MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - Memphis (11-0-2) continued their impressive unbeaten run with a commanding 4-1 victory over North Texas (5-9-1) on Thursday evening at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The Tigers controlled possession throughout, converting their dominance into four goals while extending their winning streak to four matches.
Elise Perron opened the scoring for Memphis in the 29th minute, connecting with a precise assist from Mihiro Furuya. Claire Niedermeier equalized for North Texas in the 13th minute, but Ashley Henderson restored Memphis's lead in the 31st minute. The Tigers extended their advantage through Ai Kitagawa in the 69th minute, with assists from Henderson and Furuya, before Flavie Dube sealed the victory with a strike in the 73rd minute.
The first half showcased Memphis's attacking prowess, with the Tigers recording eight shots to North Texas's three. Mihiro Furuya and Elise Perron were particularly active, each testing the Mean Green defense multiple times. North Texas goalkeeper Sarah Peyton Webb made three crucial saves to keep her team within striking distance, but Memphis's pressure eventually told through Perron's opener and Henderson's follow-up goal.
Memphis continued their dominance after the break, controlling the midfield through Yuna Nagata and Alex Mackay. The Tigers' tactical adjustment to press higher up the field paid dividends, leading to Kitagawa's goal in the 69th minute. North Texas showed brief signs of life through Emma King and Ella Bushko's attacking movements, but Dube's 73rd-minute strike effectively ended any hopes of a comeback.
The final statistics reflected Memphis's superiority, as they outshot North Texas 20-8, with 10 shots on target compared to the visitors' three. The Tigers also dominated set pieces, earning nine corners to North Texas's two. The physical nature of the match was evident in the cards shown, with North Texas's Emma King and Ella Bushko receiving yellows in the 31st and 47th minutes respectively, while Memphis's Ally Casey was cautioned in the 59th minute.
Mihiro Furuya stood out with two assists and five shots, while Ashley Henderson contributed a goal and an assist in a complete performance. North Texas's Claire Niedermeier provided a bright spot for the visitors with her early goal, while goalkeeper Sarah Peyton Webb made six saves despite the loss.
Memphis's tactical approach of utilizing quick transitions and wide attacks proved effective, with Elise Perron and Ai Kitagawa repeatedly finding space behind the North Texas defense. The Mean Green's attempts to play through the middle were largely stifled by Memphis's organized pressing system.
The victory maintains Memphis's impressive unbeaten start to the season, while North Texas continues to struggle on the road, falling to their ninth loss of the campaign. The Tigers' ability to control possession and create quality chances showcased why they remain one of the conference's top teams.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with weekend fixtures. Memphis hosts Florida Atlantic on Saturday evening, looking to extend their winning streak to five matches. North Texas returns home to face Tulsa on Sunday afternoon, seeking to bounce back from this defeat and improve their conference standing.