Men's Soccer Takes Friday Match Against Milwaukee

Friday, September 6

Birmingham, Ala.

4:30 PM

University of Memphis

2-1-0

Milwaukee

2-1-0

Milwaukee

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Sep 06, 2019 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Goals from Jovan Prado and Sam Ashton lift Tigers to win

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – In its first test away from home, the Memphis men's soccer team took a 2-1 win in the Soccer for a Cure Classic in Birmingham, Ala., Friday afternoon.

A first half goal from Jovan Prado and a second half penalty score from Sam Ashton propelled the Tigers to the victory over the Milwaukee Panthers.

The action started in the 11^th minute, as the Tigers threatened with a trio of corner kicks in the early goings of the match. Senior defender Ben Roberts put a header on frame, but the Milwaukee keeper was able to keep it scoreless.

Memphis kept up the intensity throughout the first half, keeping the Panthers without a shot through the first 45 minutes, compared to six from the Tigers.

Prado netted the first goal of the match in the closing minutes of the first half, putting in a goal after receiving a cross from Gurman Sangha. The freshman mid's score was his second goal of the season.

"They played a stifling defense, but we were able to get a goal and take it into half. That let us recover and figure out how to adjust," Head coach Richard Mulrooney said of the first half. "Jovan got a ball in close, and was able to finish a good ball."

Entering the second half, Memphis looked to continue to apply pressure on the Panthers. Alexandros Ierides took the first shot of the second half, hitting one wide of the goal.

Milwaukee was eventually able to even things up with a score in the 63^rd minute after a tough battle for possession near the Memphis goal.

The Tigers were quick to respond to the equalizer, as 10 minutes later, Ashton drove into the box and was fouled by the keeper, earning the Tigers' second PK of the season. With a chance and the ability to put Memphis back on top, the senior stepped up and knocked home the game-winner.

"Sam earned that one, and he was able to slot that one in," Mulrooney said of the game-winner. "Our game management from there wasn't perfect, but we were able to get the job done and pick up a win, and that's always the hope."

The Tigers play once more in Birmingham, facing Mercer on Sunday. Match time against the Bears is set for 2:30 p.m.