Tigers Close Nonconference Slate Against Kansas City

Sunday, September 13

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

Kansas City

Tigers Close Nonconference Slate Against Kansas City

Sep 12, 2026 | Women's Soccer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women's soccer team returns home this weekend to close out its nonconference schedule against Kansas City on Sunday.

The Tigers enter the matchup following a pair of contests last week, playing Houston to a 1-1 draw at home before falling 3-1 on the road at No. 8 Ohio State.

Sophomore Ellis Kelly opened the scoring against Houston in the 10th minute, heading home a rebound for her first goal of the season and sixth of her career. Freshman Abby Forsgren was credited with the assist, the first of her collegiate career.

Against the Buckeyes, Memphis found itself trailing 3-0 before Mihiro Furuya put the Tigers on the board in the 79th minute. Furuya finished off a delivery from Ally Casey for her first goal of the season and third of her career, while Casey picked up her first assist of the year and second of her career.

The matchup also saw Neko Michell, Natalie Dvorakova and Grayson Williams make the first starts of their collegiate careers.

SCOUTING REPORT

Kansas City enters the weekend with a 1-4-1 record after picking up its first victory of the season Thursday with a 2-0 home win over Missouri State.

Sunday's matchup will mark just the second meeting between Memphis and Kansas City. The programs first met in 2016 at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, where the Tigers earned a 3-0 victory behind two goals from Memphis' all-time leading goal scorer Valerie Sanderson.

The Roos are led by head coach Jess Smith, who owns a 32-63-21 record in seven seasons at the helm.

Sophomore defender Ella Reyling has been a mainstay for Kansas City, playing all but one minute through the Roos' first six matches. Fifth-year midfielder Olivia Platt leads the team with three points on one goal and one assist, while sophomore attacker Genevieve Hull has recorded a team-high eight shots.

Kansas City has been active defensively, ranking 43rd nationally with 5.6 saves per game. Goalkeeper Anika Patton ranks 40th individually, averaging 5.25 saves per contest.

TIGER TIDBITS

Since the start of the 2023 season, the Tigers own a 52-8-8 record and an .824 win percentage. Only two programs have posted a higher win percentage over that span: No. 18 Florida State (.861) and No. 1 Stanford (.844).
Memphis has been equally dominant at home, posting a 26-1-5 record and an .891 win percentage since 2023. Only No. 1 Stanford (.919) and No. 18 Florida State (.903) own a higher home win percentage over that span.
Memphis has received at least one vote in 46 consecutive United Soccer Coaches polls dating back to the final poll of the 2022 season. The Tigers received three votes in this week's poll.
Through six matches, Memphis has outshot its opponents 91-52, including a 41-28 advantage in shots on goal. The Tigers also hold a 37-14 advantage in corner kicks.

Head coach Brooks Monaghan has called on several newcomers to play significant roles early this season:
- Freshman Miyu Morota has played 93 minutes across four matches.
- Freshman Ella Etienne has logged 60 minutes across four appearances.
- Freshman Marika Martineau has appeared in all six matches, totaling 134 minutes.
- Freshman Neko Michell has played 94 minutes across two matches and earned her first career start at No. 8 Ohio State.
- Transfer Zerina Markovic has logged 235 minutes across all six matches, making one start.
- Freshman Abby Forsgren has made an immediate impact, starting all six matches and playing 505 of a possible 540 minutes. She has recorded one goal, one assist, 13 shots and nine shots on goal.
- Transfer Natalie Dvorakova has played 169 minutes across five matches, earning one start and scoring the first goal of her collegiate career.
- Freshman Maira Boosman has taken on a significant role in the Tigers' back line, making four starts in six appearances and totaling 290 minutes.
Several returning Tigers have also taken on expanded roles this season:
- Sophomore goalkeeper Ava Galani has moved into the starting role and played every minute in net through the Tigers' first six matches.
- Sophomore Ava Gaida has made three starts this season after not starting any of her first 14 career appearances.
- Redshirt freshman Grayson Williams made her first appearance as a Tiger this season before earning her first career start at No. 8 Ohio State.

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

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