MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The No. 14 Memphis women's soccer team welcomes two in-state opponents into town this week, starting with No. 2 Tennessee this Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. They will then host UT Martin on Sunday, September 7, also at 7:00 p.m.
The Tigers (5-0) picked up another big victory over Missouri last Thursday, a 2-1 contest featuring goals from
Ellis Kelly and
Ai Kitagawa. Their away match against Iowa State was canceled due to travel issues caused by weather in the area.
Game One: No. 2 Tennessee
The undefeated Lady Vols travel to Memphis as the second-ranked team in the country. It is the highest-ranked opponent the Tigers have ever played; in October 2012, they took on No. 3 Oklahoma State at home, falling 3-2. It is also a battle between two of the 11 remaining perfect teams (no draws or losses) in 2025.
Despite beginning the season unranked, Tennessee quickly found itself at the top of college soccer, knocking off No. 1 North Carolina on opening night and winning at No. 4 UCLA a week later. They have scored 18 goals in five matches and are one of three teams in the country who are yet to concede a goal.
The Lady Vols are coached by Joe Kirt, who is in his fourth year at the helm after 15 years as an assistant. Texas A&M transfer Shae O'Rourke and Alivia Stott lead the goal tally for Tennessee with five a piece.
Memphis and Tennessee have played just four times in history, with the Lady Vols holding a 3-1 advantage. Last season, the Tigers fell, 1-0, in Knoxville.
Some of you might remember Kayla Barr, played for Maryville HS and was on the Lady Vols as a freshman.
