Men’s Soccer Preseason Camp Underway

Following a solid first season with head coach Richard Mulrooney leading the Memphis men's soccer program, the Tigers reported for the 2015 preseason camp with their first two-a-day practices Wednesday.

Memphis returns eight starters from last season's team that finished with a 9-7-2 record and reached the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. Those veterans will combine with 10 newcomers to make up this season's squad.

"The first practice there is usually nervousness but I thought the guys handled it very well," Mulrooney said following the team's first practice session. "I saw some really good things today, some speed of play, physicality and competitiveness. It was a good first one and I'm happy with the way things went."

There was an emphasis on the fundamentals during the first session of the season and Mulrooney stressed that it will be a point of focus throughout the year.

"I don't care what level you're at, technical ability is important. If you can't control a ball, pass a ball or rely on your first touch you're in trouble. We start every practice working on the fundamentals. I think you can continually work on this stuff. It's a team sport but individuals have to step up to make the team work," said Mulrooney.

One of the Tigers' returning starters is senior goalkeeper Cody Uzcategui, who has played in 40 career matches, including every one last season. Uzcategui believes the crop of freshmen can help improve the squad right away.

"I think we had a good session today. Everyone was very excited and we have a lot of talent in this new freshmen class," Uzcategui said. "We have a lot speed coming in, which is something we might have lacked last season. The freshmen were anxious to play. You want them to be aggressive and not hold back and we got that today."

Memphis will play a trio of preseason matches before opening the season at home with a tough match against UAB, August 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Mike Rose Stadium.

The Tigers first two exhibition matches will be played on Memphis' Park Avenue Campus, first against Jefferson College, Aug. 19 at 5:00 p.m. before playing Mississippi College Aug. 21 at 4:00 p.m. The final preseason tune-up will be in Nashville against Lipscomb.

With just over two weeks until the start of the regular season and three preseason matches, there will be plenty of opportunity to fight for starting roles on the team.
"It was a good start to preseason," freshman Josh Burnett said. "It was good to finally get out with Coach Mulrooney and the rest of the staff. The team played well and I'm excited to start the year. We have a big incoming class and it's a good class. There's a lot of talent on this team. It should be a fun year."

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