Second-Half Flurry Propels No. 19 Tigers Past Tulsa, 4-2, in AAC Quarterfinals

Monday, November 4

Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

6:30 PM

University of Memphis

12-1-4, 6-0-4

Tulsa

7-9-4, 3-5-2

Tulsa

Memphis

Second-Half Flurry Propels No. 19 Tigers Past Tulsa, 4-2, in AAC Quarterfinals

Nov 04, 2024 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – The No. 19 Memphis women's soccer team came from behind to win for the first time this season, scoring three unanswered goals on Monday evening to take a 4-2 victory over Tulsa in the AAC quarterfinal.

The Tigers (12-1-4, 6-0-4 AAC) live to fight another day as they advance into the conference's final four teams. Anna Hauer opened the scoring before two straight impressive goals from Tulsa (7-9-4, 3-4-3 AAC) gave the eighth-seeded underdog the lead in the second half. Memphis would go on to score three goals in 17 minutes to total four goals for just the fourth time this season.

"At halftime, I think the mentality was pretty good. We came out and conceded a goal, and you're nervous about what the response is going to be because that's not something we are used to doing this year," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "I was really proud of how we responded because not only did we score enough to win but we could have scored two or three more."

Memphis had the first chance of the game via an Ashley Henderson free kick in the third minute. Her shot was pushed away by goalkeeper Tatum Sanders; Elise Perron's second effort was also saved.

The Tigers broke through in the 21st minute when Perron played a ball into Hauer who perfectly timed her run and slotted it past the keeper into the bottom left corner. It marked the fourth goal this year for the All-AAC Second Teamer, and Momo Nakao was also granted an assist for her pass to Perron.

Tulsa responded off a corner routine in the 35th minute; the ball was batted around before Kaleigh Hart placed a long-distance shot into the top-right corner to level the score at one.

Alex Mackay found the back of net in the 43rd minute but the goal was waved off for offside. The Hurricane struck again right out of half time from an incredible distance through Leah Diaz to take the lead.

Trailing for the first time since Sept. 12, Memphis responded swiftly with three goals in 17 minutes after falling behind. Perron got a goal of her own after Sanders saved Anna Hauer's attempt right into the freshman's path. Ai Kitagawa's cross found the head of Ashley Henderson to give the Tigers the lead in the 57th minute, and Momo Nakao found the back of the net from distance in the 64th minute.

Memphis had a few opportunities to score as the game waned, but it was mostly quiet compared to an entrancing half-hour in the middle of the match.

The Tigers will take on fourth-seeded Rice in the semi-final on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6:00 p.m. CT. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.