
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC (12-10-8, 44 points) are back at AutoZone Park to face FC Tulsa (13-12-5, 44 points) in a critical Central Division matchup that can confirm the division’s seeding order heading into the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs.
Last time out, Memphis dropped a 3-1 contest on the road to Louisville City FC. Louisville opened the scoring via its leading-scorer, Cameron Lancaster, in the 21’. Memphis responded in the 41’ as midfielder Kadeem Dacres gathered a Laurent Kissiedou ball on the right wing, taking it down the pitch and sending a long cross into the box where forward Michael Salazar headed in the equalizer. A pair of Lancaster goals later in the match would confirm the victory for Louisville.
While already having clinched a postseason spot, Memphis 901 FC can earn the three seed in the Central Division with a win over FC Tulsa. A victory would lock up the third spot in the division while a draw would mean Memphis must win on the final day of the season to clinch, regardless of Tulsa’s outcome on Saturday. A loss by a margin of two goals or fewer on Wednesday to FC Tulsa would mean Memphis could only clinch the three seed on the final day of the season with a win and a Tulsa loss. A loss by three or more goals on Wednesday would earn Memphis the four seed and lock in a trip to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the first round of the playoffs.
“The biggest thing is constant improvement,” Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. “I thought we played a good match in Louisville although we were shorthanded. From there, we must improve and correct a few mistakes. Now we’re at home against a really good FC Tulsa team, so we’ve got to get even better and put our best foot forward come Wednesday night.”
“Our first objective was to make the playoffs; the second objective was to finish as high as we can in the standings,” captain Leston Paul said. “We take one game at a time, so the most important match is tomorrow. After Wednesday’s match, we see what happens and go from there.”
FC Tulsa will be just as eager to claim the third seed in a season that will culminate in the club’s third postseason appearance in its seven-year history. Tulsa are led offensively by midfielder Rodrigo da Costa and forward Dario Suárez whose combined 20 goals are tied for the fifth best for a duo in the league. In goal, ‘keepers Sean Lewis and Austin Wormell have split time between the sticks, racking up 42 and 38 saves, respectively. In Memphis’ two meetings with Wormell this season (July 24, Oct. 2), its picked up two wins and outscored Tulsa 4-0, while its one meeting with Lewis (Aug. 25) resulted in a 2-1 win for Tulsa.
For Memphis, forward Kyle Murphy will look to get back on the score sheet after missing last match due to a minor injury. His team-leading 18 goals are tied for fourth in the league and most in Memphis 901 FC history. Last week, midfielder Kadeem Dacres inched closer to breaking his own record. Earning his seventh assist of the season on Michael Salazar’s 41’ goal, Dacres is now tied with Cameron Lindley (2019) with most assists in a single season.
Kickoff from AutoZone Park is set for 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Oct. 27, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+ and WMC+ (5.5 – Over the Air, 906 – Comcast, 6 – Dish). Ticket information can be found here.
For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC (12-10-8, 44 points) are back at AutoZone Park to face FC Tulsa (13-12-5, 44 points) in a critical Central Division matchup that can confirm the division’s seeding order heading into the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs.
Last time out, Memphis dropped a 3-1 contest on the road to Louisville City FC. Louisville opened the scoring via its leading-scorer, Cameron Lancaster, in the 21’. Memphis responded in the 41’ as midfielder Kadeem Dacres gathered a Laurent Kissiedou ball on the right wing, taking it down the pitch and sending a long cross into the box where forward Michael Salazar headed in the equalizer. A pair of Lancaster goals later in the match would confirm the victory for Louisville.
While already having clinched a postseason spot, Memphis 901 FC can earn the three seed in the Central Division with a win over FC Tulsa. A victory would lock up the third spot in the division while a draw would mean Memphis must win on the final day of the season to clinch, regardless of Tulsa’s outcome on Saturday. A loss by a margin of two goals or fewer on Wednesday to FC Tulsa would mean Memphis could only clinch the three seed on the final day of the season with a win and a Tulsa loss. A loss by three or more goals on Wednesday would earn Memphis the four seed and lock in a trip to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the first round of the playoffs.
“The biggest thing is constant improvement,” Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. “I thought we played a good match in Louisville although we were shorthanded. From there, we must improve and correct a few mistakes. Now we’re at home against a really good FC Tulsa team, so we’ve got to get even better and put our best foot forward come Wednesday night.”
“Our first objective was to make the playoffs; the second objective was to finish as high as we can in the standings,” captain Leston Paul said. “We take one game at a time, so the most important match is tomorrow. After Wednesday’s match, we see what happens and go from there.”
FC Tulsa will be just as eager to claim the third seed in a season that will culminate in the club’s third postseason appearance in its seven-year history. Tulsa are led offensively by midfielder Rodrigo da Costa and forward Dario Suárez whose combined 20 goals are tied for the fifth best for a duo in the league. In goal, ‘keepers Sean Lewis and Austin Wormell have split time between the sticks, racking up 42 and 38 saves, respectively. In Memphis’ two meetings with Wormell this season (July 24, Oct. 2), its picked up two wins and outscored Tulsa 4-0, while its one meeting with Lewis (Aug. 25) resulted in a 2-1 win for Tulsa.
For Memphis, forward Kyle Murphy will look to get back on the score sheet after missing last match due to a minor injury. His team-leading 18 goals are tied for fourth in the league and most in Memphis 901 FC history. Last week, midfielder Kadeem Dacres inched closer to breaking his own record. Earning his seventh assist of the season on Michael Salazar’s 41’ goal, Dacres is now tied with Cameron Lindley (2019) with most assists in a single season.
Kickoff from AutoZone Park is set for 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Oct. 27, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+ and WMC+ (5.5 – Over the Air, 906 – Comcast, 6 – Dish). Ticket information can be found here.
For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.