Memphis Blanked 1-0 by Northern Kentucky

Monday, August 31

Memphis, Tenn.

2:00 PM CT

University of Memphis

0-2

Northern Kentucky

1-1

Northern Kentucky

Memphis

Photo by: Joe Murphy

Aug 31, 2015 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Tigers had several scoring opportunities but couldn’t convert

A series of missed opportunities by Memphis and a set piece goal by Northern Kentucky were the difference, as the Tigers fell 1-0 to the NKU Norse Monday afternoon at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Memphis, who dropped to 0-2 on the season, will have another tough test next week with a trip to nationally ranked Saint Louis.

"Another tough one to swallow. It was another goal on a set play. We talked about it all week and we gave up another one," Memphis head coach Richard Mulrooney said. "There is an issue with it and we have to figure it out. We will but it cost us the game again today.

Northern Kentucky's goal came off a free kick in the 64^th minute by Johannes Jansen whipped into the box and headed in by Calvin Murphy.

Just as they did in the home opener Friday night, the Tigers created more opportunities and had more shots on target than their opponent but were unable to make them count.

Memphis fired 13 shots and forced eight saves by NKU's goalkeeper A.J. Fleak. Even though Fleak came up with the save he rarely had to move left or right. The Tigers also had eight corner kicks but couldn't convert.

"We unfortunately didn't get the quality in the final third again. We created some shots and crosses but when you're not making the most of your chances its tough to score. The guys need to look at themselves to see if they are doing enough to work on their finishing," Mulrooney said.

Freshman defender David Adams probably had Memphis' best opportunity when he fired a swerving shot from outside of the box that Fleak had to dive to save.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jake Leeker made his first career start for Memphis. The St. Louis, Mo. native made three saves in the match.

"We have a tough Saint Louis team next week. There's not a better way to rebound than in front of a great crowd in Saint Louis against a top team. We need to be up for it because of our record now," said Mulrooney.

The Tigers won't return to Mike Rose Soccer Complex again until they open American Athletic Conference play against UCF, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.