Tigers upended in AAC semifinals, 1-0

Thursday, April 15

Tampa, Fla.

2 p.m.

University of Memphis

8-3-0, 6-2-0

Cincinnati

5-4-1, 4-3-1

Cincinnati

Memphis

Photo by: American Athletic Conference

Apr 15, 2021 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

TAMPA, Fla. – Despite holding 62 percent of the possession in the match, the second-seeded Memphis Tigers could not find an equalizer and dropped a 1-0 decision to third-seeded Cincinnati in the semifinals of the 2020 American Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Championship Thursday afternoon in Tampa, Fla.

Memphis (8-3) had 16 shots in the match and an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks but was not able to find the back of the net after a 17th-minute goal by the Bearcats (5-4-1).

The 21st-ranked Tigers now turn their attention to a possible NCAA Tournament berth. The Selection Show is scheduled for Monday, with first-round games slated for April 27 and 28. The entire NCAA Tournament will be contested at various sites in North Carolina.

With both squads getting their footing in the early goings, Cincinnati's Chloe Spitler connected on a dish from Maddy Pittman in the 17th minute to put the Bearcats ahead, 1-0.

Less than a minute later, however, Memphis recovered and saw a Saorla Miller shot saved by the Bearcats' goalkeeper. The Tigers continued their fight until the final whistle but just could not best the Cincinnati defense, led by AAC Defensive Player of the Year Ashley Barron, the rest of the way.

The Tigers had three corner kicks in the rest of the first half, and Grace Duncan and Mya Jones saw back-to-back shots foiled with just under 15 minutes left in the opening 45.

Memphis continued its pressure in the second half, with Haylee Spray hitting the crossbar in the 70th minute and Clarissa Larisey heading one just over the bar in the 86th minute, but to no avail.

Anna Rexford made five saves for the Bearcats.