Memphis Wins Its First Women's Soccer Title
Nov. 11, 2007
EL PASO, Texas - New Mexico native, Vendula Strnadova nailed the game winning goal, to give the Memphis Tigers the edge they needed to beat UCF and win their first C-USA Championship title in school history. The Lady Tigers have won the championship title to go along with their share of the regular season title they won last week. With 18 minutes to go in the game, Strnadova nailed one in from 22 yards out, assisted by Laura Laufenberg. The goal was the C-USA Freshman of the Year's, sixth goal of the season. The U of M women's soccer team competed in their first C-USA Championship game in school history today, adding to the history making season they have already achieved. They beat the UCF Knights, 2-0, in the final game to make their mark in Memphis record books. Freshman Ashley Berra earned the Most Valuable Offensive Player of the C-USA Championship and freshman Kelsey Bakker earned the Defensive Player award. Senior Caroline Barrett and junior Emiko Schwab earned C-USA All-Championship honors as well. UCF did not attempt its first shot until 20 minutes into the match, the ball went to the keeper as Isabel Briones made her first save of the game. Before this afternoon's game, the Tigers held their previous two opponents in the championship to a combined 11 shots. By halftime, neither team was able to score a goal. The Tigers edged the Knights in shots 6 to 4, and in corner kicks 4 to 0. Manis had two saves, while Briones had one. Memphis had two chances, with back-to-back corner kicks in the 18th minute of the second half, but the header and shot were both wide and high. Memphis was able to hold UCF to six shots the entire game and two in the second half. Freshman Ashley Berra scored her third goal of the championship with three minutes left in the game, from five yards out on a 2-on-1 after a cross from Krista Turner. Briones earned her 10th shutout of her career to add to the C-USA Championship title. The Memphis defense was unstoppable as they held their opponents to 17 shots the entire championship, compared to their 71. During the week long C-USA Championship the Tigers tied or broke six championship records, including most goals, assists and points. They are the third team in championship history to shutout every opponent and win the championship. This will be Memphis' first trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers have improved their record to 17-3-1, the best in the programs history. The Tigers will be awaiting tomorrow when the NCAA Selection Show is set to start at 7:00 pm CT, on ESPN News, to announce who the Tigers will be playing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM DEFENSIVE MVP OFFENSIVE MVP
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