MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Senior defender Ethan Cook is playing a key role for University of Memphis men soccer, tied for the team lead in minutes played (992) and staying on the field for seven straight games as the Tigers sit 6-2-4 overall and 1-0-3 in the American Athletic Conference.
Cook helped Memphis to a 3-0 conference victory over Temple on Sunday in Philadelphia. The Tigers have given up just 11 goals with four shutouts this season. The 6-foot-3 Ballston Spa, N.Y., product also has two goals, including a game-winner in a 4-3 non-league victory over Lipscomb and the first goal in a 2-2 tie with Florida International.
At UAlbany, Cook was named to the America East Conference All-Rookie team in 2023. In three seasons with the Great Danes he played 46 games with 38 starts and 3,323 minutes, helping post nine shutouts before transferring to Memphis.
The University of Memphis is listed among Memphis colleges and major employers, and men soccer sits alongside the basketball program as a campus sports brand for local fans following AAC play this fall.
Cook transfer from Albany has stabilized a Memphis back line through non-conference tests and the early AAC slate, giving the Tigers a senior minute-eater as conference play continues in Memphis.
Memphis will look to build on the Temple shutout and Cook two-goal scoring touch while keeping the defensive standard that has limited opponents to 11 goals through 12 matches. His availability across nearly 1,000 minutes makes him central to how the Tigers manage the rest of the AAC schedule.
