Golden Eagles Fall at Memphis in Season Opener

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss Soccer (0-1,0-0) opened the 2025 season Thursday night at the Billy J. Murphy Track & Soccer Complex, but a high-powered Memphis attack proved too much as the Golden Eagles fell 6-0.

From the opening whistle, Memphis (1-0, 0-0) controlled the flow and converted early and often. Just five minutes in, Ellis Kelly ripped a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner to give the Tigers an early advantage. Memphis struck again in the 27th minute when Elise Perron netted a finish to the bottom center, assisted by Kelly. The Tigers didn't let up before halftime, Ashley Henderson (35') and Taliah Brooks (41') added two more goals to extend the lead to 4-0.

Southern Miss made a personnel change at the start of the second half, bringing in goalkeeper Lena Blake.

The replacement managed to make two saves, although the Memphis attack proved relentless. Memphis bagged two again, with Flavie Dube scoring in the 50th minute, and Kelly added her second of the evening in the 68th minute to complete the scoring.

Key Performers

Maddie Ellis tallied three saves before the break, including back-to-back stops (notably on Henderson's attempts).
Lena Blake added two more saves in her 45-minute appearance.
Southern Miss recorded just four shots, only one of which found the target.
Memphis held a commanding advantage in offensive production, outshooting Southern Miss 16-4 and controlling the corners 5-1.

What's Next

Southern Miss will look to regroup ahead of its next test: a road match at Southern in Baton Rouge, La. The Golden Eagles will take the field at A.W. Mumford Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Golden Eagles Fall at Memphis in Season Opener

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Team Stats

Zayla Reagan

Ameera Edwards

Taylor Stewart

Anatu Sadat

Players Mentioned

Lena Blake

Maddie Ellis