University of Houston Athletics
Thursday, September 3
Memphis, TN
7 PM
University of Houston
at
Memphis
PREVIEW: Houston Travels to Face #23 Memphis
9/2/2026 11:46:00 AM | Soccer
Cougars face second straight top-25 opponent in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of Houston Soccer team travels to face the #23 ranked Memphis Tigers on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Billy J. Murphy Soccer/Track & Field Complex.
The match up with #23 Memphis (2-2) is the second-straight ranked opponent the Cougars (2-1-2) will face after its meeting with #3 Vanderbilt on Sunday.
LAST TIME OUT
Houston came up short against #3 Vanderbilt, losing 2-1.
Despite an early lead and going into halftime up 1-0, the Cougars couldn't hang on and would concede two goals early in the second half. This was the first time the Cougars have lost a non-conference game in the Ben Williams Era.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
Houston came up short against #3 Vanderbilt, losing 2-1.
Despite an early lead and going into halftime up 1-0, the Cougars couldn't hang on and would concede two goals early in the second half. This was the first time the Cougars have lost a non-conference game in the Ben Williams Era.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
- The Cougars have allowed just four goals to non-conference opponents under Williams.
- Six of Houston's opponents are featured in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 — Vanderbilt (3), West Virginia (7), UCF (13), TCU (19), Baylor (22) and Memphis (23).
- Houston returns 14 players from the 2025 season including three players that missed last season due to injuries.
- Houston welcomes 15 newcomers including eight transfers and seven freshmen.
- Fifth-years Ella Morgan and Morgan Donohue along with junior Casey Maddox were voted captains for the 2026 season.
- Sophomore Bailey Cate leads the Cougars with three goals on the season.
ABOUT MEMPHIS
- Memphis is 2-2 this season
- Head Coach Brooks Monaghan is entering 27th season with the Tigers, owning a record of 312-151-41
- Ai Kitagawa leads the Tigers with three goals and two assists
- Kitagawa, Abby Kudla, and Finley Lavin were named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watchlist.
- Three players were named to the AAC Preseason Watchlist.
- Memphis unanimously voted #1 as the American Conference favorite
- The Tigers are ranked #23 in the United Soccer Coaches poll
- In its last match, Memphis defeated Ole Miss 3-1
HISTORY WITH MEMPHIS
- Houston is 8-16-2 all-time against the Tigers.
- In their last meeting (9/29/22) the Cougars tied 2-2 in Memphis
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets, providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Golden Goal Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.
− UHCougars.com –
Players Mentioned
Monday, August 24
Thursday, August 20
Tuesday, October 28
Wednesday, October 01