MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC (14-10-8, 50 points) wrapped up its regular season with a 3-0 win over Indy Eleven (9-15-8, 35 points) at AutoZone Park Saturday evening. In its most effective season of existence, Memphis 901 FC set club records in goals (47), wins (14) and points (50). With the postseason ahead, Memphis will face the Charlotte Independence in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, Presented by Twin Spires.
While Indy Eleven began the first ten minutes of the match with the bulk of possession, Memphis 901 FC responded with an early score from forward Roland Lamah in the 12’ as the veteran tapped in a short ball from forward Michael Salazar. While Indy pressed on to find a response, two crucial Brady Scott saves on the other end of the pitch kept the visitors out of goal. 20 minutes after its first score, Memphis responded with a Kyle Murphy goal in the 32’—his 20th of the season. Following the intermission, Memphis added a goal for security via a perfect chip from midfielder Dre Fortune in the 56’. Scott and the defense would go on to earn the eighth clean sheet of the season and the win.
Forward Kyle Murphy’s 20 goals on the year are tied with Nashville SC’s Daniel Armando Ríos (2019) for the most goals scored in a single regular season in the history of professional soccer in Tennessee. Additionally, Murphy is one of just ten players in USL Championship history to record a 20-goal regular season. Midfielder Laurent Kissiedou’s assists on Murphy and Fortune’s goals position him at third place in club history with five assists in a single season.
“We talk almost every game about wanting to enjoy what we do—it’s a job, but it’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. “We played a great game. It’s fun to create a lot of chances, it’s fun to score goals, it’s fun to earn shutouts. All credit to the team, they did a very good job of making sure we checked off all our boxes tonight.
“We always talk about improvement,” Pirmann added. “We know we’re heading to Charlotte, and we know it’ll be a tough match. We’re going to have to be dialed in, we’re going to have to move the ball well, we’re going to need to get good pressure. Not much changes, we’re just going to have to get guys fresh and healthy and push on from there.”
“You just have to keep playing your game,” Kyle Murphy said. “We’re confident in how we’re playing. All the guys are ready, and we’re peaking at the right time. I think if we do what we do, we can take care of business.”
With the Memphis win and subsequent draw from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Memphis 901 FC has confirmed its trip to North Carolina to face the Charlotte Independence in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, Presented by Twin Spires. The match will be played at a date and time to be determined at American Legion Memorial Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and WMC affiliates.
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 (14-10-8, 50 points) wrapped up its regular season with a 3-0 win over Indy Eleven (9-15-8, 35 points) at AutoZone Park Saturday evening. In its most effective season of existence, Memphis 901 FC set club records in goals (47), wins (14) and points (50). With the postseason ahead, Memphis will face the Charlotte Independence in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, Presented by Twin Spires.
While Indy Eleven began the first ten minutes of the match with the bulk of possession, Memphis 901 FC responded with an early score from forward Roland Lamah in the 12’ as the veteran tapped in a short ball from forward Michael Salazar. While Indy pressed on to find a response, two crucial Brady Scott saves on the other end of the pitch kept the visitors out of goal. 20 minutes after its first score, Memphis responded with a Kyle Murphy goal in the 32’—his 20th of the season. Following the intermission, Memphis added a goal for security via a perfect chip from midfielder Dre Fortune in the 56’. Scott and the defense would go on to earn the eighth clean sheet of the season and the win.
Forward Kyle Murphy’s 20 goals on the year are tied with Nashville SC’s Daniel Armando Ríos (2019) for the most goals scored in a single regular season in the history of professional soccer in Tennessee. Additionally, Murphy is one of just ten players in USL Championship history to record a 20-goal regular season. Midfielder Laurent Kissiedou’s assists on Murphy and Fortune’s goals position him at third place in club history with five assists in a single season.
“We talk almost every game about wanting to enjoy what we do—it’s a job, but it’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. “We played a great game. It’s fun to create a lot of chances, it’s fun to score goals, it’s fun to earn shutouts. All credit to the team, they did a very good job of making sure we checked off all our boxes tonight.
“We always talk about improvement,” Pirmann added. “We know we’re heading to Charlotte, and we know it’ll be a tough match. We’re going to have to be dialed in, we’re going to have to move the ball well, we’re going to need to get good pressure. Not much changes, we’re just going to have to get guys fresh and healthy and push on from there.”
“You just have to keep playing your game,” Kyle Murphy said. “We’re confident in how we’re playing. All the guys are ready, and we’re peaking at the right time. I think if we do what we do, we can take care of business.”
With the Memphis win and subsequent draw from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Memphis 901 FC has confirmed its trip to North Carolina to face the Charlotte Independence in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, Presented by Twin Spires. The match will be played at a date and time to be determined at American Legion Memorial Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and WMC affiliates.
For the latest information on the team, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
