Kitagawa's Brace Lifts Tigers Past Charlotte, 2-1

Sunday, October 11

Memphis, Tenn.

11 a.m.

University of Memphis

7-3-2, 4-0-1

Charlotte

7-5-1, 3-2-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Charlotte	0	1	1
Memphis	1	1	2

Match Notes

Oct 11, 2026 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women's soccer team continued its unbeaten run in American Conference play Sunday morning, defeating Charlotte 2-1 behind a two-goal performance from junior Ai Kitagawa at the Track and Soccer Complex.

Kitagawa opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a perfectly placed free kick before delivering the game-winner from the penalty spot in the 84th minute. The brace marked her second multi-goal performance of the season and sixth of her career, moving her into third place in program history for matches with multiple goals.

Memphis (7-3-2, 4-0-1 American) remains the only unbeaten team in American Conference play, outshooting the 49ers 11-9 and holding a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks. The victory extended the Tigers' unbeaten streak in conference play to 34 consecutive matches.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Memphis broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Kitagawa stepped up for a free kick and curled a perfectly placed shot into the upper-left corner of the net. The goal was her sixth of the season and 22nd of her career, giving the Tigers an early 1-0 advantage.
Charlotte found the equalizer in the 69th minute when Lucie Bertrand collected the ball on the edge of the box and lifted a shot into the left side of the net. Carly Lashley provided the assist as the 49ers drew level at 1-1.
The Tigers reclaimed the lead in the 84th minute after a video review resulted in a penalty kick being awarded for a Charlotte handball. Kitagawa calmly stepped up and slotted her attempt into the bottom-right corner, securing her second goal of the match and the 2-1 victory for Memphis.

NOTABLES

Memphis has outscored its opponents 15-2 over its last six matches, posting a 5-0-1 record during that stretch.
The Tigers outshot Charlotte 11-9 and held a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
- Memphis has now outshot its opponents 220-86 this season and holds a 99-45 advantage in shots on goal.
Kitagawa continued her impressive week, netting both goals in the victory to bring her season total to seven and career total to 23.
- The junior moved into 12th place on Memphis' all-time goals list with 23 career goals.
- Kitagawa's game-winner was the ninth of her career, moving her into eighth place in program history.
- The brace marked her second multi-goal performance of the season and sixth of her career, ranking third all-time at Memphis.
- Kitagawa finished the match with a team-high four shots, placing two on goal, in 89 minutes of action.
Ava Galani stood tall in the Tigers' net, making four saves across 90 minutes, including two crucial stops from close range.
- The goalkeeper now has 32 saves on the season.
Maira Boosman, Ava Gaida, Ally Casey, Yuna Nagata, Mihiro Furuya and Abby Forsgren each played the full 90 minutes.
Memphis improved to 7-3-2 overall and 4-0-1 in American Conference play, remaining the conference's only unbeaten team.
The Tigers extended their American Conference unbeaten streak to 34 consecutive matches.
- Memphis' last conference loss came on Oct. 27, 2022, at SMU.

SCORING SUMMARY

First Half:

20' | Memphis 1 – 0 Charlotte – Ai Kitagawa (6)

Second Half:

69' | Memphis 1 – 1 Charlotte – Lucie Bertrand (1) (Assist: Carly Lashley)

84' | Memphis 2 – 1 Charlotte – Ai Kitagawa (7) (Penalty Kick)

Full-Time

UP NEXT

The Tigers will be back in action next Thursday, Oct. 15 when they travel to Temple. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. in Philadelphia, Pa. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

For the Tigers' most recent and up-to-date schedule, click HERE.

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.