The University of Memphis women’s soccer team continue their four-game winning streak in the Rice Tournament in dominant fashion, beating host Rice University 2-0 and the University of Louisiana at LaFayette 3-0.
The Rice Owls controlled most of the game within the first 15 minutes. The Tigers’ defensive line held their own against Rice’s four shots, and sophomore goalkeeper Elizabeth Moberg was able to block two of those shots.
Samantha Murphy, sophomore midfielder and forward, turned the tables against the Owls, scoring the first goal in the 21st minute. That was her third goal of the season, and head coach Brooks Monaghan noted how it helped ease the team.
“Once we scored, the momentum changed, and we got control of the game,” Monaghan said.
Clarissa Larisey then sealed the game in the 69th minute, scoring her sixth goal of the season at the time. She made a fast run down the left side of the pitch, ran past the Rice defenders and finished the play with the goal.
Near the end of the game, the Owls earned two corner kicks in an effort to make a miracle comeback, but Moberg and the Tiger defenders continued their stand. Monaghan credited the Owls’ ability but knew his team could overcome.
“They gave us some problems, but we didn’t panic and found a way to win,” Monaghan said.
In the second match against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns on Sunday, the Tigers ended the weekend with a 3-0 victory with goals by Larisey, Caroline Duncan, freshman defender and midfielder, and Samantha Murphy, sophomore forward and midfielder.
Duncan scored the first goal, which was also her first collegiate goal, in the 36th minute from a corner kick. The Memphis native from White Station High School has contributed to the team with limited minutes so far and was surprised that she scored.
“I was in shock actually because I didn’t think I hit the ball, but I did,” Duncan said,” And I turned around, and everyone was running towards me, and I was like ‘Oh my God, I scored.’’’
While Duncan earned her first goal, Larisey scored in her third straight game and had her seventh overall in the season. She already has surpassed her three-goal total from last year, and Monaghan knows she a threat to opposing teams.
“She is a handful for any team with her pace,” Monaghan said. “She’s playing with a lot of confidence, and she’s doing extremely well, and I’m proud of her.”
Larisey credits her teammates for allowing her to find chances to get the ball in the back of the net, as well as just simply being in the right place at the right time.
“It’s lots of movement and great passing from my teammates,” Larisey said. “Also always being on my toes and being ready for the ball whenever it’s coming.”
The Tigers enter their last weekend of non-conference play Thursday, and when asked what the team would work on heading to the next game, Monaghan had only a one-word reply.
“Polish. That’s the word I use,” Monaghan said. “I think the kids are understanding their roles, and that takes some time since this team hasn’t been together for very long.”
The Tigers head to Jonesboro, Arkansas, to face Arkansas State at 4 p.m this Thursday.
Clarissa Larisey (17) battles for the ball against a Samford defender.
