No. 22 Tigers Open 2022 Campaign Against Little Rock

Thursday, August 18

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

Little Rock

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

No. 22 Tigers Open 2022 Campaign Against Little Rock

Aug 17, 2022 | Women's Soccer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women's soccer team will kick-off their 2022 season this week when they host the Trojans of Little Rock this Thursday evening. The game will also be the team's Senior Night as they celebrate Mackenzie Bray, Tanya Boychuk, Allie Rathbun, Kimberley Smit and Maddie Stoks prior to the match.

Memphis (14-5-2, 5-3 AAC) is coming off an historic 2021 season that saw them claim their second American Athletic Conference Championship after shutting out the Bulls of South Florida and dominating them 3-0 in penalty kicks. The Tigers would go on to beat LSU in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, making their appearance in the second round for just the second time in the program's history.

The Tigers return a large portion of the team from a season ago including defenders Grace Stordy, Kimberley Smit and Mackenzie Bray, who helped lead the team to five consecutive shutouts from Oct. 28-Nov. 14. They also bring back Saorla Miller, Momo Nakao, Jocelyn Alonzo and Haylee Spray who all played integral roles in the Tigers mid- and front field.

The Trojans (7-7-6, 3-4-3 Sun Belt) are coming off a Sun Belt Conference Quarterfinals appearance after defeating Louisiana in the first round. Little Rock would go on to defeat the Ragin' Cajuns 1-1 (3-0 PKs) but fall to South Alabama after the second-seeded Jaguars claimed the victory in double-overtime in penalty kicks.

Now a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, the Trojans also welcome new leadership as Kelly Farrell takes over the reins at Little Rock.

"They have been a strong program in the past and have a new coach now, but we are going to focus on us," said Memphis head women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan. "I believe that the games we played in preseason have helped us prepare for this first match."

Kick-off for Thursday's match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at the Track & Soccer Complex on the University's South Campus. All fans are encouraged to bring back-to-school items to donate to United Way of the Mid-South. Fans will also have the opportunity to sign up for the chance to win a soccer ball signed by Coach Monaghan.

Coverage of the match can be found on ESPN+ and at GoTigersGo.com.

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.