Every four years, the world turns its collective eye towards the largest single-sport sporting event in the world – the World Cup. And every four years the vast majority of the U.S. rolls its eyes, but this year America embraced the World Cup, recording record-breaking television ratings.
The United States Men’s National team bowed out in the round of 32, but Richard Mulrooney, the head coach of the University of Memphis men’s soccer team, hopes to ride soccer’s brief wave of popularity.
Mulrooney recalled a similar popularity boost following the USMNT’s quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup when he made the team as an alternate, but he hopes this year’s ratings boom will stick.
“I hope it will trickle down to us,” Mulrooney said. “It was definitely a big deal this year. My kids watched more games than they ever have, and they were asking to go out and kick the ball more than they ever have.”
Mulrooney was named the head coach at the U of M in late February after former head coach Richie Grant left Memphis for Cal State Bakersfield. Mulrooney is only the fourth head coach in the history of the Memphis program, and he served as an assistant on the Memphis sideline beginning in 2013.
The Christian Brothers High School grad brings a wealth of experience to the table for the Tigers. From 1999-2011, Mulrooney enjoyed a career as a midfielder and defender in Major League Soccer, notching three championships and three all-star appearances.
The third-overall pick in the 1999 MLS draft, Mulrooney made 14 appearances on the USMNT.
The Tigers, who finished last season 9-8-1, made some immense steps this spring, according to Mulrooney.
“I like our Spring a lot,” Mulrooney said. “Both Individuals and the team got better. I’m excited and anxious to get started.”
The timing of the hire worked out well for Mulrooney, who said it gave him time to begin implementing his style and even do some last-minute recruiting.
Mulrooney isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to his expectations for the Memphis program.
“9-8-1 just isn’t acceptable,” the first-year coach said. “We have to do better. Games are decided on just a couple of plays, and we have to do a better job of making those plays in our favor.”
Mulrooney said he’s looking forward to getting contributions from returning veterans and some incoming freshman. He was also excited about the increased depth the team will enjoy this season.
The Blue and Gray lost their three-leading scorers from last season, but they hope to get good production from senior forward Fakhry Khulfan, who scored four goals of his own last season.
The Tigers plan to begin official practice on Aug. 13 just before playing their first exhibition game on Aug. 18 against Louisville. They will play one more exhibition game against Christian Brothers on Aug. 23 before kicking of the season on Aug 29 in Birmingham against UAB.
