Memphis/UTEP Notes

Sept. 30, 2009

Memphis, Tenn. - After a 2-0 start to the C-USA schedule, the Lady Tiger soccer team returns to the Mike Rose Soccer Complex on Friday to host the UTEP Miners (8-2-0, 2-0-0 C-USA). Kick-off for Friday’s match is scheduled for 7 pm.

“Obviously our goal is to repeat as conference champions and in order to do that you have to win a bunch of games in conference,” said head coach Brooks Monaghan. “This weekend is extremely important not only in conference, but the big picture of everything. We play UTEP and Colorado College, which are good teams, this weekend and we have our handfuls with both of them. If we can get out of this weekend with two more victories we will be in good shape.”

The UTEP Miners bring a five-game win streak into Friday night’s contest against Memphis. The Miners haven’t lost since Sept. 6 against Utah Valley. The five-game win streak has seen the Miners outscore their opponents 13-4, including shutout victories over Sam Houston State and Tulsa.

Memphis (7-3-0, 2-0-0 C-USA) enters Friday’s match with a three-game win streak, all shutout victories. Reigning C-USA Defensive Player of the Week Elise Kuhar-Pitters leads Memphis into the second weekend of conference action having made five saves and recording two shutouts on the road at Southern Miss and UCF. Kuhar-Pitters has recorded two shutouts on the road against ranked opponents (#25 LSU & #20 UCF) and ranks third in career shutouts at the U of M. The Spokane, Wash., native ranks first in C-USA with a 0.67 goals against average.

Junior forward Ashley Berra connected on her team-leading sixth goal of the season Friday at Southern Miss and looks to remain tied for first among C-USA goal scorers with the two matches this weekend. Berra also ranks second in C-USA with 14 points. Junior midfielder Vendula Strnadova ranks second in C-USA with 33 shots this season.

UTEP leads C-USA with 220 shots the game while Memphis is second with 185. UTEP has placed 92 shots on goal this season compared to Memphis placing 88 shots on goal. The Lady Tigers lead C-USA in goals allowed a game at 0.60 and will have to stop the Miners who lead C-USA with 2.40 goals per game.

“I think UTEP is very dangerous going forward and our defense has to be at their best to stop to be able to shut them down,” Monaghan said. “It will be a great challenge for us to shut them down and hopefully we will be up for it.”

Lady Tiger leading scorer Ashley Berra along with sophomore goalkeeper Elise Kuhar-Pitters were recently interviewed by Memphis Tigers All-Access. Goalkeepers coach Jonny Walker was also interviewed and all three interviews can be seen on the Memphis Tigers All-Access page.

Friday’s match is Pouncer’s Pals Night. Pouncer’s Pals members can enjoy the game for free and time with Pouncer and the spirit squads. Tickets for the match can be purchased at the gate of the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Adult (13 and up) tickets are $5 while youth (6-12) tickets are $3. Children 5 and under will be admitted for free. U of M students can get in for free with a valid Student-ID. To purchase tickets in advance call (901) 678-2331 or 1-888-867-UofM.