Tigers Fall 2-0 in Competitive Match-up with FC Dallas
Feb. 11, 2006
For Immediate Release DALLAS, Texas - In its first exhibition game of the spring, the University of Memphis men's soccer team fell to Major League Soccer's FC Dallas, 2-0, on Saturday. "We played a very competitive game against a talented MLS team," Grant said. "I was pleased with the performance we opened with and maintained throughout the game. We looked sharp and committed to keep the ball. It was a very productive game for us." The Tigers had strong debuts from two of their spring transfers in Kevin Welsh and Jamie Gilbert. Welsh, a junior who transferred from Christian Brothers University, just missed scoring a Memphis goal after receiving a great opportunity from sophomore Jared Britcher. Welsh beat his man for a one-one-one with FC Dallas goalie Ray Burse who made an outstanding save to prevent the score. "Kevin was strong for us today and made a great debut for our program," Grant said. "He created an excellent opportunity to put us on the board today." The Tigers are no stranger to the Dallas goalie. Burse was Ohio State's goalie when Memphis faced off against the Buckeyes in the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and fell 1-0. Burse had two saves in the tournament game. Grant said he was also pleased with the solid performance in the backfield by Gibert. The senior transfer from Vanderbilt teamed with sophomores Robert Sausaman and Michael Coburn to limit the MLS team to two goals. Sophomore Tripp Harkins provided another reason Memphis has to look forward to the rest of the spring with a good performance from the right side of the field, Grant said. "We are pleased with the exercise this game provided and look forward to another test with a MSL team in April against the Kansas City Wizards," Grant said. The Tigers next spring exhibition game is on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex at 5:30 p.m. Memphis will host Portmarnock, a talented team from Ireland.
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