Mackay's Game-Winner Seals 1-0 Victory for No. 17 Tigers

Thursday, September 26

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

6-1-1, 1-0-1

UTSA

6-4-1, 1-2-0

UTSA

Memphis

Mackay's Game-Winner Seals 1-0 Victory for No. 17 Tigers

Sep 26, 2024 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The No. 17 Memphis women's soccer team prolonged their nation-high home winning streak on Thursday night, capturing their 16th consecutive victory at the Track and Soccer Stadium in a 1-0 battle with UTSA.

In a game where the Tigers (6-1-1, 1-0-1 AAC) spent the majority of the game trying to break down a sturdy UTSA defense, the lone goal came in the 79th minute through freshman Alex Mackay, her second goal of the season, with an assist from Kate Howes.

"The performance was decent, but it's a lot easier to be okay with that when it results in wins," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "With the success that we've had in the conference, teams have been committed to keeping us from getting in behind, and that's a challenge we are still working through."

The Tigers took control of the match from the onset, dominating possession but only testing the keeper with one shot on frame in the eighth minute. UTSA threatened to score off a corner kick in the 15th minute, but Kaylie Bierman was able to collect a shot headed for the top left corner.

After a fourth consecutive scoreless draw after 45 minutes, the Tigers ramped up the pressure in the second half, with UTSA's goalkeeper making several crucial saves off shots from Anne-Valerie Seto and Ai Kitagawa.

The Roadrunners found a counter-attacking opportunity in the 71st minute, but the shot was handled by Bierman, who comfortably saved both of UTSA's only two shots.

The Tigers' pressure finally broke through when a deflected cross found the junior Howes, who pinged a pass across the near post for fellow substitute Mackay to fire into the back of the net. It marks the second-latest game winner of the season (Ashley Henderson, 84th minute versus Kansas State).

Memphis will head to Tampa, Florida, for a Sunday afternoon square-off with South Florida at noon CT. The game 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.