Men's Soccer Takes 3-2 Win Over Saint Louis

Tuesday, September 24

Memphis, Tenn.

7:00 PM

University of Memphis

5-2-0, 0-0-0

Saint Louis

3-3-0, 1-0-0

Saint Louis

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Sep 24, 2019 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Ashton and Prado combine to score three goals in win

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The University of Memphis men's soccer team gutted out a 3-2 win over Saint Louis Tuesday night at Park Avenue Campus.

Senior forward Sam Ashton and freshman Jovan Prado provided the scoring for the Tigers. Ashton tallied a brace, notching one goal in each half, including the game winner in the 68^th minute, while Prado scored the second goal for Memphis in the 35^th minute.

"We knew what Saint Louis was about, and they pushed us until the last second of the game," Head coach Richard Mulrooney said of the win. "We had to fight until the end, and I think that shows character on our part. It's important for us to be in these situations, because conference starts now."

Memphis struck first with a goal in the 12^th minute of the match, when Ashton finished a strike off of a feed from junior Christoforos Kourtis. Kourtis played a free kick into the box, which landed right in the path of Ashton, who was able to put it in the net.

The lead didn't last long, as the Billikens put a tying goal on the board in the 29^th minute of action.

Memphis continued to control the offense throughout the first half. Saint Louis showed flashes, including a shot in the 32^nd minute that was cleanly parried by sophomore goalkeeper Parker Lackland.

Prado gave Memphis the lead again with his score in the 35^th minute. A cleanly crossed ball, again from Kourtis, found the feet of Prado, who rocketed the ball past the SLU keeper.

The second half began with a change in pace, as Saint Louis came out on a mission. A pair of early shots from the visitors had the Tigers on their heels, which came to a head with a penalty in the box in favor of Saint Louis. Taking advantage of the penalty kick, the Billikens evened the match once again.

Regaining their composure, the Tigers rebounded from the equalizer, locking down their defensive third and pressing forward with possession. The extra pressure and focus resulted in Ashton's second goal of the night, a touch into the net that came by way of junior Artur De Luca's assist.

Seeking at least a draw, the energy from Saint Louis kicked into overdrive, as every ball from the visitors was played forward. Memphis held on, however, repelling every incoming attack enough to keep the visiting team from getting good looks at shots, giving up only one attempt after taking the lead for the final time.

"Sam's scoring them like they're fun. We don't take him for granted, we know he's working his tail off for them," Mulrooney said his goal scorers. "Jovan, coming in as a freshman, he probably could have had another, but the one proved to be enough to get us the win."

Memphis looks ahead now to conference play, which opens this weekend. The Tigers will head to Cincinnati, Ohio to face the Bearcats for the opening match of American Athletic Conference play for Memphis. First touch is set for 6 p.m.