The University of Memphis men's soccer team is off to a solid start this season, and the success appears to be a continuation of last year to the team.
"This team is very focused and we're starting to build on the momentum from last year now," said U of M head coach Richie Grant. "All our success last year was about a team mentality, so it is still team-based."
Dayton O'Brien, a senior forward and Hermann award nominee, reiterated what his coach said about the focus of the team. He is one of 25 nominees for the award, which goes to the nation's top player each year. O'Brien is the first U of M player to ever be nominated.
"(The award) is in the background since we win as a team," he said. "The 10 players around me are incredible, so everything else is secondary to that."
The Tigers offense has been a huge part of the success so far, too, apart from the team-based play the team has stressed.
Along with O'Brien's heralded offensive success, younger players have stepped up to help the team.
Sophomore goalkeeper Gavin McInerney is current Conference USA defensive player of the week.
Sophomore Jared Britcher was recently named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week, and he's part of a group of young players helping the team out greatly.
Britcher scored five points over one weekend as Memphis beat both Centenary and Oral Roberts in the Memphis Diadora Championship.
"Winning that was a nice honor, but I've got a lot to work on still," Britcher said.
He was named Player of the Week after recording five points and winning the MVP of the Diadora Challenge.
He added that the team concept is apparent to him as well, noting all of the players get along well and form a solid chemistry together.
"Our offense is just dangerous from all parts of the field," O'Brien said. "Our keeper is doing a great job and our freshman, younger players and subs are just doing a great job."
On the other side of the field, Grant believes the team has been good on defense, too, especially in their improvement from the past two games.
The Tigers shut out Evansville 5-0 Friday night in Indiana, behind a balanced scoring effort. O'Brien and freshman forward Kyle Minter each had a goal and an assist. Senior forward Andy Metcalf led Memphis with two goals against the Purple Aces.
He said the team learned much from beating Oral Roberts 4-3, noting the team's commitment to improving the defense.
"It's one of our strongest parts of the field," O'Brien said. "We just need to continue doing that all season the more we play together."
The next opponent for the Tigers is Alabama A & M Tuesday night at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.
Beyond that, The U of M plays Creighton in Omaha, Neb., currently ranked seventh in the country.
"Our only game right now is Tuesday, and we've got to focus on that right now," Grant said. "They are a great team and that's all we are working on right now."
