EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team returns home on Sunday, hosting Memphis at Arad McCutchan Stadium in a key non-conference matchup. Sunday night’s match concludes a special weekend for the Aces’ soccer programs, with both the men’s and women’s teams hosting Alumni Weekend and celebrating the legacy of former All-American Ace and first Evansville women’s soccer coach, Mick Lyon, who passed away in January 2025 at the age of 61 following a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. His story is one of fearless vision, deep community roots, and enduring impact, both on and off the field.
Originally from Lincolnshire, England, Lyon arrived at the University of Evansville in the mid-1980s on a soccer scholarship, joining the team in time to help lead a historic run to the NCAA Final Four in 1985. He was the first-ever three-time team MVP in program history and helped lead UE to a national No. 1 ranking and an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1985. Lyon graduated with a degree in physical education in 1989 and soon returned to his alma mater to coach.
In 1993, Lyon made history as the first head coach of UE women’s soccer, launching a program that would dominate the Missouri Valley Conference for the better part of a decade. Under his leadership, the Lady Aces claimed nine conference titles and three NCAA Tournament berths. Lyon was named MVC Coach of the Year three times and earned a place in the UE Athletics Hall of Fame, the MVC Hall of Fame, and the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame.
Last Time Out
Evansville suffered their first defeat of the season on Thursday, battling 15th-ranked North Carolina but coming up short by a score of 2-0.
The two sides went back-and-forth throughout the first 45 minutes, but neither team was able to break through before the half. Armon Haghighat (Irvine, Calif./Irvine Valley CC) had the best scoring chance for Evansville, putting a shot on target off his left foot, but a great save by the UNC keeper kept his clean sheet intact.
The score remained even through the first 25 minutes of the second half, with Evansville taking one shot and North Carolina taking two. However, the Tar Heels were able to put the first goal of the game on the board in the 70th minute before scoring again in the 75th minute to pull away for a 2-0 win.
