University of Memphis Athletics
No. 17 Memphis Takes on Perennial Power Creighton
Oct 06, 2006 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 6, 2006
Creighton Match Notes in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Eager to put a 1-0 loss to C-USA rival UCF behind them, the 17th-ranked University of Memphis men's soccer program returns to Mike Rose Soccer Complex where they have not lost in over a month. The Tigers (8-3-0, 1-2-0 C-USA) will face a difficult challenge in the form of the Creighton Bluejays (6-3-0, 1-0-1 MVC) an Elite Eight squad last season.
"Creighton has been to the last 14 NCAA tournaments, three final fours, and the Elite Eight last year. So, this is a team with a lot of experience and is highly competitive," head coach Richie Grant said. "This is going to be a very important regional game. So we need to be at our best on Saturday if we expect to have a chance at winning."
The Tigers, who were shut out last game for the first time since Sept.1 against No. 5 Clemson, will look to regain the scoring punch that put them tied for 11th in the nation in scoring average at 2.4 goals per game.
"We've been training hard since we got back from Florida. We were a little bit tentative against UCF. We can't approach the Creighton game that way," Grant said. "I think we need to be brave on the ball, we need to be confident and we need to take the game to them. We've gotten where we are by being fearless and playing brave, and we just need to get back to that for the last six games of the season."
The Tiger attack will be bolstered by the return of sophomore midfielder Tripp Harkins. Harkins was knocked unconscious and suffered a concussion, a fractured nose, and an orbital floor. Harkins has proved to be a reliable scoring threat, tying for the team lead by notching six goals and two assists in 10 games.
"He trained the other day and they're fitting him for a mask. He might look a little like Hannibal Lecter, but he can play," Grant said. "He's going to be ready to go, and we're really looking forward to having him back in the lineup. He's a tough lad, and we really like what he does for us out on the field."
Kickoff for Saturday's match is set for 1:00 p.m. at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Any child wearing a soccer jersey will receive free admission. There are only four more men's soccer home matches remaining as the Tigers try to make a run at postseason play. UAB comes to town on Oct. 11 followed by a match-up against No. 1 SMU on Oct. 21. The home schedule wraps up with Marshall on Oct. 25.
"It's been a great year in terms of our fans supporting the program. We've had a great home schedule and we've played well in front of our home crowds," Grant said. "We're hoping they keep coming out because we have some big games remaining with Creighton, UAB, SMU and Marshall, and our lads have really responded well to their support."
Two-Headed Monster
The Memphis defense has led the Tigers to an 8-3-0 record and held opponents to just 13 goals in 11 games. One of the biggest reasons for the Tigers success on defense has been the goalkeeping tandem of junior Tyler Strom and freshman Michael Goodlett. The duo has combined for 35 saves, which ranks the Tigers third in the conference in that category.
"Our goalkeeping has been very solid for us this year," Grant said. "And, it's going to have to stay that way the rest of the year in order for us to be competitive against the type of schedule we have. Michael has really come along strong for such a young player, and Tyler is playing with lots of confidence right now and really gives us an advantage with his kicking game. I've been very pleased with them this year."
Series History
Memphis will try to record its first victory in school history over Creighton on Saturday. In two previous games, the Tigers are 0-1-1 against the Bluejays. The first match between the schools occurred in 2001 at Creighton, where the teams played to a scoreless tie. The Tigers went out to Omaha once again in 2005 and lost to the Blujays in the second match-up by a score of 3-1. Saturday's match will be the first between the two schools at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. "Last year's trip out to Creighton was very difficult for us," Grant said. "It will be nice to have a team of that caliber at on our home schedule this time."
Tigers in the National Rankings
Through Games of Oct. 1
Team: Scoring Offense: 11th (2.4 goals per game) Win-Loss-Tie Percentage: 15th (0.8)
Individual: Points per Game: Kevin Walsh 11th (2.11) Goals per Game: Kevin Walsh 28 (0.67) Assists per Game: Kevin Walsh 5th (0.78)
Upcoming Milestones
Tripp Harkins needs one goal to surpass10 in his career.
Adam Montgomery will play his 50th collegiate game today against Creighton
Kevin Walsh needs three assists to reach 15 in his collegiate career.
