MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The No. 7-ranked Memphis women's soccer team netted two decisive goals in the closing six minutes to claim a 2-0 win over Kansas State on Sunday morning at the Track and Soccer Stadium.
In the waning minutes of the match, Memphis's win-streak was in jeopardy but sophomore Ashley Henderson broke the deadlock with a deft header from close range in the 84th minute.
Minutes later freshman Alex Mackay outmuscled her defender and buried a shot into the bottom-left corner from 18 yards.
Perron assisted both goals, marking her first two collegiate assists in her return to action since mid-August.
"There were frustrating moments today, which can happen with an early 10:00 a.m. kickoff," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "But finding a way to score without our best performance is a positive step forward."
With this win, Memphis (5-0) extends their nation-leading home winning streak to 15 games. Through five games the Tigers have yet to trail in a match.
Despite needing late goals, Memphis' dominance was clear, outshooting the Wildcats 18 to 4, including 12 shots in the second half.
Kansas State (3-3-1) started strong, controlling the first 10 minutes and forcing Memphis into defensive clearances. Memphis regained momentum, with a dangerous chance coming when Momo Nakao's through ball found Ai Kitagawa, whose shot was saved.
The Tigers created several more chances throughout the first half but Wildcat's goalkeeper Murphy Sheaff kept the game scoreless with five saves in the opening 45 minutes.
As the game progressed, Memphis took control, peppering the Wildcats' goal with shots. A close miss from Henderson in the 61st minute and a skied opportunity from Nakao in the 81st minute kept the scoreline in the balance until Memphis finally broke through.
The Tigers now look ahead to their first mid-week match since the season opener, traveling to Knoxville on Thursday to face Tennessee.