As the Lady Tigers soccer team goes into Friday's game against Charlotte, the players wonder if this is a poor season for the 49ers or if they're just holding off on a winning streak. The 49ers (1-9, 1-1) have a poor record for now, but this is the point last season where they took off.
"I don't think anyone's underestimating anyone," said Memphis goalkeeper Natalie Haerens. "They did really bad at the beginning of last year too. Then they beat (most of the conference teams) and went on to the conference tournament. We don't want to give them the motivation to do that again."
Last year, Charlotte won just once in the first part of their season. Rocketing off of a win over DePaul, they began a winning streak in mid-October that took them into the conference tournament. Memphis' 0-9 all-time record with the 49ers is just another reason there's apprehension with this conference foe.
"They're going to expect to beat us," said Haerens, "because they haven't lost to us yet, just like Houston. We'll just do the same thing to them that we did to Houston and count on that."
Despite their problems, Charlotte is a strong team with a misleading reputation, according to Lady Tigers head coach Brooks Monaghan.
"Charlotte's a strong program," Monaghan said. "You've got to give them credit in the past. I can't guarantee a victory, but I can guarantee a good game from us. Their record isn't that good, but they're definitely a good team and can beat us if we don't come to play."
Charlotte's team players aren't standing out, though. Even with five returning seniors, this season's strength is located in freshman forward, Lindsey Beam. Beam leads the team offensively with two goals, three assists and seven points. One of those goals was from a penalty kick in the first two minutes of a game against DePaul.
The 49ers defense lies in the hands of sophomore goalkeeper Shannon Huffman. Her four consecutive season shutouts for 2003 were the fuel to put the team in the conference tournament. Her final shutout against East Carolina was what gave Charlotte the last place in the tournament.
Huffman's defensive fire hasn't died, but the offense still hasn't found its spark.
"We're going to mark some key players," said Memphis forward, Melissa Savage. "We're expecting a direct game. They play the same as us, so we're going to have to use our outside players and switch up our game."
The last time the Tigers went against the 49ers was in 2002. It ended badly with 2-0 loss. According to Monaghan, Memphis is hoping to continue their momentum with their great year. Their 8-3 record is the best start in team history. Charlotte is just another step in keeping their momentum.
"So far so good," said Monaghan. "But it's still early. We're looking forward to the weekend and coming with two wins, but it's going to be a battle."
The Lady Tigers play East Carolina (3-6, 1-1) on Sunday. Each game will be played at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.
