Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC hits the road looking to put everything together for their first three-point result of the 2023 USL regular season as they face Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday, April 22.
Memphis goes into the interconference clash with the Toros undefeated in their last three times out with draws to Miami and Las Vegas and a victory over One Knoxville in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.
901 FC’s latest draw against Las Vegas in the King’s Cup came in a marathon match after a three-hour weather delay. Memphis used goals from midfielders Jeremy Kelly and Luiz Fernando while showing poise in the final third with a season-high five shots on target.
Rio Grande Valley FC hold a 1-1-3 record in the USL, most recently suffering a 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
The two clubs played to a draw last season at AutoZone Park with goals from midfield duo Jeremy Kelly and Laurent Kissiedou. The two will be instrumental once again as Memphis looks to keep up their strong run of form on the offensive end.
Winger Dylan Borczak will also be available for selection in a familiar environment as he travels to face his former club. Borczak scored one goal in three appearances after moving to Memphis via transfer during the 2022 season and already has a goal to his name in four appearances this season.
901 FC will work to build momentum with a victory going into a big matchup with Atlanta United in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup next Wednesday. Fans can watch Saturday’s match on ESPN+ and Bounce 5.2 locally.
Quotes
“We tackle one game at a time. We give Rio Grande every bit of respect and have an eye on no other games. It’s most important that you tackle them like that and go as strong as we can to win Saturday night, then we’ll see what happens Wednesday and the following Saturday.” – Stephen Glass
“They’re a dangerous team. They’ve not gotten as many points as they’d like, like ourselves, but they’ve got really good attacking players and are strong defensively. They’re hard to beat, but I think we carry the same problems to them. We have good players that can travel and win. We’ve been pretty good on the road so far and it’s important that it continues.” – Stephen Glass
“We’re getting in good positions. In terms of the opportunities we create, we can be a little bit better. We’re getting in position and I think we’re close to the top of the league in final third entries. We keep getting players in those positions and it will click. We get a chance to go put it away Saturday and the boys are hungry to do that. – Stephen Glass
Settling the West
Memphis 901 FC is unbeaten in their last nine matches against Western Conference clubs. 901 FC carried a 6-0-2 record in interconference play in 2022 on its way to the best regular season in club history. 901 FC was the only club in the USL Championship to post an undefeated record in interconference play.
Spread The Love
The top of the Memphis formation is starting to click with five different goal scorers in four matches as the club ranks sixth in the USL Championship in expected goals. Weapons like Phillip Goodrum, who opened his scoring account in week four of 2022 before exploding for a franchise record 22 goals, will look to find the back of the net for the first time this season.
Road Warriors
Memphis 901 FC have played some of their best soccer on the road this year with a 1-1 draw vs. Miami and a 2-1 victory over One Knoxville in the U.S. Open Cup.
The 100 Club
Midfielder Sebastian Velasquez and defender Graham Smith passed the 100 mark for USL Championship regular season appearances in the past two matches.
Top Billing
Former USMNT and MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Bill Hamid will be commanding the defense for the fourth time with 901 FC. Hamid has made seven saves on 10 shots in three matches with the club and was nominated for USLC Save of the Week for the second consecutive time in Week 6.