Memphis Hosts North Carolina for First Home Meeting
The University of Memphis men's soccer team will welcome the North Carolina Tar Heels to the Track & Soccer Complex on Monday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. This marks the first time the two programs meet on Memphis soil, setting the stage for a highly anticipated season opener.
Memphis opened its campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belmont, a win secured by second‑half goals from Renan Syrio and Saad Chaouki. The match also introduced ten newcomers, including Junior Saint Juste, Marko Stajnko and Ethan Cook, who debuted in the back line.
Midfielders Eben McIntyre and Dino Stavros made strong impressions in their first appearances, while junior goalkeeper Noah Kasin earned a clean sheet, extending his career win total to eight.
North Carolina arrives after a 1-1 draw with No. 5 Georgetown, a game in which Joschi Schelb scored the equalizer. The Tar Heels also feature national‑champion transfers Ryan Zellefrow and Nick Lockermann, while goalkeeper Alan Rutkowski made his collegiate debut, recording five saves and a .833 save percentage.
The historic series favors North Carolina, which has won both previous meetings by a combined 5-0 margin, but this encounter will be the first played in Memphis. The event will be streamed live on ESPN+, and the first 150 fans in attendance will receive complimentary white t‑shirts, with additional family‑friendly activities such as face painting planned around the venue.