University of Memphis Athletics
Women's Soccer to Host ECU in Conference Opener
Sep 28, 2006 | Women's Soccer
Sept. 28, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis women's soccer team is set to open its Conference USA schedule Friday when it hosts East Carolina at 7 p.m. at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex for the first of a two match home stand.
Memphis (4-4-1) is looking to find its scoring, which has been absent for several of its recent matches. After an opening weekend that saw the Lady Tigers get off to a 2-0 start and rack up 15 goals, the team has struggled to find its offensive footing. Memphis has gone 2-4-1 over its last seven matches with only four goals.
Every time the Lady Tigers have scored a goal in 2006, they have won. Memphis is 4-0 in matches it has scored in and has shutout its opponent in each of those contests.
Despite any struggles by the team thus far in the season, Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan is confident in his squad's ability, and views C-USA play as a chance for new start.
"We have as much talent as any team I have had since I've been at Memphis," Monaghan said. "It's been frustrating up to this point because things haven't clicked the way they could have, but I think that this match can be a galvanizing point for our team. It's a chance for us to start fresh, relax and just play our game."
East Carolina comes into Friday's match after tying Francis Marion 0-0 on Sunday. The Pirates are lead offensively by forward Amy Szilard and goalkeeper Amber Campbell has 13 saves in ECU's last two matches.
"This is a smart team," said Monaghan. "They play smart soccer, and they are not going to beat themselves. If we relax and play our game then I think we can be successful."
Memphis will play the second match of its weekend home stand Sunday when it hosts Marshall at 1 p.m.
