The Memphis Tigers came to town to renew their rivalry with the Bears and hoped to continue their favorable road results (3-1) compared to their home play (1-3) this season. With a number of common opponents (SEMO, Arkansas & SLU) the Bears appeared to have an advantage coming into the game (2-1 to 1-2). The key advantage that exhibited itself was a stingy defense that kept a clean sheet despite being outshot 13-16, earning a 0-0 tie following two overtime periods Friday evening.
The Tigers came out strongly in the first half and moved the ball well, in particular down the left side via Kylie Hayes. After some adjustments during halftime, the Bears settled down and began to work the ball more effectively. Both teams had opportunities, the Tigers best coming from corner kicks while the Bears worked their wings and got numbers into the box. The best opportunity came from a fine run by Jenna Laughlin that brought her right into the six yard box where she was denied. Kate Blair’s effort on the loose ball was only narrowly cleared by the Tigers.
The Tigers came closest late in the second half when their Conference USA player of the year (2005) Shoko Mikahi, hammered a hard shot that rang off the crossbar. Both teams continued to attack in the overtime period and it looked as if the Bears would earn the win when Chelsea Anderson, tireless as usual, created an opportunity by forcing a bad pass. Samantha Aguilar collected the loose ball and waited for the play to develop, eventually sending Chelsea in unmarked on the left side of the box. Chelsea’s ball to the top of the six-yard box was met by Caroline Sweeney, only to see her shot ring off the upright.
Next game is Sunday, 1pm against the University of Tulsa. The game will be played at Plaster Stadium as well.
The men’s team lost 0-1 to Alabama A&M at the Bradley tournament Friday night.
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