MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Memphis 901 FC recorded a historic win on the road Saturday night over Bethlehem Steel FC.
The 1-0 win was one to remember as it helped continue momentum early into the 2019 USL Championship season.
With the win, Memphis jumped to 10th (playoff position) in the Eastern Conference.
Here are three things we learned Sunday night:
MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Memphis 901 FC recorded a historic win on the road Saturday night over Bethlehem Steel FC.
The 1-0 win was one to remember as it helped continue momentum early into the 2019 USL Championship season.
With the win, Memphis jumped to 10th (playoff position) in the Eastern Conference.
Here are three things we learned Sunday night:
Converted When it Mattered
Memphis had a couple of chances on goal in the first half, including a rocket from outside the box from defender Dan Metzger. Despite two on target, none of Memphis’ shots found the back of the next. All was not lost as 901 FC capitalized on a defensive miscue by Bethlehem in the 58th minute. Forward Rashawn Dally intercepted a headed pass and converted off a one-on-one opportunity with Steel keeper Matt Freese. Dally kept pushing and putting Bethlehem defenders under pressure which ended up being the deciding factor.
Defense Holds Firm Again
901 FC’s defense, which had allowed just one goal in open play in two matches, made sure the first lead of the season didn’t disappear after the 58th minute. Bethlehem came close on a few chances from inside the 18-yard box. But 901 FC’s defense held strong blocking two of the Steel’s 11 total shots. Wes Charpie was impressive finishing with a team-high two tackles, six clearances and a block. Charpie also notched three interceptions. Abdi Mohamed made the most of his Starting XI debut winning possession on 10 balls.
Caldwell Spectacular
Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell again showed why he’s one of the top young goalkeeper prospects in the United States. Caldwell entered the night with just one goal surrendered in open play, a deflection against Loudoun United FC. Caldwell wasn’t having any of it Sunday night in Chester as he registered his first clean sheet as a pro. Caldwell’s athleticism was on full displayed as he beat Bethlehem forwards to the ball in the box and made several leaping saves. Caldwell has been rock-solid in between the posts through his first three matches and has shown he’s soaking up all goalkeeper guru Tim Mulqueen has to offer.
Converted When it Mattered
Memphis had a couple of chances on goal in the first half, including a rocket from outside the box from defender Dan Metzger. Despite two on target, none of Memphis’ shots found the back of the next. All was not lost as 901 FC capitalized on a defensive miscue by Bethlehem in the 58th minute. Forward Rashawn Dally intercepted a headed pass and converted off a one-on-one opportunity with Steel keeper Matt Freese. Dally kept pushing and putting Bethlehem defenders under pressure which ended up being the deciding factor.
Defense Holds Firm Again
901 FC’s defense, which had allowed just one goal in open play in two matches, made sure the first lead of the season didn’t disappear after the 58th minute. Bethlehem came close on a few chances from inside the 18-yard box. But 901 FC’s defense held strong blocking two of the Steel’s 11 total shots. Wes Charpie was impressive finishing with a team-high two tackles, six clearances and a block. Charpie also notched three interceptions. Abdi Mohamed made the most of his Starting XI debut winning possession on 10 balls.
Caldwell Spectacular
Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell again showed why he’s one of the top young goalkeeper prospects in the United States. Caldwell entered the night with just one goal surrendered in open play, a deflection against Loudoun United FC. Caldwell wasn’t having any of it Sunday night in Chester as he registered his first clean sheet as a pro. Caldwell’s athleticism was on full displayed as he beat Bethlehem forwards to the ball in the box and made several leaping saves. Caldwell has been rock-solid in between the posts through his first three matches and has shown he’s soaking up all goalkeeper guru Tim Mulqueen has to offer.
