TicketsBearcats Can't Tame Tigers
Fall to 1-1-0 in C-USA play
Contact: Jeremy Martin
9/29/2004
Senior Tony Morelli |
CINCINNATI, Ohio ? The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Conference USA foe Memphis tonight (Sept. 29) at Gettler Stadium. The Bearcats fall to 2-6-0 (1-1-0 C-USA), their worst start since opening the 1994 season 1-6-1, while Memphis improves to 6-2-0 (2-0-0 C-USA) on the year.
Memphis got out of the box early, scoring just over two minutes into the match. Daniel Dobson lofted a pass over the UC defense and perfectly onto the foot of forward Andy Metcalf. Metcalf beat UC goalkeeper Mike Vessells (Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin) inside the right post to put Memphis ahead at 2:07.
UC had several chances in the first half, outshooting the Tigers, 7-6. But, as has been the case in several matches this season, the Bearcats lacked quality shots. Memphis keeper Sebastian Vecchio made only two saves in collecting his second shutout of the season, as UC was unable to get consistent shots on the goal.
Memphis added to its lead late in the first half when Dobson blasted home a shot following a Cincinnati clearing attempt. Dobson's second goal of the season gave Memphis a two-goal lead and sent the Bearcats to its third loss in four matches.
"I'm disappointed," said UC head coach Hylton Dayes. "This team is suffering from a lack of execution, a lack of focus. We are having breakdowns at critical points in matches and we are not finishing the chances that we have."
The Bearcats started an inexperienced lineup thanks to injuries to senior Wiremu Patrick (Wellington, New Zealand/Wellington) and junior attacker Jarrett Devereaux (Kansas City, Mo./Rockhurst). Senior Tony Morelli (Holly, Mich./Brother Rice) started just the second match of his career and sophomore Kwame Sarkodie (Dayton, Ohio/Carroll) made his third career start for the Bearcats.
Memphis' 2-0-0 start in conference play is its best since joining Conference USA in 1995.
Cincinnati will travel to Birmingham, Ala. for a C-USA match with UAB on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. CT.