Kansas State held strong against No. 7 Memphis, but ultimately two late goals became the deciding factor.

“I thought defensively, we did a good job, which started our attempt in our big shape,” head coach Mike Dibbini said to K-State Athletics. “They wanted to compete, and they gave all the effort they needed to compete with them for 85 minutes.”

Memphis controlled the ball for nearly three-fourths of the game, putting a lot of pressure on K-State goalkeeper Murphy Sheaff, as Memphis had 18 shots and eight total shots on goal.

Offensively, K-State didn’t have many opportunities to take shots, but its initial attack was good and left promising signs for the future. 

“As far as our attack, especially in the first we did a really good job of moving the lines up a little bit and making sure our wing backs are getting a little bit higher,” Dibbini said. “That forces their wing, their outside back to stay and stay home. I thought we did a good job of creating some chances.”

Prior to the contest, Memphis changed its game plan which left the ‘Cats to make quick adjustments from what they expected.

“They threw a curve ball at us and they played in a three-back,” Dibbini said. “We prepped for them in a four-back, we adjusted pretty quick.”

K-State played its second road game in four days, prepping the team for upcoming Big 12 play. 

“Memphis was fresh,” Dibbini said. “They didn’t play on Thursday, and we traveled and played two games this weekend. We showed a lot of progress moving forward.” 

Sophomores Ryann Reynolds and Jo Sees were the lone Wildcats with shots on goals. 

Even with the loss, Dibbini has confidence heading into league play.

“I think we showed a lot of character today and resilience and effort and the things that we need to do to get better in preparation for the Big 12,” Dibbini said.

K-State returns home to open up Big 12 play against Colorado on Thursday, Sept. 12.