March 30, 2006

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Kolditz
wkolditz@memphis.edu, (901) 678-2444

MEMPHIS - Freshman goalkeeper Robert Mueller made the most of his first significant playing time in the spring by helping the University of Memphis men's soccer team shutout Colaiste Ide in an exhibition game on Wednesday night, 1-0. The blanking is the fourth-straight for the Tigers who have allowed only two goals in five games; both coming against Major League Soccer's FC Dallas.

Mueller, a native of Kileen, Texas, played all 90-minutes for the win, saving several Colaiste Ide goal opportunities. He was named the man of the match after the game.

"Robert had a great game for us," said Memphis head coach Richie Grant. "He definitely helped preserve the win."

The Tigers scored the game-winner about 25 minutes into the match. Freshman Nick Dressman headed a free-kick by Tripp Harkins that was finished by freshman Grant Wise. Wise has scored in two-straight games after also making a goal against Lambuth University.

"It was a very competitive, tight game," Grant said. "The game was really intense, and they got everything that we had last night. Colaiste Ide had an exceptional performance considering the amount of soccer they have played in the last six days."

Led by strong performances in the backfield by freshman Thomas Hyland and sophomore Michael Coburn, the Tigers kept its shutout streak in tact. Memphis has now played over 370 scoreless minutes.

The U of M will carry that streak into its final spring game against the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS in Kansas City, Mo on Sunday at 10 a.m. After being tested in its opening spring game against FC Dallas, Memphis will have the opportunity to close against a team of the highest caliber.

"We're looking forward to playing Kansas City," Grant said. "They will provide a major challenge for us as we finish our spring competition."

Memphis will use the money raised from its annual silent auction held tonight at South Campus to fund the trip. The team will watch the Wizards open up their 2006 season against the Columbus Crew on Saturday. Traveling with the Crew is last year's Memphis team captain Dayton O'Brien who was drafted by the team this year.