Kansas State soccer falls to No. 16 Memphis after being outshot 28-3 on a warm night in Manhattan.
Players on both sides began pressing opposing goals quickly after kickoff. Four shots were recorded in the first four minutes of play.
The Tigers set the tone early, keeping possession and advancing to a shot lead it maintained through the entire game. Memphis ended the first half with a shot advantage of 15-1, keeping pressure on the Wildcats back line.
K-State tried to rally in the second half, but momentum heavily favored the Tigers. Despite the loss, K-State’s defense allowed only one goal after facing 28 shots.
Memphis controlled possession for a majority of the second half, recording 13 shots. In the 66th minute of play, Memphis midfielder Momo Nakao hit a low strike to the left corner of the net to score the lone goal of the night.
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Goalkeeper Murphy Sheaff had a productive night in goal, facing 28 shots, recording seven saves and allowing only one goal. Sheaff has proven to hold the line under pressure facing many shots. If the offense can take pressure off of the backline, the Wildcats will be able to keep consistent defense.
With the loss, the Wildcats have moved to four games without a goal. In entering league play, the Wildcats will have to focus on capitalizing on offense as well as holding strong on defense.
The loss moves the Wildcats to 2-3-2 on the season. K-State will stay in Manhattan for its next game against Oral Roberts at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, in Buser Family Stadium.
