Memphis, Tennessee, September 9, 2025

News Summary

The No. 14 ranked University of Memphis women’s soccer team prepares for a tough week, facing off against high-ranked rivals, No. 2 Tennessee and UT Martin. With an undefeated record of 5-0, Memphis aims to maintain their winning streak. Following a recent victory over Missouri, the Tigers are set to challenge a strong Tennessee team known for their unyielding defense. Both matches promise to elevate the already vibrant soccer atmosphere in Memphis, drawing significant fan engagement. The upcoming encounters will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

Memphis, Tennessee – University of Memphis Women’s Soccer Faces No. 2 Tennessee and UT Martin in Thrilling Home Matches

The No. 14 Memphis women’s soccer team is gearing up for a challenging week as they face two in-state rivals, beginning with a match against No. 2 Tennessee on Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. This will be followed by a matchup against UT Martin on Sunday, September 7, also at 7:00 p.m. The Tigers head into these matches with an impressive undefeated record of 5-0.

Recently, the Tigers secured a victory against Missouri with a score of 2-1, where goals were netted by Ellis Kelly and Ai Kitagawa. Their upcoming matchup against Tennessee promises excitement not only due to the opponent’s high-ranking but also because of their current form. The Lady Vols are recognized as one of the remaining 11 teams in college soccer this season without a loss or draw, having scored 18 goals and not conceding any in their first five matches.

Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by Joe Kirt in his fourth year as head coach, features key players such as Texas A&M transfer Shae O’Rourke and Alivia Stott, each contributing five goals to the team’s success. Historically, Tennessee has dominated the series against Memphis, leading with three wins to one loss. Their last encounter resulted in a narrow 1-0 loss for Memphis, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry.

Memphis has a noteworthy record when facing SEC teams, striving to improve to 15-6-1 since 2018. This season, the Tigers are unbeaten against SEC opponents, having defeated Ole Miss, No. 11 Vanderbilt, and Missouri already.

Further solidifying their standing in the region, Memphis aims to extend its nine-game winning streak against UT Martin, dating back to 2003. Currently, the Skyhawks have a record of 0-2-3 under head coach Mike Varga, who boasts nearly 300 career wins. Memphis hopes to leverage both their historical dominance against UT Martin and their recent form as they look to conclude their non-conference play on a high note.

The match against Tennessee set the stage for fan engagement too, as it broke an attendance record with 2,218 fans in the stands. The tension in the game was palpable, with Memphis outshooting Tennessee 14-10 and both goalkeepers making several key saves. Tigers’ goalie Abby Kudla made three crucial saves, while Tennessee’s Cayden Norris stood out with five saves, including a vital penalty kick save against Ashley Henderson. The match ultimately resulted in a scoreless draw, allowing both teams to maintain their unbeaten streaks of six games.

Coach Brooks Monaghan commended the team’s resilience throughout the match against Tennessee, as well as the unwavering support demonstrated by the fans. The impending match against UT Martin presents an opportunity for Memphis to not only secure a victory but also to continue their upward trajectory in the 2025 season. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

Upcoming Match Schedule

• Tennessee – September 4, 7:00 p.m.
• UT Martin – September 7, 7:00 p.m.

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Additional Resources

• Go Tigers Go: Women’s Soccer – No. 14 Tigers Host No. 2 Tennessee and UT Martin
• Daily Helmsman: No. 14 Memphis Women’s Soccer Jumps on UT Martin in Record Time, Earns 1-0 Victory
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Women’s Soccer vs. Lady Vols
• UT Sports: Soccer Match Central – Tennessee at Memphis
• Wikipedia: University of Memphis

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