University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
2-1-2
Missouri State University
3-1-1
Tigers Battle Bears to Deadlock
Sep 14, 2014 | Men's Soccer
MEM-SBU-BOX SCORE (PDF)
DALLAS, TX - Memphis and Missouri State were named co-champions of the SMU Invitational after a 0-0 draw on Sunday afternoon at Westcott Field.
The tie moved Memphis to 3-1-1 on the season, while Missouri State moved to 2-1-2.
"Anytime a game ends at zero going through 90 minutes and the extra 20 for overtime, you would say that it was just a feeling out process where neither team wanted to make any crucial mistakes," Coach Richard Mulrooney said. "There were some opportunities, and they had some too, but at the end of the day I think it was probably a fair result."
It was a defensive battle for most of the game, as neither team was able to get many shots in the first half. Danny Lane recorded the lone shot for the Tigers in the 28th minute, but it was blocked.
At the half, Missouri State led in the shots department 3-1, but neither goalkeeper had to be called into action.
Memphis came out in the second half with a couple of early shots. In the 61st minute, Alec Velez came the closest to scoring when he hit the post. It wasn't until a 78th-minute shot from Chandler Gagnon that one of the teams put a shot on target.
As the clock ran out on regulation, Cody Uzcategui had made two saves, while Missouri State's Addison Watson had made one.
The two overtimes went like the first two halves, with neither defense allowing the offenses to get good looks. A last second shot forced Uzcategui to make the lone save of the overtime periods.
It was the third straight shutout for the Tiger defense, continuing a string of strong performances from the backline.
"We've learned from our mistakes," Mulrooney said. "We took a beating from Louisville in the preseason, and obviously UAB popped three on us. When you start getting those beatings, you start to tell yourself `I don't want that to happen again. I'm going to correct my mistakes and move on from it.' I think we've gotten better, and more importantly as a team we've gotten better. We're always going to give up some opportunities because that's the game of soccer. I just think the opportunities we are giving up aren't as clear cut as the beginning of the year."
The Tigers return to action next weekend as they travel to Nashville, Tenn. to play in the Hyatt Place Select Lipscomb Invitational. They'll face Lipscomb on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Belmont on Sunday at noon.
