Brooks Delivers Game-Winner in 85th Minute for No. 10 Tigers

Thursday, September 11

Charlotte, N.C.

6:00 p.m.

University of Memphis

7-0-1, 1-0-0

Charlotte

4-4-0, 0-1-0

Memphis

Charlotte

Brooks Delivers Game-Winner in 85th Minute for No. 10 Tigers

Sep 11, 2025 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Freshman forward Taliah Brooks opened the scoring in the 85th minute on Thursday night, propelling No. 10 Memphis to a 1-0 victory in the conference opener at Charlotte.

The Tigers (7-0-1, 1-0 American) outshot the hosts 18-6, putting 10 on target and hitting the crossbar twice, but it was their final shot that broke the seal and gave them their sixth consecutive victory over Charlotte (4-4, 0-1 American).

"The message was that we are going to have a target on your back every single week.' Charlotte brought it tonight, their keeper made some great saves," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "We did some good things when we played to the gameplan, and we created a lot of chances so it was great to get the result. There should be no surprises now, because every week is going to be a lot like this one."

Memphis moved to a three-defender formation rather than four, with Ellis Kelly and Elise Perron serving as wingbacks. Kelly jolted down the left side in the third minute to get a shot on frame, but goalkeeper Harlee Head made her first of a career-high nine saves to inhibit the attack.

The Tigers would put three more shots on target in the half, but it remained scoreless at the break and into the second half. Memphis looked the more threatening team as they torpedoed forward, but Abby Kudla had to make a vital save in the 63rd minute off a dangerous cross from Charlotte.

Kelly and Ai Kitagawa each hit the crossbar in the second half, coming agonizing close to breaking the deadlock. After winning the ball back after a late goal kick, the visitors swiftly worked their way into the box, with Alex Mackay turning and firing a shot into the bottom right corner which Head again turned away. The loose ball fell into the path of the watchful Brooks, who hit it first time into an unobstructed net.

Brooks' third goal of the season was far from the final moment of action, as Charlotte's newfound urgency found them in dangerous positions. Another cross from the right side was directed into the bottom right corner of the goal, but Finley Lavin was perfectly positioned to clear it off the line.

The 10th-ranked Tigers will have the weekend off before hosting UAB on Thursday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m.

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.