Men's Soccer drops a pair in Memphis Cup
03/24/07...

University of Memphis 2, Rhodes 1

The Lynx dropped their opener of the Memphis cup to University of Memphis Saturday morning 2-1. Freshman forward Logan Eberly, fresh off a SCAC Second Team All-Conference selection this fall, was able to net the first goal of the game on a beautiful cross from sophomore midfielder Patrick Deveau. The Tigers were able to respond a minute later as junior Jared Britcher was able to beat goalkeeper Alex Mathis to the near post. The score would stay tied heading into the second half 1-1. The Lynx were able to create several scoring opportunities, coming close on a rocket shot by Eberly that the Tigers goalkeeper was able to collect. "We created excellent counter attack opportunities throughout the game," Coach Marcinko said. "Our solid organization and collective defense made it a challenge for Memphis to create any scoring chances." The Tigers were able to break down the Lynx defense finally and net the game winner as sophomore Tripp Harkins was able to head a ball over sophomore goalkeeper Alex Margolin.

With this game, the Lynx have found what it takes to play with top level teams. "The players have set a standard for themselves that they have to match every time they step on the field," Marcinko said. "If we are organized and play smart, we can play with just about anybody."

Lambuth University 4, Rhodes 1

Lambuth University was able to jump on top of the Lynx by scoring 10 minutes into the first half and held on to win 4-1. The Lynx, who had already played a very hard fought match against Division I opponent University of Memphis, were clearly fatigued during the second game. Lambuth opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game when a forward got through the Lynx defense and slotted the ball past freshman goalkeeper Zach Morgan. Lambuth would score again before halftime on a cross to a streaking forward up the middle of the field who put the ball just past Morgan. The score would be 4-0 before the Lynx would find the back of the net as sophomore midfielder Tyler Rosser played a beautiful cross to freshman midfielder Allen Orgeron behind the Lambuth defense who struck a well-placed shot to the back post before time expired.

"I was disappointed with the result especially with the way we played the previous two games this spring," Marcinko said. "Having said that, several were able to push themselves to come up with a nice goal ath the end of the game. We can take away two important lessons from this game. First, our players must take more personal responsibility for their level of fitness. Second, we have to learn to push beyond adversity whether it is fatigue or elements of the match itself."