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Memphis Downs University of Arkansas-Little Rock, 2-0 8/22/08

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wsoc.jpegMemphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women’s soccer team began the 2008 regular season with a victory tonight at Mike Rose Soccer Complex with a 2-0 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock.
Head coach Brooks Monaghan spoke about the Lady Tigers’ first victory of 2008.

“We definitely wanted to get the first one under our belt,” said Monaghan. “There are still things we need to work on but I felt like we controlled most of the game. I would have liked to finish a few more chances and especially in the final third, but we didn’t expect perfection today. We’re just taking it one step at a time and we can take a lot from today to make ourselves better for next Friday.”

The two Memphis goal scorers were Kylie Hayes whose goal came off of a header 12 minutes and 44 seconds into the first period and Lizzy Simonin who connected with the Tiger’s second goal with 6:01 left in the game. The goal marks the first of her collegiate career.

Simonin spoke about her first goal to put the game away for the Tigers.

“It was a good feeling, said Simonin. “We as a team didn’t want to stop at 1-0 and we needed another goal.”

Monaghan gave his thoughts on having Simonin in an important role for the Lady Tigers.

“Lizzy is playing at a different position for us than she is used to at center forward and she’s going to be a great one,” Monaghan noted. “She has a lot to learn, but I was definitely impressed with her. She keeps getting better and better as the preseason has gone. She is learning quickly and we are very pleased with her and have high expectations for her.”

Simonin also talked about her feelings on being a part of the Lady Tigers’ soccer team.

“Coach (Monaghan) is a great coach and we have great girls on our team,” Simonin commented. “They work hard every minute of every day. That is what I’m here for and I’m very happy to be here.”

The Lady Tigers look to continue on a winning path next weekend when they take on the Crimson Tide from the University of Alabama. The game will be played on Friday, Aug. 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Mike Rose Soccer Complex sandwiched between the two games of the men’s soccer Memphis Diadora Tournament. UAB takes on Oral Roberts at 3:00 p.m., followed by the Lady Tigers facing off against Alabama, and finally the Memphis men battle Bradley University in the night’s finale.

Posted by rakuette | Filed under Soccer, Women's Soccer