Aug. 27, 2006
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NASHVILLE, Tenn.- For the second time this weekend the University of Memphis men's soccer team rallied from a second half deficit and won a road match in overtime. After being down 1-0 at halftime, the Tigers (2-0-0) came from behind to defeat the Belmont Bruins (1-1-0) by a score of 2-1.
Just like Friday night's opener in Louisville, the Tigers found themselves down early after Belmont juniors Derrick Henry and Jay Ayers teamed up to feed classmate Eric Susewind for his first goal of the season in the seventh minute. The rest of the period wound up scoreless, and the Tigers found themselves down 1-0 at the half.
However, unlike Friday night, when the Tigers allowed three goals to the Cardinals, the Memphis defense was able to regroup and shut down the opposition the rest of the way.
"I was pleased with the way our defense picked things up today," Grant said. "We didn't really allow them many chances the rest of the game. Adam Montgomery was especially key for us today. He was all over the field breaking up their offense, and he did a good job moving the ball up to help start our attack."
The Tigers got on the board just 1:26 into the second half, junior Kevin Walsh notched his third assist of the young season after firing a long range shot that ricocheted off of Belmont goalkeeper Ron Gravely. Sophomore Tripp Harkins was there to drive home the rebound for his first goal of the year.
"It was a good shot by Kevin and a smart play by Tripp to be in the right position for the finish. It was a brilliant play all around," Grant said. "Kevin has had a great weekend setting up scoring opportunities for us. You really can't argue with the stats he's put up already. As he gets more games under his belt, he's only going to improve, and right now he's been excellent."
The score remained tied when the second half ended, and just like Friday night, Walsh set up the game-winner early in overtime. Five minutes into the extra period, the Shrule, Ireland, native sank a corner kick in front of the Belmont net. Sophomore Shaun Goulding was there to drive the winning tally into the net. It was Goulding's first goal and Walsh's fourth assist.
Goulding, a native of Arbroath, Scotland who transferred from Lambuth University last semester, joined Walsh and senior defender Jamie Gilbert as transfers who have scored for the Tigers this season.
"Shaun was a constant threat down the left side all weekend, so it was good to see him break through," Grant said. "He showed why he's an important addition to our attack this year."
With the win, the 2006 Tigers have become the first Memphis squad to win their first two road games since the 1993 Great Midwest Conference Championship team. And while, he's thankful for the wins, Grant sees room for improvement.
"It's important to start out the season getting some wins. Getting them in overtime is satisfying because it shows character. There's a great mentality on this team that even though we're down, we're not out," Grant said. "However, we need to work on our situations, and we need to be aggressive early on offense and defense. Hopefully, these games will serve us well when we get to the conference season."
The Tigers will now return to Memphis to open the home portion of the schedule by hosting the eighth annual Memphis Diadora Tournament at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex over Labor Day Weekend. The Tigers are set to face No. 5 Clemson in Friday's opening round at 7:30 p.m. Memphis will then face Cal State Fullerton on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. to wrap up the tournament schedule.
