University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Women's soccer begins preseason practice
Aug 04, 2020 | Women's Soccer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Prepping for its 26th season of competition, Memphis women's soccer began its preseason training camp on Tuesday evening.
The Tigers, who claimed the 2019 American Athletic Conference regular-season title, opened camp with an annual conditioning test on Tuesday morning followed by an afternoon session featuring an 11v11 scrimmage.
Head Coach Brooks Monaghan, who enters his 21st season at the helm, said seeing his team's transition from a paused spring season to the preseason training camp has been smooth.
"It's been a long time, especially considering we were cut short in the spring. We're very excited. Obviously there's a lot going on and we're not sure what's going to happen with this season, but that still doesn't take away any of the excitement," Monaghan said. "With this group, we've got a lot of new young kids and some big shoes to fill, but we do feel that, on paper, we've got the right pieces that can take us to the next level."
Memphis graduated four seniors from its championship team in 2019 but return a majority of production on both sides of the ball. The Tigers bring back 90 percent of their goals scored, including nine different goal scorers from a season ago. Clarissa Larisey, who garnered the league's Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, brings back 16 goals and four assists.
Four seniors prep for their final preseason camp. Forwards Larisey, Samantha Murphy and Lisa Pechersky each posted significant playing time last season, combining to play 8,890 minutes and 57 starts. The trio also combined to score 24 goals and dished out 13 assists throughout the fall of 2019.
In goal, Elizabeth Moberg started 20 matches for Memphis during a record-breaking season. The Port Saint Lucie, Florida native registered 16 wins and 12 shutouts behind a 0.53 goals-against average on her way to AAC Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
In addition to experience, the Tigers also welcome 15 freshmen to the roster in 2020. In total, Memphis returns 14 players who logged minutes last year.
"We know a lot about the returners. There's a transition phase for the younger group. I do believe the potential is here. Having the great group returning and being able to add handful to that mix, the future looks very bright," Monaghan added.
"I think it's healthy to have that amount of competition. There's a lot of talent over there. With the newcomers, most of them are used to being big fish in a small pond, and now they are small fish in a big pond so we'll see how they transition. I'm super excited with the returning group and having the core back from last year. So far it's been good."
The Tigers, who claimed the 2019 American Athletic Conference regular-season title, opened camp with an annual conditioning test on Tuesday morning followed by an afternoon session featuring an 11v11 scrimmage.
Head Coach Brooks Monaghan, who enters his 21st season at the helm, said seeing his team's transition from a paused spring season to the preseason training camp has been smooth.
"It's been a long time, especially considering we were cut short in the spring. We're very excited. Obviously there's a lot going on and we're not sure what's going to happen with this season, but that still doesn't take away any of the excitement," Monaghan said. "With this group, we've got a lot of new young kids and some big shoes to fill, but we do feel that, on paper, we've got the right pieces that can take us to the next level."
Memphis graduated four seniors from its championship team in 2019 but return a majority of production on both sides of the ball. The Tigers bring back 90 percent of their goals scored, including nine different goal scorers from a season ago. Clarissa Larisey, who garnered the league's Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, brings back 16 goals and four assists.
Four seniors prep for their final preseason camp. Forwards Larisey, Samantha Murphy and Lisa Pechersky each posted significant playing time last season, combining to play 8,890 minutes and 57 starts. The trio also combined to score 24 goals and dished out 13 assists throughout the fall of 2019.
In goal, Elizabeth Moberg started 20 matches for Memphis during a record-breaking season. The Port Saint Lucie, Florida native registered 16 wins and 12 shutouts behind a 0.53 goals-against average on her way to AAC Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
In addition to experience, the Tigers also welcome 15 freshmen to the roster in 2020. In total, Memphis returns 14 players who logged minutes last year.
"We know a lot about the returners. There's a transition phase for the younger group. I do believe the potential is here. Having the great group returning and being able to add handful to that mix, the future looks very bright," Monaghan added.
"I think it's healthy to have that amount of competition. There's a lot of talent over there. With the newcomers, most of them are used to being big fish in a small pond, and now they are small fish in a big pond so we'll see how they transition. I'm super excited with the returning group and having the core back from last year. So far it's been good."
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
M/F
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