Tigers fall short in opening round of NCAA Tournament

Friday, November 15

Pullman, Wash.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

17-3-1, 8-0-1

Washington State

13-6-1, 5-5-1

#14 Memphis

Washington St.

Photo by: Spencer Farrin

Tigers fall short in opening round of NCAA Tournament

Nov 15, 2019 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

PULLMAN, Wash. – A historic season came to a close for No. 14/12 Memphis women's soccer, as the Tigers dropped a 1-0 contest at Washington State Friday evening in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

After a scoreless first half, the deciding score came in the 61^st minute for the Cougars.

"It was a tough one. We knew we were going against a tough opponent," head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "Our players played with the hearts on their sleeve and gave it their all. I'm proud of them."

The Tiger defense provided a stout effort from the opening whistle, turning away an early offense attack from the home side. Washington State posted eight shots, while goalkeeper Elizabeth Moberg made four saves through the first 25 minutes of the contest.

The junior finished the evening with six saves and played aggressive against 16 Washington State shots and 11 Cougar corner kicks.

"Early on, we dodged some bullets," Monaghan said. "Moberg played a phenomenal game. We knew it would be a game of few chances."

After the Cougars' goal, Memphis found its best opportunity of the night when a shot on the doorstep 10 minutes later rang the post and was kept out of the net. The Tigers found one final push in the 79^th minute, but a shot on target was stopped on the line.

"At the end of the day, the season is over and you have to reflect on it. For a year that was meant to be a rebuilding year, I can't be more proud to be this team's coach," Monaghan added. "This year for us was meant to be for rebuilding, and this team got up to No. 8 in the country. That's all them. I'm proud to coach this team. This was a special group, and I look forward to a very bright future."