The 7th ranked Memphis Tigers were upset 1-0 by Tennessee on the road after a defensive battle in the first half. This was the 4th ever meeting between the in-state rivals. Tennessee also snapped the Tigers’ D-I leading 9 game road winning streak.
First Half
Memphis’ offense looked to start the game off fast with a shot in the 1st minute by Finley Lavin, but it sailed left of the goal.
After a bit of a struggle, Memphis earned a corner kick in the 10th minute. Ai Kitagawa got a good shot, but the Volunteers were able to fend it off.
In the 16th minute, Tennessee forward Reese Mattern attempted a shot on goal off a throw-in. Kaylie Bierman came in with a low save for Memphis to keep the score 0-0.
Looking to seize momentum, Momo Nakao looked for her shot in the lower right corner in the 20th minute. The attempt was snuffed out by the Vol’s goalkeeper Ally Zazzara.
This defensive struggle would continue, as Tennessee earns their first corner kick of the contest in the 32nd minute. The kick was taken by Sarah Bridenstine and cleared by Memphis in a scramble.
After a 39th minute save by Bierman from a corner by the Vols, Memphis earned another corner of their own in the 41st minute. This was unsuccessful as well.
The half would end in a 0-0 tie, after stout defense from both teams. Both teams had two corners, and two shots. Tennessee had two shots on goal, both of which were saved by Bierman.
Second Half
The Volunteers would come out of the gates hot in the second half, as their midfielder Macaria Midgley would score the first goal of the game in the 47th minute.
Memphis would quickly pick up the pace, taking three shots in the 50th, 51st, and 57th minutes, none of which were successful; the Tigers would also earn a third corner in the 51st minute, which was cleared by the Vols.
The Vols’ Ally Zazzara would record a 2nd save as Memphis’ Momo Nakao would take her own shot on goal in the 61st minute.
Trying to fight back, the Tigers would receive a 4th corner opportunity in the 65th minute. This would also prove to be unsuccessful.
Aside from a 79th minute shot by Anna Hauer, the Tigers’ usually potent offense would be stifled the rest of the way as the Volunteers earn their 6th straight shutout.
What’s next
Memphis looks to redeem themselves at home versus UT Martin on Sept. 15. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM and coverage will be provided on ESPN+.
