Memphis, TENN. (March 9, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC opened the 2024 regular season with a 2-1 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday afternoon at AutoZone Park
The Beale Street Boys used first half goals from Samuel Careaga and Nighte Pickering to topple the Sin City club and start the season with three points.
901 FC conceded the first goal but answered quickly with their pressure on the Las Vegas defense resulting in 33rd minute score from Samuel Careaga.
Bruno Lapa gained possession outside the Vegas box beating defenders along the perimeter to the right to cross a pass in front of the net. A ball-handling error from the goalkeeper left the ball for Careaga to tap in and open the scoring for 901 FC in 2024.
The go-ahead goal came just before the halftime whistle as Nighte Pickering unleashed an arching left-footed shot from 25 yards out. The 19-year-old striker opened his scoring profile for the year after putting away five goals and four assists last season.
901 FC tallied 16 shots with six on goal while holding Las Vegas to only four shots on target. Memphis also dominated on the defensive end with 16 tackles won and 20 interceptions, seven of which made by new midfielder Zac Duncan. Memphis goalkeeper Tyler Deric turned away three big chances for Las Vegas with a few highlight diving saves.
Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park next Saturday, March 16 as they face Indy Eleven at 3 p.m. CT. Single Match Tickets are available now at Memphis901FC.com.
POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET
Memphis 901 FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC | March 9, 2023 – AutoZone Park, Memphis, Tenn.
Head Coach Stephen Glass
On the team’s performance:
“I think we were mostly in control of the game. We ended up falling behind with one break up the field. The more important thing was the response from the group of lads to come back and get in front before halftime. Its a difficult thing to do and be able to hang on. First game is never easy. I don’t think the club has won one at home so it’s nice to get that monkey off our back and push on.”
On coming back down one goal:
“The team looked like it had some real fight in it. They looked like they weren’t going to accept falling behind. We pushed and looked like we could’ve scored three or four in the first half alone. You take your knocks but it always felt like the boys had it in them today.”
On the depth of the bench:
“We’ve managed to put together a really deep group. The subs that came in really helped. The team that started today is probably not the team that will start in what I believe will be the first playoff game. It never goes that way. You pick a team to win on that Saturday and fortunately for us that’s happened today.”
On the fan support:
“I thought it was incredible. There was a hell of a lot of noise, especially in the first half. The drums were going forever. They responded to the fight in the team. The backing is always there. It felt good to come back and play in front of our home crowd. Hopefully if we can keep winning we can attract in more people with the people that came and enjoyed it today. I certainly think the boys entertained them today.”
Forward Nighte Pickering
On the team’s performance:
“Overall it’s just a good game from the guys. Going down 1-0 isn’t the best situation but we showed in the first half the fight to come back and take the lead. In the second half, holding onto the lead is hard. They’re putting on a lot of pressure. On us but we dealt with it well, creating more chances that we could’ve finished the game with. Overall a good game.”
On responding quickly:
“I think it’s super important. you don’t want to show that you’ve been beaten. If they score on you and you don’t respond quick, they gain confidence from it. For us to respond quick and not only tie the game but put two past them, that was great.”
On his goal:
“I think it came from Bruno (Lapa) on the right. It came to me and I took a touch and realized there wasn’t much pressure on me so I just decided to hit. It happened to go over the keeper right under the bar and it was a good goal. You do feel it when it comes off your foot.”
On his success on left-footed shots:
“Teams can try to take it away but it’ll keep going. I have a right foot too.”
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Joshua Clayton – Communications Coordinator
