University of Memphis Athletics
Tigers Draw with Colaiste Ide 1-1
Apr 01, 2002 | Men's Soccer
March 23, 2002
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. - The Memphis Tiger soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with visiting Irish soccer academy Colaiste Ide in front of a rowdy crowd of 250 at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, Saturday evening.
As part of a weeklong event, several Colaiste Ide teams trained along with the U of M men's and women's soccer squads leading up to Saturday evening's exhibition between the Tigers and Colaiste Ide's number one club.
The crowd, comprised mostly of Colaiste Ide supporters and players, helped the visiting international team take the early 1-0 lead entering halftime after center forward Daniel Ronan converted a breakaway. Following the break, Memphis then quickly re-grouped for the equilizer less than 15 minutes into the second half when rising senior forward Kirk Ricketts slammed home rising sophomore Matt Bryant's (Memphis, Tenn./Ridgeway HS) serve off a corner kick to produce a 1-1 tie.
Ronan, who is being heavily recruited by the U of M, had a late chance for the game-winner but was ultimately denied by Tiger goalkeeper Clark Talley on yet another dramatic breakaway attempt.
"It was tremendous to have all the teams here representing Colaiste Ide," said Tiger head coach Richie Grant. "It made for a great exhibition game and it was definitely the highlight of the week."
Tiger recruit Gary Connelly, a native of Dundalk, Ireland, played with his current Colaiste Ide teammates in the exhibition, but hopefully got a taste of what to expect from his new teammates and his upcoming future in Memphis Tiger soccer.
