By Marquis Munson | Staff Reporter

On Friday night, first-year head coach Wes Hart and the Alabama Crimson Tide soccer team began their 2015 season with a loss to the Memphis Tigers 1-0 at Mike Rose Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.

Coming off a 4-3 victory last Thursday in an exhibition match at Vanderbilt, the Crimson Tide lose a close and competitive match to begin the Wes Hart era at Alabama.

Alabama controlled possession early in the first half until the Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute after a goal from their freshman forward Elizabeth Woerner. Despite giving up the first half goal, Alabama’s senior goalkeeper Emily Rusk had four saves in the first half, including one that extended high above the net at the five minute mark.

The Crimson Tide looked to respond early in the second half. Similar to the first, they controlled the possessions early and kept the ball on their side of the field looking to even the score.

Alabama played physical and aggressive on both sides of the ball throughout the second, but they couldn’t answer back on the scoreboard, missing out on good looks in the second, including a triple-team near the goal that was saved by Memphis goalkeeper Maryse Bard-Martel with 17 minutes left to go in the match.

The Tigers have defeated Alabama in two straight season and hasn’t lost to the Tide since 2006.

The Crimson Tide will play its home opener this Sunday against the Troy Trojans. Opening kick begins at 7 p.m.