The rain could not dampen one of the best matches Memphis has played so far this season.
The club scored two spectacular goals Saturday in its 2-2 draw with Birmingham Legion FC, earning a crucial point to keep the club alive in its hunt for a Top 10 spot.
Memphis heads to take on Hartford Athletic on the road Friday.
But let’s look at three things we learned from Saturday’s thriller in the rain.
The rain could not dampen one of the best matches Memphis has played so far this season.
The club scored two spectacular goals Saturday in its 2-2 draw with Birmingham Legion FC, earning a crucial point to keep the club alive in its hunt for a Top 10 spot.
Memphis heads to take on Hartford Athletic on the road Friday.
But let’s look at three things we learned from Saturday’s thriller in the rain.
Otherworldly Assist
Otherworldly Assist
Midfielder Adam Najem gifted Memphis fans perhaps the play of the season in the 86th minute of Saturday’s match. The hustle, the flair and the move encapsulated what the City of Memphis is all about; never quitting. Najem blazed past Birmingham defenders along the far sideline, slid to save the ball from going out of play on the Legion’s end line, tapped it around a defender to himself and dished out a brilliant assist to forward Duane Muckette. The play earned plaudits from Bleacher Report, 433 and soccer outlets from around the world. More importantly, it was a reminder to the soccer community that Najem is one of the top playmakers in the league. He has a goal, assist and a team-high 15 passes to his name in 2019.
Midfielder Adam Najem gifted Memphis fans perhaps the play of the season in the 86th minute of Saturday’s match. The hustle, the flair and the move encapsulated what the City of Memphis is all about; never quitting. Najem blazed past Birmingham defenders along the far sideline, slid to save the ball from going out of play on the Legion’s end line, tapped it around a defender to himself and dished out a brilliant assist to forward Duane Muckette. The play earned plaudits from Bleacher Report, 433 and soccer outlets from around the world. More importantly, it was a reminder to the soccer community that Najem is one of the top playmakers in the league. He has a goal, assist and a team-high 15 passes to his name in 2019.
Capitalizing on Chances
Capitalizing on Chances
Najem’s assist wasn’t the lone highlight from Saturday. Cam Lindley gave us a spectacular wondergoal from 25 yards out to give Memphis the first lead of the match. Lindley’s golazo snapped a 49-day goalless drought at AutoZone Park and was just one of several chances created. As the season’s picked up, so have the amount of chances created for 901 FC, especially at home. Lindley, already a prolific passer (79 percent on the season), showcased his finishing ability and embodied 901 FC’s trend of creating multiple chances. Memphis created a season-high 14 chances Saturday. That broke its previous record of 12 a week prior against the Charleston Battery.
Najem’s assist wasn’t the lone highlight from Saturday. Cam Lindley gave us a spectacular wondergoal from 25 yards out to give Memphis the first lead of the match. Lindley’s golazo snapped a 49-day goalless drought at AutoZone Park and was just one of several chances created. As the season’s picked up, so have the amount of chances created for 901 FC, especially at home. Lindley, already a prolific passer (79 percent on the season), showcased his finishing ability and embodied 901 FC’s trend of creating multiple chances. Memphis created a season-high 14 chances Saturday. That broke its previous record of 12 a week prior against the Charleston Battery.
Fitting Right In
Fitting Right In
Triston Hodge was back in action Saturday, playing the center back role. Though typically a full back with the Trinidad & Tobago national team, Hodge was playing in a role he’s played for years. And he didn’t disappoint against Birmingham leading the team in tackles (7), duals won (82 percent), clearances (5) and blocks (2). Hodge has shown his ability at multiple spots on the pitch, but was a force to be reckoned with at one of the toughest spots to play in against Birmingham.
Triston Hodge was back in action Saturday, playing the center back role. Though typically a full back with the Trinidad & Tobago national team, Hodge was playing in a role he’s played for years. And he didn’t disappoint against Birmingham leading the team in tackles (7), duals won (82 percent), clearances (5) and blocks (2). Hodge has shown his ability at multiple spots on the pitch, but was a force to be reckoned with at one of the toughest spots to play in against Birmingham.
