IRVING, Texas – Behind an 85^th-minute goal by Saorla Miller, third-seeded Memphis advanced to the championship game of the 2021 American Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Championship with a 1-0 win over No. 2 seed Houston Thursday evening, November 4, at Corbett Soccer Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
 
With the win, Memphis (12-4-1) advances to the championship final on Sunday, November 7 against the winner of No. 4 SMU and No. 1 South Florida. The final is set for noon eastern and will air on ESPNEWS.
 
After a back-and-forth match that saw each team record seven shots, Memphis broke through in the 85^th minute when Tanya Boychuk played a ball from midfield that released Miller. Miller then beat Houston goalkeeper Mikaela Gracia to propel the Tigers to the final.
 
Gracia made four saves for the Cougars, while Elizabeth Moberg recorded one save for her 41^st career shutout, a school and conference record.
 
It was a fairly even first half that saw both teams record four shots each, while two Memphis’ were on goal. The Tigers also had four corners to the Cougars’ two.
 
Houston (13-4-2) was the No. 2 seed for the tournament after being picked No. 7 in the preseason coaches poll. It was the Cougars’ highest finish since joining The American.
 
Championship Schedule
First round at campus sites
Semifinals and final at No. 1 seed South Florida
(all times Eastern)
 
First Round - Sunday, October 31
Game 1 - No. 3 Memphis 2, No. 6 UCF 0
Game 2 – No. 4 No. 4 SMU 2, No. 5 East Carolina 1
 
Semifinals - Thursday, November 4
Game 3 – No. 3 Memphis 1, No. 2 Houston 0
Game 4 – No. 4 SMU at No. 1 South Florida | 7 p.m.  | ESPN+
 
Championship Final - Sunday, November 7
Game 5 – No. 3 Memphis vs. South Florida/SMU winner | Noon | ESPNEWS