University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Express Capture Tim McCage Title
Apr 08, 2002 | Men's Soccer
April 8, 2002
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Express of the newly-formed PDL took home first-place honors after winning six consecutive matches at the second annual Tim McCage Seven-A-Side tournament on Saturday, April 6th at Echles Field.
"It was an excellent tournament," said head coach Richie Grant. "Everything about the event was just top-notch. The referees did an excellent job and showed tremendous character by battling all day long at no charge. It was a great way to give back and help some great causes as well."
The tournament, hosted by the U of M, donated all proceeds to the Soccer United Relief Fund in honor of the September 11th tragedies and also the newly formed John Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund and consisted of a 20-team field boasting the likes of local programs in CBU, Central Arkansas, Rhodes College and several alumni squads from in/around Memphis and the surrounding areas. Tiger recruit Dayton O'Brien (ECS) , a member of the champion Express, was named the Player of the Tournament after a dominating performance in the final against the University of Central Arkansas, who advanced past CBU in the other semi-final.
"Dayton was just tremendous down the stretch for them (Express)," offered Grant. "He just mixed in superbly with their attack. Hopefully it's an indication of the type of success he can have at Memphis."
The Express actually sent two squads into Saturday's event with both possessing a wealth of former Tiger talent, old and new. But after the second team fell to Memphis in the quarterfinals, only the eventual champion remained.
The Tigers, consisting of current players in Clark Talley, Kirk Ricketts and Justin Dyer, reached the semi-finals of the all-day tournament before the defeat to the eventual champion Express. Easily the highlight of the day, the all-Memphis semi-final displayed a decade of U of M excellence as O'Brien and former Tigers' Clinton Browne, Russell Church and current head women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan put on a show to lead the Express past the Tigers' and into the championship round. Also playing for the Express was former MLS standout Tony Kuhn.
