Another day, another top matchup for Memphis 901 FC as they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the No. 2 Rowdies on Saturday, September 23 at Al Lang Stadium.
Memphis 901 FC is riding their momentum into the match after launching themselves into the top four of the Eastern Conference with a 1-1 draw at Birmingham Legion on Wednesday.
The Beale Street Boys have been strong on attack, recording 67 shots and forcing 21 saves in their last three matches while shoring up their defense against some of the top attackers in the USL Championship.
Playing a huge role in the last two results has been new addition Aiden McFadden. The defender notched two assists in the club’s 4-2 comeback victory over, earning his first Team of the Week nod. He followed up that performance with his first goal to equalize against Birmingham.
McFadden has contributed to three goals in just eight starts since joining 901 FC on loan from Atlanta United.
“I think since he’s joined us he’s been getting stronger every game,” 901 FC Head Coach Stephen Glass said. He’s obviously jumped up a level since coming from MLS Next Pro. He’s added to the group.
“When Rece (Buckmaster) got injured, we got a top-level player coming to help out a good team. We’re pleased with what he’s given us and it’s brilliant when players on loan to you can contribute goals and assists. It feels like in the group he fits in, but I’m sure personally he’s delighted.”
Tampa will look to climb up to the top of the Eastern Conference table as they chase Pittsburgh for the regular season conference title.
While Tampa has already clinched their spot in the playoffs and a likely home first round playoff match, the No. 2 club in the conference will have plenty of motivation for a victory after dropping points to Memphis as the Beale Street Boys rallied to a 3-2 victory over Rowdies on September 6.
Rodrigo Da Costa, Jeremy Kelly and Tampa Bay own goal in the final minute of the match helped Memphis knock off the Rowdies in the first matchup.
“We start looking ahead to the game already and we’ve managed to push ourselves ahead to the fourth spot tonight,” Glass said after Wednesday’s draw in Birmingham. “We’re disappointed it wasn’t three, but we’d like to go and attack it on Saturday. We’ll go there with full respect to Tampa and make every effort to win.”
A victory on Saturday clinches a postseason berth for the Beale Street Boys, while a loss or draw requires a bit of help from around the USL Championship.
Memphis 901 FC Clinching Scenarios
- Memphis 901 FC takes victory vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, moves to 49pts
- Memphis moves clear of FC Tulsa (maximum available points: 48)
- Memphis 901 FC draws vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, moves to 47pts
- AND FC Tulsa draws/loses vs. Charleston Battery, dropping maximum available total to 46/45pts
- OR Detroit City FC loses vs. Hartford Athletic, dropping maximum available total to 46pts
- Memphis 901 FC loses vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, remains on 46pts
- AND FC Tulsa draws/loses vs. Charleston Battery, dropping maximum available total to 46/45pts – Memphis holds head-to-head tiebreaker (2-0-0)
