University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Lipscomb
Tigers to Open Regular Season at Lipscomb
Aug 20, 2025 | Men's Soccer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis men's soccer begins its regular season with a road contest against Lipscomb. The Tigers have been winless in their previous four matches against the Bisons, with the last Memphis win coming in 2018. The match is set for a 7:00 p.m. kick and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Memphis (0-0-0) comes into the season after winning the regular season title in the American Conference. Their preseason slate included matches against Pearl River Community College, Central Arkansas and Southern Indiana. Central Arkansas is notable as the Bears were ranked higher than Lipscomb in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Preseason Coaches' Poll.
The Tigers have had to replace multiple talents, including the 2024 American Conference Midfielder of the Year (Lleyton Imparato) and Defender of the Year (Jackson Kim). Memphis carries 20 newcomers on the 2025 roster, with multiple set to make their first starts on Thursday night.
The Tigers do retain three key players from their title-winning squad. Filip Sabatti, the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year in the American, returns for his senior season. He is looking to defend his title as he was named the American's Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and a preseason all-conference selection. The Croatian international registered 48 saves in 2024 and carried a .792 save percentage in conference competitions.
On the backline, sophomore defender Ryan Ruguaru is set to step into a prominent role after being named to the American Preseason All-Conference Team. Ruguaru's first season culminated in a spot on the American All-Freshman Team. He logged seven starts in 14 matches during his freshman campaign, with a clean sheet in Memphis' upset win over then No. 9 Charlotte.
In attack, Luciano Galizzi is one of only two returning players who recorded a point last season, the other being Anthony DiFalco. Galizzi logged four goals and one assist in matches last year and was one of only three players to start in every match of that season. The sixth-year forward from Argentina was one of only three unanimous selections in the American's Preseason All-Conference Team.
SCOUTING THE BISONS
Lipscomb was polled fifth in the ASUN Preseason Coaches' Poll but was one of only three programs in that conference to receive a first-place vote. The Bisons look to begin the season on a positive note after ending the 2024 season on a seven-match winless streak. Lipscomb did secure a 2-1 victory over Memphis to begin its 2024 season.
The key returners for the Bisons are Tyler Stinnett and Daniel Stampatori. Stampatori started in all 16 matches for Lipscomb, leading the team with 1,344 minutes played, contributing a goal and an assist. Stinnett has the highest 2024 point total of the returners (two goals, two assists) and was a goal-scorer in Lipscomb's win over Memphis last season.
Lipscomb will have a choice in net of Noah Kump, a junior who featured in seven matches for the Bisons in 2024 or Alex Kara, who appeared in one match over two seasons at Indiana, earning two Big Ten regular season titles. Kump logged 24 saves in 630 minutes of action. Both goalkeepers on Lipscomb's roster have collegiate experience and are seeking their first career wins.
THE SERIES WITH LIPSCOMB
Memphis is 8-4-2 all-time against the Bisons, but the Tigers have failed to secure a win in their four most recent matches. The last time Memphis defeated Lipscomb was in October of 2018 in Nashville.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Men's Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
