CARY, North Carolina — Memphis 901 FC closes out its three-match road trip Saturday against North Carolina FC.
Memphis (1-2-1, 4 pts) will be looking for its seventh point of the season, catapulting them back into the Top 10 in the USL Championship's Eastern Conference.
The club will be looking to put the first blemish on North Carolina FC's record (2-0-1, 7 pts) this season. You can catch all the action live on CW30 in the Memphis metro area or on ESPN+ starting at 6:00 p.m. CT.
Here are three things to watch Saturday night:
CARY, North Carolina — Memphis 901 FC closes out its three-match road trip Saturday against North Carolina FC.
Memphis (1-2-1, 4 pts) will be looking for its seventh point of the season, catapulting them back into the Top 10 in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference.
The club will be looking to put the first blemish on North Carolina FC’s record (2-0-1, 7 pts) this season. You can catch all the action live on CW30 in the Memphis metro area or on ESPN+ starting at 6:00 p.m. CT.
Here are three things to watch Saturday night:
Offensive Rhythm
Offensive Rhythm
Memphis is coming off its highest-scoring match so far this season scoring two goals in its last match against Red Bulls II. The club has steadily found its offensive rhythm the past couple of matches and is averaging six chances created a match as a team. The previous match, the club created nine chances on goal. This club is built to be a defensive juggernaut, but the offensive prowess might be coming into form at the right time. Saturday night might just be another indicator.
Memphis is coming off its highest-scoring match so far this season scoring two goals in its last match against Red Bulls II. The club has steadily found its offensive rhythm the past couple of matches and is averaging six chances created a match as a team. The previous match, the club created nine chances on goal. This club is built to be a defensive juggernaut, but the offensive prowess might be coming into form at the right time. Saturday night might just be another indicator.
Defensive Play
Defensive Play
Head coach Tim Mulqueen talked about getting back to the defensive basics this week ahead of the North Carolina FC match. 901 FC has already established itself as one of the top defensive clubs this season. 901 FC players are averaging four tackles per match with Triston Hodge leading the way with 13 tackles so far this season. This is a team that prides itself on preventing opponents from finding space in its final third. North Carolina has two players that have found the back of the net twice each this season, so Saturday is expected to be another chess match between two of the East’s top clubs.
Head coach Tim Mulqueen talked about getting back to the defensive basics this week ahead of the North Carolina FC match. 901 FC has already established itself as one of the top defensive clubs this season. 901 FC players are averaging four tackles per match with Triston Hodge leading the way with 13 tackles so far this season. This is a team that prides itself on preventing opponents from finding space in its final third. North Carolina has two players that have found the back of the net twice each this season, so Saturday is expected to be another chess match between two of the East’s top clubs.
Midfield Play
Midfield Play
It was clear last Friday against Red Bulls II that 901 FC’s midfield was bolstered by the return of Adam Najem. Najem was on international duty with Afghanistan and missed the previous two matches while in Malaysia for a tournament. Upon his return, Najem tapped in the opening goal and continued to do what he did best, frustrate opposing defenses with his knack for finding open teammates. His five chances created are only second to teammate Duane Muckette (6). Najem’s offensive play has allowed fellow midfielder Dan Metzger (nine tackles this season) to hold steady and dictate the pace. A Memphis midfield that is gelling will look to break down another opponent Saturday night in Cary.
It was clear last Friday against Red Bulls II that 901 FC’s midfield was bolstered by the return of Adam Najem. Najem was on international duty with Afghanistan and missed the previous two matches while in Malaysia for a tournament. Upon his return, Najem tapped in the opening goal and continued to do what he did best, frustrate opposing defenses with his knack for finding open teammates. His five chances created are only second to teammate Duane Muckette (6). Najem’s offensive play has allowed fellow midfielder Dan Metzger (nine tackles this season) to hold steady and dictate the pace. A Memphis midfield that is gelling will look to break down another opponent Saturday night in Cary.
