Three weeks ago, the women's soccer team was happily positioned near the top of the Conference USA standings. Now there is nothing comfortable about their situation.
Following four consecutive losses, three of those against C-USA's top three teams, the Lady Tigers are down to their last chance.It's win, or the season's over.
"I don't think we've ever had this much pressure on a game in order to make the conference tournament," said Madison Cheek.
The Lady Tigers' (10-7 overall, 4-5 in Conference USA) skid has dropped them into an eighth place tie with TCU. But the Horned Frogs defeated the Tigers earlier this season and hold the conference tournament tiebreaker. For The U of M to make the eight-team field, they must defeat Cincinnati and hope for a loss from TCU, DePaul or Charlotte. South Florida must also lose or tie one of its remaining games.
Even with all the jostling in the standings, Memphis knows the only element they can control is their performance against Cincinnatti.
"We just need to go out and ... win, that's how I'm playing it. Savage said. Then, if things fall into place (with the teams ahead of us) it was meant to be. Otherwise, as long as we go out with a big win, that's really all that matters."
The good news for Memphis is that Cincinnati (4-12, 1-7) has been arguably the most disappointing team in C-USA this season. They have been outscored 30-11 this season and rank near the bottom in most offensive statistical categories.
Still, head coach Brooks Monaghan is wary of the competition. "They have nothing to loose and nothing to gain, except respect," Monaghan said. "Sometimes, a team that comes in really relaxed can cause problems."
The relaxed Bearcats have played better of late. They've won two of their last five games and lost the other three by just one goal, including a 2-1 overtime loss to East Carolina.
Regardless of Cincinnati's recent run of improved play, the Lady Tigers are focused internally, and the lose-and-you're-done reality surrounding this match ought to have the Lady Tigers ready to play.This game determines whether or not we go to the conference tournament," said Mary Shelton. "So definitely, there's (a sense of urgency)."
The U of M has other elements in its favor as well. Memphis is 6-2 at their home stadium. The game is also Senior Night and it's a chance for the team to give the veterans a great sendoff: a C-USA tournament birth.
"People have told us, 'Oh, you're going to beat Cincinnati,' and that's great to hear, but that's not enough," Monaghan said. "It's going to take our team showing up.
"Everything on paper is in our advantage, but none of that matters when the whistle blows."
