Tigers Complete Opening Week of 2021 Preseason

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Head coach Brooks Monaghan and crew opened up training camp this past week to kick-off the 2021 season. After a shortened and shifted season last year due to COVID-19, Coach Monaghan is ready to get back to the normalcy of the fall season.

"It has not been easy," said Coach Monaghan. "The season is such a grind, and we are used to a cycle and have been doing it for so long that when things got thrown off, it can be a concern."

However, the postponement of the 2020 season didn't seem to throw the Tigers off their game; after going 8-4 in the spring, which included an overtime win at then 6^th ranked Vanderbilt and a 6-1 American Athletic Conference record, Memphis found themselves back in the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year.

"In the spring, it's usually more laid back, but I think that we are in a great spot right now following this week," explained Monaghan.

After the opening week of training camp, that included their first exhibition match of the season, the Tigers didn't show any signs of fatigue.

Their 1-1 draw with UT Martin last night saw the Tigers offense fire off 21 shots with 10 of them being on-goal while their defense held the Skyhawks to just nine shots the whole night.

"We took a different approach to our first exhibition game and being just three days into preseason we haven't had time to go over tactics," said Monaghan, "but we got to see a lot of kids play in their first college game and the coaches saw tremendous potential for the season ahead."

Those newcomers are welcomed in by a notable returning group including: Tonya Boychuk, who was named a United Soccer Coaches All-American last season, Kimberley Smit, who was named to the 2020 United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Team, Mya Jones, who was named as the 2020 AAC Midfielder of the Year, Grace Stordy, who claimed the 2020 AAC Rookie of the Year award, Haley Spray, who was named to the 2020 AAC All-Rookie Team, and goalkeeper Elizabeth Moberg, who currently sits fourth all-time in career wins and second in career shutouts for the Tiger women's soccer program.

Despite bringing in a large class this season, Coach Monaghan doesn't see it as a problem, more as an advantage.

"I can already tell how close this group is," explained Monaghan. "To be able to give yourself the best chance at success you need a group that is close off the field and I have seen that grow amongst our team for the last couple of weeks."

The Tigers will wrap up their preseason with exhibitions next Tuesday at Auburn and next Friday at home against Vanderbilt. They will open the 2021 regular season on Thursday, August 19 at home against Southeast Missouri at 7 p.m.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

University of Memphis Athletics

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