SAN ANTONIO – Although the UTSA soccer team (7-4-5, 3-2-3 AMER) battled the entire 90 minutes and went toe-to-toe with fourth-ranked Memphis (14-0-2, 8-0-1 AMER) on Thursday night with a huge Pink Out and Greek Night crowd cheering all the way, the Tigers were able to put away two goals to leave Park West with the 2-0 win.
One of the best offensive teams in the country, the Tigers went on the attack early and often on Thursday, drawing out four Jasmine Kessler saves before Elise Perron made a solo drive to the go-ahead goal in the 25th minute.
An equally notable defensive squad, Memphis limited UTSA to two shots in the opening period. However, the Roadrunners got a pair of on-target attempts in the second half with Ava Jackson and a late one from Bryn Maxwell.
Evelyn Mackay was able add the late-game insurance goal, netting the Tigers’ second goal in the 76th minute.
Kessler finished the night with seven saves.
Goals
UTSA: None
MEM: Elise Perron (25’), Evelyn Mackay (76’)
Quoting Coach Derek Pittman
“Huge credit to Memphis and congratulations to them on winning the league. Huge amount of respect for Brooks and his staff, and he just continues to turn out winning teams like he’s done for a long time, especially over the past 10-12 years. They’re top 5 in the country for a reason, but I’m extremely proud of our players. We asked them to bounce back from a poor performance against Tulsa that was a bit out of character. I think they did exactly that to give us everything they had when it came to focus, commitment and intensity. I thought they showed their UTSA identity tonight, it was just unfortunate that we couldn’t knick one. I thought we played very well in the first half, had a couple chances on a pair of set pieces we didn’t take advantage of, but overall really pleased with our kids, with their mentality and know we just need to bounce back for a big game against ECU.”
UP NEXT: Sunday is the final appearance for the Roadrunners at Park West this season, hosting East Carolina for Senior Day. UTSA will bid farewell to five players and manager Steeden Jefferson. Making their final Park West appearance will be: Izzy Lane, Haley Lopez, Zoe May, Rylee Miller and early graduate Michelle Polo. The Roadrunners finish the regular season on the road with an Oct. 30 matchup at Temple.
- UTSA -