Memphis Stumbles Against SMU

Saturday, October 15

Memphis, Tenn.

7:00 PM

University of Memphis

1-2-17-5-1; AAC

SMU

1-35-8-0; AAC

SMU

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Oct 15, 2016 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – SMU scored two goals in each half to take down Memphis 4-0 Saturday night at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The Tigers (7-5-1, 1-2-1 AAC) will have a quick turnaround, playing at Central Arkansas Tuesday at 7 p.m.

"We got out worked and outplayed tonight," Memphis head coach Richard Mulrooney said. "It's very disappointing. It proves we aren't invincible. We had a good record at home but to drop a second home conference game this year means that we have our work cut out for us. At the end of the day, the better team clearly won."

An early mistake led to SMU's first goal and the Tigers struggled to rebound. SMU jumped into the lead in the 8^th minute after a bad back pass allowed a one-on-one with goalkeeper Jake Leeker. Mustang's freshman forward Garrett McLaughlin scored the opening goal.

Memphis had a great opportunity to equalize after a corner kick in the 24^th minute. Senior defender Jordan Klipsch forced a diving save with a great header. The save by SMU goalkeeper Michael Nelson was one of only two he had to make in the match.

The Mustangs made it 2-0 just before halftime. Leeker made a great diving save on a direct free kick but junior defender Jordan Cano was in perfect position to finish the rebound.

10 minutes into the second half, SMU made it 3-0 on a goal by sophomore Christian Boorom. With 22 minutes remaining, the Mustangs put a fourth goal in to finish off the scoring.

SMU held a 17-7 advantage in shots during the match. Memphis goalkeeper Jake Leeker, who was under pressure the entire night, made three saves in the match.

After the Tigers step out of conference play with the match at UCA Tuesday, they will finish of the American Athletic Conference schedule with three final matches. The final home match of the season will be against UConn, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. The Tigers still have to make trips to USF and Tulsa.