Memphis, TENN. (April 17, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC used two goals from Nighte Pickering on Wednesday night to topple a strong Miami United F.C. club and advance to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.
In the 34th minute, a long pass from Emerson Hyndman unleashed Pickering behind the Miami United defense giving him only the keeper to beat, leading to an easy breakaway score for his first goal.
The 19-year-old threat would return in the 85th minute to put the match away as Dylan Borczak broke loose down the right side before finding Pickering for the tap in just inside the six-yard box.
Pickering has now scored three goals in just three U.S. Open Cup appearances. The striker delivered the deciding goal in last season’s historic Open Cup victory over Atlanta United in extra time.
901 FC will learn its next Open Cup assignment on Thursday at noon during a live drawing for the Round or 32 on U.S. Soccer’s YouTube page.
Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park in their second home match in four days for a USL Championship match against Monterey Bay FC on Saturday, April 20. The first 500 fans will receive a free 901 FC Coach’s Visor. Tickets are available now on the club’s official website.
For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET
Memphis 901 FC vs. Miami United F.C. | April 17, 2023 – AutoZone Park, Memphis, Tenn.
Head Coach Stephen Glass
On tonight’s win:
“We were looking for a confidence boost here tonight. We knew it would be difficult playing against a team that doesn’t lose a lot of games. They were tough to play against. It’s a welcome win and the players worked ever so hard to get it.”
On Nighte Pickering
“Nighte was excellent. He’s obviously playing against experienced guys that were going to make it very difficult for him. He handled everything physically. He was in the right place and the right time on a couple of occasions. He was unfortunate not to score three or four.”
On preparation for the match:
“We watched the game against Club de Lyon but the camera work wasn’t fantastic. We knew it was going to be difficult and they were going to be tough to play against. Good footballers that know how to make it ugly. We were prepared for it and disciplined. Our team was very good. It’s difficult to prepare but the only thing you can do is control our principles and play our game. We were pleased with that aspect and with full respect to them because they could have taken out a lot of USL teams tonight. “
On the difficulty in playing Miami United:
“We had to be at our best and we had to be strong on the ball. They were difficult to play against and resilient at the end. I think if we were not all those things tonight, we would have been out of the cup. No doubt about it. So again, full respect to Miami United and their staff. They were tough to beat and we’re glad that we did.”
Forward Nighte Pickering
On his connection with Dylan Borczak:
“When Dylan came on, he just brought a different dynamic into the team. Luiz (Fernando) is a really good player and I like playing with him too. Dylan came on with his pace and going on the outside whipping balls in worked really well for me. Me and Dylan are good friends off the field and on the field so it definitely worked out tonight.”
On preparing for the Open Cup:
We really needed a win today, especially in the cup. You have an NPSL team coming here and think it’s an easy write-off, but it’s going to be their world cup final when they come. They’re going to be playing with a different intensity. It was a good win and hopefully we can get back on track in the USL too.
On carrying momentum from the win:
It’s a big relief. In these last four games I think we’ve played well. We’ve just made little mistakes and lapses of focus that put us off of our game and gave us some bad results. So winning today will hopefully get us back on track and get our minds together because I think at the end of the day we’re a really good team. We can get a lot of results in the league this year.
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Joshua Clayton – Communications Coordinator
