The No. 8 University of Women’s Soccer team (12-1) continued on cruise control this past week, winning both home conference games against the UConn Huskies and the Temple Owls.
They earned a dominant 5-0 win over the Huskies Thursday with sophomore defender Allie Rathbun netting a brace, and two early goals against Temple by junior forward Clarissa Larisey was enough for a 2-0 win over the Owls.
While both visiting teams have losing records, the Tigers have continued to show strides toward retaining their AAC Championship. Larisey, Stasia Mallin and Elizabeth Moberg all were named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll for their performances.
Larisey tallied three goals in the week and is now third all-time in program history with six multi-goal performances. Head Coach Brooks Monaghan described her work ethic after the win against Temple.
“[Larisey] is electric when she’s on,” Monaghan said. “The great thing is that she’s creating [the goals].”
Mallin has been leading the team with assists (nine) after recording two against the Huskies and is a single-season career-high for the Carmel, Indiana native.
Moberg continues to be one of the top keepers in the nation with two more shutouts in the 2019 season. As a junior, her 25 shutouts moved her into a tie for second all-time in career clean sheets in program history.
UConn Recap
The Tigers continued their momentum against the Huskies after controlling the entire match with goals coming from Larisey, Allie Rathbun (two), Tanya Boychuk and Claire Abrey. Monaghan was surprised to see an offensive outburst from the team, but he did not get too high off the win.
“If you told me we would score five against UConn, I probably would have told you that you were a little crazy. This was a great win,” Monaghan said in a press release. “We got goals from several different people. It’s never perfect, but in this league, it’s very difficult. When you get a win, that’s 5-0, you take it and focus on the next one.”
Memphis was able to get 11 shots in both halves with 10 being on target while holding UConn to only nine shots the game to only have Moberg record four saves. All goals came via assists, excluding Boychuk’s goal that came from a penalty kick.
Temple Recap
Another game, another win for the Tigers as Monaghan earned a win in his 400th career game as the head coach for Memphis. Larisey needed just the first 13 minutes to record a brace and credits the mood of the team for the 12th victory of the campaign.
“Honestly, today, when we came here, we all had so much energy, like we were so ready to go,” Larisey said.
She also has scored the same amount of goals as last year, and the Ottawa, Ontario native is eager for more despite not specifically admitting to her desirable number to end with.
“I’ve always liked to set goals for myself, and right now, I’m almost there,” Larisey said. “I like a high number.”
It was another dominant game for the Tigers as they outshot Temple 16-3, with Moberg only needing to record three saves.
What’s Next?
Memphis is back on the road to go head-on against the Cincinnati Bearcats Thursday at 6 p.m. They then end their weekend with a Sunday midday matchup against the East Carolina Pirates.
The Memphis Women's Soccer team during team introductions. The Tigers are ranked No. 8 in the nation in both the United Soccer Coaches Poll and Top Drawer Soccer.
Clarissa Larisey strikes a ball past the keep inside the 18-yard box. Larisey leads the team with 12 goals and one assist this year.
Stasia Mallin in action serving a cross into enemy territory. The No. 8 Tigers defeated Temple 2-0 and UConn 5-0 this past week.
Elizabeth Moberg with a bold clearance outside her goal. Moberg has eight shutouts on the year.
Clarissa Larisey celebrates an early goal against Temple. The Tigers defeated Temple 2-0 last Sunday.
Brooks Monaghan yelling instructions at players during a game against Temple. The No. 8 Tigers are 12-1 on the year so far.
