Memphis Routs Florida Atlantic 5-2 in Quarterfinal
Memphis advances to the American Conference semifinals, where it faces Tulsa on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer
Memphis defeated Florida Atlantic 5-2 in the American Conference men's soccer quarterfinals on Friday night at FAU Soccer Stadium. The win sends Memphis into the conference semifinals against Tulsa.
Why it matters
The result moves Memphis, the fifth seed, one step closer to the conference title and continues its push through the postseason. For Florida Atlantic, the loss closes out a 2026 season that ended with a 6-3-7 overall record.
Memphis took 8 shots on target to Florida Atlantic's 4 and outshot the Owls 11 to 10 in the quarterfinal. Florida Atlantic closed its season at 6-3-7, while Memphis entered the match at 8-4-5.
The players
Marko Stajnko
Memphis sophomore defender who scored twice in the quarterfinal, opening the scoring in the seventh minute and adding a header before halftime.
Renan Syrio
Memphis junior forward who scored in the 19th minute to make it 2-0, finishing a counterattack.
The details
Memphis opened the scoring in the seventh minute through sophomore defender Marko Stajnko and led 3-0 at halftime after a header from Stajnko in the 37th minute. Jaiden Paniagua scored Florida Atlantic's first goal of the season in the 66th minute, but Memphis answered 40 seconds later, and Michel Tentchou added a second Florida Atlantic goal in the 74th minute.
Timeline
Friday night: Memphis defeats Florida Atlantic 5-2 in the American Conference quarterfinals.
Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET: Memphis faces Tulsa in the American Conference semifinals.
Season Trajectory
The win advances Memphis to the American Conference semifinals, extending a postseason run for a program that entered the tournament as the fifth seed. Florida Atlantic's elimination ends a season that finished with a 6-3-7 record and a fourth-seed exit from the conference tournament.
Memphis's advance to the semifinal means a Wednesday match against Tulsa that will determine whether the Tigers reach the conference final. Fantasy and bracket watchers should note Michel Tentchou's seven goals this season for Florida Atlantic, though the Owls' season is now over.
The takeaway
Memphis's ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes early in the match set the tone for the win. Readers following the conference tournament should watch how the Tigers handle Tulsa in the semifinal.
What happens next
Memphis plays Tulsa in the American Conference semifinals on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Further reading
For more coverage of college teams in the region, see Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FAU University Press.
