March 27, 2008

MEMPHIS - The University of Memphis men's soccer team defeated Rhodes College 1-0 in spring exhibition play on Thursday on Rhodes' campus. The goal came when Mark Weldon played the ball behind the Rhodes defense for Tripp Harkins who found the back of the net in the game's first minute.

"I was pleased to get the goal so early in the game," said men's head soccer coach Richie Grant. "I really thought that would settle us down. It was a good game for us."

That was all the scoring there would be as each team was unable to capitalize on opportunities for the remainder of the game. "I thought Rhodes goalkeeper made a couple of important saves," Grant said. "I also thought were a little bit wasteful around the goal at times today."

Rhodes had a couple of chances to tie the score late in the game but was turned away by Tiger goalkeeper Michael Goodlett. "Mike had a good game for us in goal," Grant said. "He was called upon at the end and made a couple if important saves to make sure we didn't concede anything."

The Tigers will return to spring exhibition action when they host Colaiste Ide on April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.