The Memphis Tigers men’s soccer team opened its season with a win versus Green Bay 2-0. The win came easily for Memphis as the Tigers dominated on both ends of the pitch.
Rodrigues dos Santos and Alberto Cruz were the two scorers for Memphis. Additionally, goalkeeper Colin Welsh munched on the Green Bay offense with five quality saves.
Memphis starts out aggressive
The Tigers got out to an early start as dos Santos opened the scoring in the seventh minute. The Junior forward showing why he was added to the Mac Hermann Trophy Watch List.
Afterward, Memphis kept it aggressive as they got off eight shots with four being on target. The Tigers just falling short of that second goal.
Welsh, a junior, did a solid job in the first half, but the defense made things very easy for him. Green Bay got off four shots with none being on target as Welsh has barely had to move in the net.
Memphis Substitutions
- Brandon Brackett for Hayden Anderson (28′)
- Jose Maria Ojeda for Manu Monserrat (28′)
- Kodai Tanaka for Anders Bordoy (28′)
- Elie Bokota for Alberto Cruz
Welsh propels Memphis with a clean sheet
Welsh reminded people why he was named AAC Goalkeeper of the Week four times last season. The junior came away with five saves in the second half to defend the Green Bay attack.
Simultaneously, Cruz, a sophomore, scored in the 60th minute off an assist from dos Santos.
From there, Memphis would hold on for the win and the shutout.
Memphis Substitutions
- Hayden Anderson for Elie Bokota (45′)
- Alberto Cruz for Kodai Tanaka (45′)
- Robbie Baker for Eric Primo (66′)
- Elie Bokota for Jackson Kim (66′)
- Anders Bordoy for Hayden Anderson (66′)
- Manu Monserrat for Brandon Brackett (68′)
- Cory Pitlik for Hyeonsang Jang (70′)
- Logan Longo for Rodrigues dos Santos (72′)
- Kodai Tanaka for Jose Maria Ojeda (74′)
- Eric Primo for Manu Monserrat (81′)
- Brandon Brackett for Alberto Cruz (81′)
- Hayden Anderson for Kodai Tanaka (87′)
Post-Game Analysis
Obviously, Memphis looked strong in the effort, however, two players stood out in the season opener. The two players were dos Santos and Welsh. Two standout players from last season’s historic season where Memphis reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004.
Firstly, dos Santos started where he left off last year with one goal and an assist. In the open field, the junior is dangerous with the ball whether it’s looking to score or set up his teammates. Either way, the ball could end up in the back of the net when the Brazilian gets a touch on it.
Lastly, Welsh continues to show that he is a dominant force in the net. The Green Bay offense its best to score, but Welsh blocked its chances like an Ice Spice DM. The junior goalkeeper is off to a good start as he looks to add more accolades to his collection this season.
What’s Next for Memphis?
The Tigers will travel to Illinois to face off against Northern Illinois on Sunday. Kick-off is at 2:30 p.m. central time on ESPN+.
