The University of Memphis men's soccer team has struggled all year keeping opponents from scoring late in the game. Yesterday, however, a goal by UAB's Robert Sheringham in the 82nd minute was the best thing that could have happened to the Tigers - because it was on his own goal.
Memphis, the six seed in the tournament, moved on to the second round after an upset of third seed UAB 2-1 in the Conference USA Tournament at Westcott Field in Dallas.
The game-winning goal came when Sheringham tried to head the ball back to UAB goalkeeper A.J. Robles, but the net was its final destination.
"We were just running up and down the sidelines," said freshman Tripp Harkins, who scored the first goal for The U of M. "We almost didn't believe it at first."
Memphis, the fifth-highest scoring team in the nation, controlled the game in the first half.
"Tripp and the whole defense played well," said starting goalkeeper Tyler Strom. "I think we worked a little harder and really went out there and showed it."
Memphis took eight of the first nine shots of the game and dominated the shot chart, shooting 11 times compared to five for UAB in the first half.
In the 30th minute, Harkins scored when a throw-in by sophomore Michael Coburn was deflected off a UAB defender to Harkins, who booted it into the net.
The first goal allowed Memphis to take control. However, the goal meant more to Harkins than a goal in a tournament game.
Before the game a video was shown about the team and the seniors. Harkins' form of payment for what the seniors have done this year was the goal.
"I just wanted to pay them back for it," he said.
Strom also did his part to propel the Tigers to a match against South Carolina in the second round tomorrow. The freshman recorded three saves in the win.
"He had strong play," Harkins said. "He saved us a bunch of times."
Tomorrow, the Tigers will face the second seed South Carolina, who, in the first round, defeated Kentucky in a shootout. Game time is 5 p.m.
