MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis posted its first win in the Richard Mulrooney era on Wednesday night. Saturday, the Tigers recorded another first under Mulrooney, defeating the first ranked opponent under the first-year head coach in a 4-0 win against No. 15 Saint Louis at the Mike Ross Soccer Complex.
Hector Cantele, Danny Lane and Giovanni Alvarado each scored a goal in the win. Memphis' second goal came on an own goal by the Billikens.
The win against the Billikens was the Tigers' first over a ranked foe since a 2-1 victory over No. 21 Charlotte last season. It also was Memphis' first victory over a top 15 opponent since 2012.
Memphis (2-1) attacked early and often. The Tigers got on the board with their first goal in the 12th minute when Cantele scored his second goal of the season, with Hunter Danna notching the assist. Eight minutes later, an own goal was scored by Saint Louis (2-1) when the Billikens were unable to clear a Memphis attack, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
With 15 minutes left in the opening half, Memphis made it a three-goal advantage on Lane's first goal of the season. Quincy Thomas and Raul Gonzalez both were credited with assists on Lane's goal.
In the second half, Memphis added a fourth goal with two minutes left for the 4-0 final. Alvarado netted his first goal of the season off assists from Lane and Hayden Cochran.
Final in Memphis! Tigers take down No. 15 Saint Louis Billikens 4-0! #GoTigersGo pic.twitter.com/1wa4tS0DpI
— Memphis Men's Soccer (@MemphisMSoccer) September 7, 2014
The Tigers defense was impressive the entire contest, with the Billikens two serious scoring threats coming in the second half. Saint Louis' best chance came when David Graydon had a breakaway, one-on-one opportunity with Cody Uzcategui, but Graydon pushed his shot wide of the goal.
The other Saint Louis scoring chance was thwarted when Uzcategui tipped a cross over the cross bar that resulted in a Saint Louis corner kick, which the Memphis defense cleared.
Memphis returns to action Friday when it travels to Dallas, Texas, to participate in the weekend-long SMU Invitational. The Tigers play Stony Brook Friday and Missouri State on Sept. 14.
