Tampa Bay, Fla. – Memphis 901 FC clinched their third consecutive playoff berth and earned a season sweep of a top Eastern Conference club with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium.
Rodrigo Da Costa notched his first career hat trick and surpassed his career high in goals scored in a season as the Beale Street Boys took down Tampa to claim their spot in the postseason and improve their chances of homefield advantage.
Da Costa caught the keeper off of his line in the 24th minute and tucked a left footed strike into the net from outside of the box for Memphis’ first score. The goal marked a new career high as his 12th score of the season.
The Brazilian attacker would strike again after strong combo play from Luiz Fernando and Aiden McFadden opened him up with a shot right in front of the goal. Da Costa tallied his 13th goal while Aiden McFadden notched his third assist of the season. The Atlanta United loanee has contributed to four goals (one goal, three assists) in his last three appearances.
Da Costa and Samuel Careaga proved to be too dangerous for the Tampa back line in the second half as the two scored a goal each. Careaga delivered the game-winner and his second goal in four appearances in the 67th minute while Da Costa added one for good measure in the 80th.
901 FC moved to 13-8-10 with the victory and sit at No. 4 in the Eastern Conference with a playoff spot guaranteed and three matches left in the regular season. Memphis is unbeaten in their last three matches heading into the final stretch.
Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park for another battle with Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, September 30. Fans can purchase tickets on the club’s official website.
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Contact
Joshua Clayton – Communications and Public Relations Coordinator – jclayton@memphis901fc.com
