Memphis stays unbeaten after a 2-1 win versus Belmont. The Tigers went into the matchup as favorites versus Belmont even with the start of JD Gunn at goalkeeper. In the pregame, the seniors of the team were celebrated as it was Senior Night at the Track and Soccer Complex.
The Beale Street Boys faced an early deficit in the 19th minute, but an own goal and a score by Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos in the span of five minutes put them on top. Memphis held on to the win to improve to 4-0-1.
Memphis stands on top in competitive first-half
The match started off equally competitive between both teams. Memphis shot three shots before Belmont shot twice, leading to a goal to put the Bruins up one in the 19th minute.
Afterward, Belmont would allow an own goal in the 20th minute to even the score. Then, Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos pressured the box to put the team up 2-1 four minutes later. The goal was assisted by Eric Primo and it put dos Santos’ season total to an AAC-leading five goals.
Each team would have their chance of scoring afterward but neither could add another point on the scoreboard. It truly turned into a display of strategy between the two coaches. After 45 minutes, the score still read 2-1 in favor of Memphis.
Memphis Substitutions
- Alberto Cruz for Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos (24′)
- Hayden Anderson for Gavriel Christensen (28′)
- Anders Borody for Kodai Tanaka (29′)
- Dino Stavros for Robbie Baker (36′)
- Elie Bokota for Eric Primo (38′)
Second Half Scares
The Tigers searched for that coveted insurance run, with their best chance coming in the 75th minute as Jose Maria Ojeda missed an open net on a cross.
Belmont would continue to try to retaliate, however, the Memphis defense stood strong as well and goalkeeper JD Gunn made a crucial diving save in the 84th minute. Dunn made five saves in his first start of the season.
The Bruins outshot the Tigers 5 to 3 in the second half. Nevertheless, Memphis held on for the win in a highly competitive and stress-filled second half filled with close calls and yellow cards.
Memphis Substitutions
- Robbie Baker for Hayden Anderson (45′)
- Gabriel Christensen for Alberto Cruz (45′)
- Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos for Robbie Baker (62′)
- Alberto Crus for Brandon Brackett (62′)
- Jose Maria Ojeda for Gabriel Christensen (68′)
- Kodai Tanaka for Anders Borody (68′)
- Eric Primo for Alberto Cruz (69′)
- Robbie Baker for Hyeonsang Jang (79′)
- Hayden Anderson for Kodai Tanaka (82′)
Memphis Post-Game Analysis
Overall, the Tigers played a great game for one that could have gone either way. The ability of the team to bounce back quickly and take the lead shows off the resiliency of this club. Altogether, they are one of the more dangerous sleeper teams in the country.
Undoubtedly, the player of the game is Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos. He truly is a treasure to watch with his skill to beat a defender and set up chances in the box.
Additionally, an honorable mention in the game is goalkeeper JD Gunn. Despite allowing an early goal, the graduate student made five saves to salvage the win.
What’s Next for Memphis
Next, Memphis will travel up to Nashville to face Lipscomb. Last year, the two teams drew 1-1 at the Track and Soccer Complex, but the Tigers currently lead the matchup 8-3-1.
Kick-off is set for Monday, September 11th at 7 p.m. CT.
