Men's Soccer Falls to FIU

Sunday, October 15

Miami, Fla.

12:00 PM

University of Memphis

-950, 230 CUSA

Florida International

-662, 230 CUSA

Memphis

Fla. International

Freshman Brian Farrell recorded two shots in Sunday's contest.

Oct 15, 2006 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Oct. 15, 2006

Box Score

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MIAMI, Fla.- Senior forward David Hope provided all the scoring for Florida International on Sunday, scoring in the eighth minute of play and again in the 87th as the University of Memphis men's soccer team fell to the Golden Panthers 2-0. The Tigers drop to 9-5-0 and 2-3-0 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Golden Panthers improve to 6-6-2, and 2-3-0 in C-USA.

"Their forwards played particularly well today. They caused us some problems today," head coach Richie Grant said. "It was a pretty evenly matched game, but you have to give credit to them."

Hope's first goal came eight minutes into the first half off a pass from Oli Birgisson at the top of the box. Hope drove home the first goal to the bottom right corner of the net. The Tigers tried to keep up the offensive pressure, but were unable to find the back of the net with five first half shots and trailed 1-0 at halftime.

Memphis came out in the second half and stayed aggressive on the attack. The Tigers fired six shots in the second half and had five corners in the second period. However, the FIU defense led by goalkeeper Kyle Thomas, held the Tigers scoreless.

The Golden Panthers second goal came with just over three minutes left and the Tigers crashing the FIU net in an attempt to tie the game. Levi Coleman broke away with the ball pushed past the remaining Memphis defense. Coleman found teammate Cory Kendall whose shot was saved by Tiger goalkeeper Michael Goodlett. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Hope was there for the rebound and put in the insurance goal for the 2-0 final.

"I thought our possession was good today," Grant said. "We just didn't create enough chances with our possessions. Brian Farrell worked very hard up front, and Jordan Lynn had another good game in the midfield, but Florida International is a strong team, and playing on the road in this conference is always tough."

The Tigers will now return to Memphis and prepare for the season's final homestand which begins when No. 1 SMU comes to Mike Rose Soccer Complex on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Tigers are just 281 fans away from breaking the single season attendance record of 3,066 set in 2003. As usual, all University of Memphis students will receive free admission with a valid student ID along with any child wearing a soccer jersey.

"It's going to be alumni weekend, so it's going to be an exciting game on our schedule," Grant said. "We're looking forward to it, and the motivation will take care of itself for that game."

The Tigers will wrap up their home schedule against Marshall on Oct. 25 followed by the season's final road trip to No. 18 Kentucky on Oct. 28.