MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The No.7 Memphis Tigers defeated Illinois, 2-1, in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament on Saturday, securing their place in the Second Round for the fifth time in program history. A late penalty kick from sophomore forward Miku Kitagawa proved to be the decisive goal, propelling the Tigers forward in the tournament.
Memphis’ victory marks a significant step in their postseason journey,continuing a run of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2011,2021,2022,2023,and now 2025.The win demonstrates the program’s consistent success and sets the stage for a challenging second Round matchup against TCU. This advancement is crucial for the team’s aspirations of a deep tournament run and national recognition.
Kitagawa’s game-winning goal came in the final seconds of the first half, after a handball was called on Illinois with just 23 seconds remaining. she converted the penalty, scoring her 10th goal of the season and giving Memphis a 2-1 lead. Earlier in the match, Kitagawa opened the scoring with a powerful shot from outside the box, assisted by Ashley Henderson and Elise perron.
Illinois responded in the second half with a goal from Sydney Stephens, following a save by Memphis goalkeeper Abby Kudla on a shot from Cayla jackson. Kudla finished the game with three saves overall.
The Tigers will now travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to face TCU in the NCAA Second Round on Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive complete information at www.GoTigersGo.com, as well as on Twitter (@memphiswsoccer), instagram (@memphiswsoccer), and Facebook (MemphisWSoccer).
