Memphis Women’s Soccer Captures Fourth Straight Conference Title with 3-0 Win Over East Carolina

Friday, October 30

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

10-3-3, 7-0-2

East Carolina

3-5-9, 2-3-4

Team	1	2	Final F
East Carolina	0	0	0
Memphis	2	1	3

Match Notes

Oct 30, 2026 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women's soccer team secured its fourth consecutive American Conference regular-season championship Friday night, defeating East Carolina 3-0 at the Track and Soccer Complex to clinch the No. 1 seed in the American Conference Tournament.

The Tigers (10-3-3, 7-0-2 American) extended their conference unbeaten streak to 38 consecutive matches behind a five-point performance from sophomore Ellis Kelly, who netted two goals and added an assist. Zerina Markovic also found the back of the net, while freshman Abby Forsgren recorded two assists to help Memphis secure its fourth straight regular-season crown.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Memphis wasted little time taking control of the match, opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Freshman Abby Forsgren played a long ball forward to Ellis Kelly, who corralled the pass before firing a shot into the left side of the net for her fifth goal of the season.
The Tigers doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Kelly nearly added her second goal of the night. Her initial attempt was turned away, but Zerina Markovic was in the right place to slot home the rebound into an empty net. Kelly and Forsgren were both credited with assists on the goal.
Memphis continued to control possession and create opportunities throughout the second half before Kelly put the match out of reach in the 71st minute. The sophomore forced a turnover, cut inside onto her left foot and unleashed a rocket into the upper-left corner of the net for her second goal of the night and sixth of the season.
The Tigers held East Carolina scoreless over the final 19 minutes to secure the 3-0 shutout and celebrate their fourth consecutive American Conference regular-season championship in front of the home crowd.

NOTABLES

Memphis continued its dominance of the American Conference, claiming its fourth consecutive regular-season championship and extending the longest streak of consecutive regular-season titles in conference history.
- The Tigers also secured the No. 1 seed in the upcoming American Conference Tournament.
Ellis Kelly led the Tigers with two goals and an assist, tying her career high with five points in a single match.
- Kelly previously recorded five points in two separate matches last season.
- The sophomore now has six goals this season, ranking second on the team, and 11 in her Memphis career.
- Kelly's five-point performance brings her season total to 16 points, tied for second on the team, and her career total to 30.
- She finished the night with seven shots, two shots on goal, two goals and one assist.
Abby Forsgren continued to bolster her American Conference Freshman of the Year résumé, assisting on each of Memphis' first two goals.
- The freshman now has eight assists this season, ranking third in the American Conference and second among freshmen in Memphis program history.
Zerina Markovic continued her strong run of form, scoring her fourth goal of the season and her career.
- After netting two goals off the bench against UTSA last Thursday, Markovic has now scored three goals over Memphis' last three matches.
- All four of her career goals have come during the 2026 campaign.
Memphis dominated the Pirates offensively, outshooting East Carolina 23-4, including a 9-1 advantage in shots on goal.
- The Tigers also held a 9-1 edge in corner kicks and controlled 72 percent of possession.
- On the season, Memphis has outshot its opponents 296-109, including a 134-53 advantage in shots on goal. The Tigers have also outscored opponents 34-14 and hold a 104-38 advantage in corner kicks.
Ava Gaida, Yuna Nagata, Evelyn Mackay, Ally Casey, Abby Forsgren and Maira Boosman each played all 90 minutes.
Memphis improves to 10-3-3 overall and 7-0-2 in American Conference play, remaining the league's only unbeaten team.
- The Tigers extended their American Conference unbeaten streak to 38 consecutive matches.
- Memphis' last conference defeat came on Oct. 27, 2022, at SMU.

SCORING SUMMARY

First Half:

14' | Memphis 1 – 0 East Carolina – Ellis Kelly (5) (Assist: Abby Forsgren)

32' | Memphis 2 – 0 East Carolina – Zerina Markovic (4) (Assist: Ellis Kelly, Abby Forsgren)

Second Half:

71' | Memphis 3 – 0 East Carolina – Ellis Kelly (6)

Full-Time

UP NEXT

The Tigers will head to Birmingham, Alabama for the final regular season game against UAB. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday night, the match will be available 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.