Men’s Soccer Drops Conference Opener Against Cincinnati

Saturday, September 24

Memphis, Tenn.

7:00 PM

University of Memphis

5-4-0, 0-1-0AAC

Cincinnati

5-3-0, 1-0-0AAC

Cincinnati

Memphis

Men’s Soccer Drops Conference Opener Against Cincinnati

Sep 24, 2016 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Tigers first loss at home this season, Cincinnati with two unanswered goals

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis men's soccer team dropped the conference opener Saturday evening by a score of 2-1 to Cincinnati. The Bearcats scored two unanswered goals to come away with the their first three points of the conference season.

The setback puts Memphis at 5-4-0 overall and 0-1-0 in American Athletic Conference play. This was the first loss at home this season for Memphis.

Memphis came out strong, taking command early over Cincinnati. After several chances at scoring, the ball finally bounced in favor of the Tigers in the 18^th minute. Josh Burnett registered his first goal of the season on a ball from David Zalzman.

Not quite 20 minutes later, Cincinnati scored the equalizing goal off the foot of David Sanz. Sanz beat his defender down the right side to get a good look at goal.

The Tigers held the slight advantage at the half, outshooting Cincinnati 6-5.

Once again in the second half, Memphis came out strong and multiple offensive chances were created. Unfortunately for the Tigers, open looks at goal resulted in saves or missed opportunities.

In the 85^th minute, Cincinnati took the lead for good on a goal by Daniel Oginni. Oginni went 1-v-1 down the heart of the field and ultimately snuck past his defender for the open shot.

The game finished tied at 12-all in shots and in all, the Memphis offense forced six Cincinnati shots. Memphis goalkeeper Jake Leeker finished the game with three saves.

The Tigers do not play a midweek game this week and will return to the pitch next Saturday at Temple. Kick-off against the Owls is slated for 6 p.m. Live stats will be available at www.gotigersgo.com and updates can be found on Twitter at @MemphisMSoccer.