Women's Soccer Defeats Houston, Monaghan Gets Win No. 250

Sunday, March 14

Memphis, Tenn.

12 p.m.

University of Memphis

4-1-0, 3-0-0

Houston

3-2-1, 0-2-0

Houston

Memphis

Photo by: Eric Glemser

Women's Soccer Defeats Houston, Monaghan Gets Win No. 250

Mar 14, 2021 | Women's Soccer

Box Score Memphis-Houston Boxscore

Abrey nets game-winner 30 seconds into the match.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –University of Memphis women's soccer head coach Brooks Monaghan hit a milestone Sunday in the Tigers' 1-0 American Athletic Conference win over Houston. With the UofM win, Monaghan recorded his 250^thvictory as the program's head coach.

The game-winning score came early in the match – quite possibly the quickest goal scored in UofM history – when Claire Abrey found the back of the net in the first 30 seconds of action. The Memphis defense held strong the remainder of the contest for the 1-0 win.

With the win, Memphis improves to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the AAC. Houston falls to 3-2-1 overall and 0-2 in the league. The Tigers remain tied atop of the AAC standings with USF, which also has a 3-0 conference mark.

Monaghan's record now stands at 250-134-29 in 21 seasons at the helm of the program. He has led the Tigers to double-digit winning seasons in 14 of the last 16 campaigns, including the last four from 2016-19.

"There are no bad wins," said Monaghan. "It obviously wasn't one of our best performances, but you have to look at the opposing team. They did make it tough on us.

"It was unfortunate we didn't score the penalty, but those things happen. I'm happy to get this victory and look to get better."

The Tigers struck first, and it was quick.

On its first offensive possession of the match, Abrey took a pass from Mya Jones 15 yards out from the goalmouth and placed the UofM's first shot attempt to the upper right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead. The score was Abrey's first goal of the season and the sixth of her career.

The game was scoreless the remaining 89:30, but not without some opportunities for both squads.

The Cougars' best scoring chance in the first half came with eight minutes before halftime. Houston forward Maddie Bowers got behind the UofM defense and had a 1-on-1 with Tigers goalkeeper Elizabeth Moberg. Moberg ran out and cut down Bowers' angle to the net and blocked the shot attempt.

After halftime, the Tigers had three scoring chances 10-15 minutes into the second half. UofM had headers miss the mark in the 57^thand 58^thminute. Seconds later, a Memphis penalty kick opportunity hit the left post, and Houston cleared the ball.

The Cougars posted three more shot attempts around 25 minutes left in the match. One attempt was blocked by the UofM defense, the second a Moberg save and the third went wide left of the goalmouth. Houston had no shots in the final 25 minutes of regulation.

"Our back line is solid overall," Monaghan said. "They have two very dangerous forwards, and they can hurt you at any time. We kept those two contained, and that was a big part of the game plan. I was pleased with how we played defensively."

The Tigers out-shot the Cougars 13-5 and also held a 6-1 corner kick advantage. Moberg finished the match with three saves and collected the 31^stshutout of her career. Houston goalkeeper Salma Ghazal had two stops.

After playing four of their first five matches of 2021 at home, the Tigers now have four consecutive road contests. The UofM's road swing starts at Cincinnati Mar. 18 and continues at Temple Mar. 21, Vanderbilt Mar. 27 and USF Apr. 3.

For more information on the Memphis women's soccer team, follow the Tigers on Facebook (/MemphisWSoccer), Twitter (@MemphisWSoccer) and Instagram (@MemphisWSoccer).