Forward Mark Sherrod attributes his success over the past seasons at the University of Memphis to his teammates and the coaching staff, but what can’t be ignored is the fact that he has been putting up big numbers in his time there.
Sherrod, a preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List candidate, finished the regular season strong, leading the Tigers with seven goals and two assists in his senior seasons. His performance in 2013 bumps his career totals to 42 goals and 96 points, both of which land third on the Tigers’ all-time scoring lists. When asked about his collegiate career, Sherrod can’t accept all of the credit.
“I honestly give all the credit of my success to my teammates,” said Sherrod. “Most of my goals come from my teammate's crosses or passes. I'm just in the right place at the right time.”
Sherrod also has been critical component for the Timbers U-23s over the last two Premier Development League seasons, recording 27 points (11 goals and 5 assists) and placing third among career leaders in Timbers U-23s history. He led the Timbers U-23s with 10 goals in 16 appearances in 2012. His experience with the team not only improved his skill, but also amplified his love for the game.
“I've learned so much from Coach Jim [Rilatt] and the other staff, they've taught me a lot,” said Sherrod. “I've played there for two summers and I always come back to Memphis with a ‘cannot wait to play’ attitude, and I think a lot of that comes from playing [with the Timbers U-23s] over the summer.”
The Tigers finished the regular season with a 9-7-1 record overall, falling 2-1 to conference rival Louisville in the regular-season finale on Oct. 26. Sherrod’s fellow Timbers U-23s teammate Zack Foxhoven assisted on the game-winning goal for Louisville in the 87th minute, and the connection between former teammates always adds a little more to a heated rivalry.
“They are great guys and great former teammates,” said Sherrod of his Timbers U-23s teammates Foxhoven, Mitch Lurie and Will Vitallis on the Louisville roster. “I would definitely say that the competition increases when you play against your friends and people you've played with before.”
Memphis will begin play in the upcoming American Athletic Conference tournament this weekend and wait to learn who they will face first. Sherrod is looking forward to postseason play given the amount of work his team has put in this season.
“Our team believes that we have the talent and the work rate to make it to the NCAA tourney this fall and, to be honest, I really think we can do it,” said Sherrod. “We have a really good team and everybody is extremely focused.”
Timbers U-23s Zack Foxhoven named AAC Offensive Player of the Week
Timbers U-23s forward Zack Foxhoven, a junior at Louisville, was named the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 21, recording a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win against defending-NCAA champion Indiana and scoring a goal in a 2-2 draw against No. 20 Connecticut.
Foxhoven recorded five of eight his eight points on the season in the two matches. The No. 11 Cardinals hope to finish the regular season strong, closing out the schedule with two home matches against Saint Louis on Thursday, Oct. 31, and South Florida on Sunday, Nov. 3.
