What Is 2019 Memphis Tigers men's soccer team

Overview

The 2019 Memphis Tigers men's soccer team represented the University of Memphis during the 2019 NCAA Division I men's soccer season. Competing as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the team was led by head coach Brooks Jenkins in his fifth year at the program. Despite showing moments of strong performance, the Tigers did not qualify for the AAC Men's Soccer Championship, finishing outside the top four in the conference standings.

The season spanned from late August through November, featuring a balanced mix of non-conference and conference matchups. The Tigers played their home games at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, a 3,500-seat facility on campus known for its strong fan support. While the team showed improvement in offensive output compared to previous seasons, defensive inconsistencies prevented a postseason berth.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 7–7–2 overall record, marking a slight improvement from their 6–8–2 mark in 2018.
• Home field: All home matches were played at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex, a venue opened in 2001 and renovated in 2015.
• Conference play: Memphis went 3–4–1 in American Athletic Conference matches, placing them fifth in the final standings.
• Goals scored: The offense tallied 19 goals across 16 games, averaging 1.19 goals per match.
• Defensive stats: The defense conceded 21 goals, averaging 1.31 goals against per game, highlighting areas needing improvement.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I men's soccer involves a regular season followed by conference and national tournaments. Teams are evaluated based on win-loss records, strength of schedule, and performance in conference play for postseason qualification.

• Regular Season:The 2019 season began on August 30 and included 16 matches, with non-conference and conference games counting toward NCAA rankings.
• Coaching Staff:Brooks Jenkins served as head coach, supported by assistants focusing on goalkeeper training and recruiting.
• Player Roster: The team featured 28 players, including 12 underclassmen and 3 senior starters, reflecting a transitional phase.
• Game Format: Matches followed standard NCAA rules—two 45-minute halves, with overtime in conference play if tied after regulation.
• Recruiting:Seven freshmen joined the roster in 2019, aiming to bolster midfield and defensive depth.
• Facilities: The Mike Rose Soccer Complex includes a FieldTurf pitch, locker rooms, and seating for 3,500 fans.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 Memphis Tigers compared to other AAC teams in key performance metrics:

Memphis ranked in the middle of the AAC in both offensive production and defensive stability. While they outperformed teams like East Carolina in wins, they fell short of SMU and UCF, who advanced to the NCAA tournament. Their 3–4–1 conference record placed them just outside the postseason cutoff, which required a top-four finish.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a transitional year for the program, laying groundwork for future competitiveness. Though missing the conference tournament, the team developed young talent and tested a more aggressive playing style.

• Player Development:Several underclassmen gained starting experience, setting the stage for stronger performances in 2020 and beyond.
• Recruiting Momentum: Strong showings in non-conference games helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent cycles.
• Conference Exposure: Competing in the AAC provided high-level competition, improving national visibility for the program.
• Facility Investment: Continued use of the Mike Rose Complex demonstrated the university’s commitment to soccer infrastructure.
• Coaching Strategy: Coach Jenkins emphasized possession-based play, a shift from previous defensive-focused tactics.
• Future Outlook: The 2019 season served as a bridge toward improved results, with the team aiming for a postseason berth in 2020.

While not a championship-caliber year, the 2019 Memphis Tigers men's soccer season contributed to long-term program growth and competitive development within a strong conference.