University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Memphis Wins 2-0 in First Exhibition Match
Aug 12, 2015 | Women's Soccer
Senior defenders Elysia Masters and Diamond Simpson each scored in the win
Memphis played stout defense and took advantage of a pair of set-piece opportunities to claim a 2-0 win over Southeast Missouri in the Tigers' first of two exhibition matches this week. Senior defenders Elysia Masters and Diamond Simpson both scored and contributed to the clean sheet defensively.
"Tonight was a little of what is expected from the first exhibition game. That's why it's so important to play these games," said Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan. "We played 60 very solid minutes of soccer but our first 30 minutes were not good. During that period Maryse (Bard-Marel) made a great save to keep us in the game. That's what veteran goalkeepers are supposed to do. We improved from there."
After playing a scoreless first half against the Redhawks, Masters and the Tigers grabbed the lead on a direct free kick in the 63rd minute. The senior whipped the ball into the box and it sailed into the top corner for the opener.
Masters was the provider on the second goal, hitting a corner kick to the back post that was tapped across the line by Simpson in the 85th minute.
"The last two days we've been working on our set pieces. The statistics are crazy with how many goals are scored on set pieces. We have to be able to take advantage of those opportunities this season. They are so critical in the women's game," Monagahan said.
Masters and Simpson were also effective defensively, holding SEMO to just six total shots in the match. Bard-Martel, who played all 90 minutes, was only called on to make one other save outside of the first 30 minutes.
"Defensively we were pretty solid, outside of that first 30 minutes. I have so much faith in the seniors at the back. Once the game settled down they played great. They just did their job," said Monaghan.
The exhibition match provided the opportunity for eight of the Tigers' 10 freshmen to play in the match.
Memphis finished with 12 total shots in the match. The Tigers allowed SEMO to have seven corner kicks, while Memphis had just two.
Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Starkville, Miss. to face Mississippi State, Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the team's final exhibition match.
"Tonight was a little of what is expected from the first exhibition game. That's why it's so important to play these games," said Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan. "We played 60 very solid minutes of soccer but our first 30 minutes were not good. During that period Maryse (Bard-Marel) made a great save to keep us in the game. That's what veteran goalkeepers are supposed to do. We improved from there."
After playing a scoreless first half against the Redhawks, Masters and the Tigers grabbed the lead on a direct free kick in the 63rd minute. The senior whipped the ball into the box and it sailed into the top corner for the opener.
Masters was the provider on the second goal, hitting a corner kick to the back post that was tapped across the line by Simpson in the 85th minute.
"The last two days we've been working on our set pieces. The statistics are crazy with how many goals are scored on set pieces. We have to be able to take advantage of those opportunities this season. They are so critical in the women's game," Monagahan said.
Masters and Simpson were also effective defensively, holding SEMO to just six total shots in the match. Bard-Martel, who played all 90 minutes, was only called on to make one other save outside of the first 30 minutes.
"Defensively we were pretty solid, outside of that first 30 minutes. I have so much faith in the seniors at the back. Once the game settled down they played great. They just did their job," said Monaghan.
The exhibition match provided the opportunity for eight of the Tigers' 10 freshmen to play in the match.
Memphis finished with 12 total shots in the match. The Tigers allowed SEMO to have seven corner kicks, while Memphis had just two.
Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Starkville, Miss. to face Mississippi State, Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the team's final exhibition match.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's SoccerSaturday, November 22
Saturday, November 15
Monday, November 10
Monday, November 10