The University of Memphis men's soccer team failed to score for the second consecutive game as they lost to Missouri State, 2-0, in a nonconference match-up in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday. The loss was the fourth for the Tigers in five games, who haven't claimed a win since a 2-1 overtime victory over Central Arkansas on Oct. 5.
The Tigers (3-10-1) fell behind early when Missouri State junior Heath Melugin one-touched a pass through The U of M defense before putting the ball in the bottom right of the net past U of M freshman goalkeeper Martin Hunter in the 12th minute.
"The first goal was a key to the match," coach Richie Grant said. "Falling behind early is hurting us, and it enabled Missouri State to force us to play their style."
The U of M was without several starters, including junior defender Thomas Shannon, sophomore midfielder Hugo Monadragon and junior forward Tiago Reichert -- scorers of six of the Tigers' 17 goals this season.
"With those guys out, it hurts us, no doubt," coach Richie Grant said. "The injuries give other players a chance to step up and get experience but our trouble scoring is a real problem."
The Tigers managed just seven shots all game, and just two on net. Freshman forward Liam Collins had two of The U of M's three shots on goal. Bears senior goalkeeper Alex Riggs kept the Tigers off the scoreboard, though, making three saves on the night.
The Bears (6-5-2) finally put The U of M away in the 65th minute when sophomore Eric Martin put in a header on a pass from Gerard Barbero to put Missouri State up, 2-0.
"The second goal put the game away," Grant said. "We had good looks and the rest of this season has to be about capitalizing on them."
Hunter, filling in for sophomore starter Jordan Leedle, made three saves in net for the Tigers but also allowed the two goals.
"We're going to give Martin some more opportunities late in the season," Grant said. "These last few games will give us an opportunity to get a lot of younger players and guys who haven't played as much some game time."
The Tigers will return to action when they travel to South Carolina on Sunday for their final conference road match of the season.
