Despite their dominant performance against LSU in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the Memphis Tigers women’s soccer squad was unable to recreate the magic against top-seeded Duke in Durham, North Carolina Friday.
The Tigers could not get their offense to score against the Blue Devils’ smothering defense. They were able to hang close through the first half, exiting the first 45 minutes down 1-0. Weather played a clear role in the matchup, with both teams decked out in gloves and sweats along the sidelines.
The Tigers were projected to be on the receiving end of a blowout against Duke, but held strong throughout the waning minutes of the first half. Duke player Delaney Graham scored a late goal in the 42 minute mark in the first half. Head coach Brooks Monaghan still pushed his team to keep going no matter what the score was, being down one goal in the second half.
The Tigers’ first second round appearance since 2011 turned out to be a bittersweet moment as the 90 minute game came to a close. They concluded their season with a 1-0 loss to Duke, handing the Blue Devils their second one-goal win of the tournament.
The outcome of the season leaves the Tigers with another conference title, their second in four years, and their first appearance in the second round of the NCAA playoffs in a decade. The season seemingly avenged the first round loss against Utah Valley in last year’s first round of the NCAA tournament. The Tigers will have a long off season to recruit, with ten seniors slated to graduate this year.
This was a tough battle for the Tigers against the Duke Blue Devils. The second round matchup was a close one in Durham, North Carolina.
