program begins the year as the favorite to repeat as conference champs and looks to return to the NCAA College Cup to head deeper into the tournament in `08.

The Lady Tigers wrapped up their preseason last night with an intersquad scrimmage. Both sides pushed each other to the limit the entire game and battled to a 1-1 tie.

The Lady Tigers' repeat campaign gets underway at 5:30 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 22 when they face off against Arkansas-Little Rock at Mike Rose Stadium. Memphis is coming off a tough preseason where they took on reigning Big East Conference champion, Final Four qualifier and NSCAA No. 5 ranked Notre Dame and Sun Belt Conference champion Western Kentucky.

Memphis returns 19 people to their line-up that just one year ago won the C-USA Tournament and tied for first atop the conference standings with UCF. They followed up their conference titles with their first appearance in the NCAA College Cup. The Lady Tiger's first taste of the College Cup was a short one as they were defeated by UNC Greensboro in the first round in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss.

It's a new year for the Lady Tigers and C-USA coaches voted Memphis as 2008 preseason No. 1. With the addition of nine talented new faces coupled with a plethora of experience and leadership, the Lady Tigers also have high expectations for themselves and are confident in their ability to repeat.

Head Coach Brooks Monaghan and assistant Jodi Grant commented on the upcoming season for the Lady Tigers.

"We would like to invite the fans and media to join us for the commencement of the 2008 season at Mike Rose this Friday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. when we take on the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans. The coaching staff and players hope the Memphis soccer community will help support us through this season in our pursuit of another C-USA title and NCAA College Cup experience."

Live stats are available on GameTracker and archived video including Jeff Brightwell's play by play and commentary will be available to All-Access subscribers tomorrow morning.