The Beale Street Boys have hit their stride just in time for an Open Cup upset opportunity at FC Dallas in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, May 7 at Toyota Stadium.
After five straight losses in the USL Championship, Memphis 901 FC has grabbed two consecutive statement victories, first dominating at Birmingham Legion FC 3-0 then returning home to put down Tampa Bay 4-1. Memphis now has suddenly scored seven goals in the last two weeks after putting away only three goals during their five-week slump.
“The boys worked so hard when they weren’t getting the rewards,” said Head Coach Stephen Glass. “When it comes you have to keep it level and keep working and doing the things that win you games. You hopefully won’t see the boys stepping off the gas. We know we’ve got an opportunity to go to Dallas in a really big game for the club. We’ll go there and try and win against another good team.”
Both wins included a brace from a Brazilian attacker with Bruno Lapa scoring two in Birmingham and Marlon putting a pair away against Tampa.
Marlon has been the connective thread over the last two matches since moving to a central forward role with two goals and three assists to go with 15 duels won.
“He’s dangerous, he’s quick, he works hard and he’s everything we thought he would give us when we put him up there,” Glass said. “I think being a focal point on the team suits him well.”
901 FC reached the Round of 32 for the second consecutive year with 2-0 victory over open division side Miami United FC in the Third Round at AutoZone Park. Forward Nighte Pickering showed his knack for impactful Open Cup appearances with a brace.
The USYNT striker will be familiar with the FC Dallas grounds on Tuesday, having played for the FC Dallas academy for five years before signing with Memphis in 2022.
The Beale Street Boys look to carry their momentum and replicate some of the magic they found in last year’s Open Cup when they came away victorious in extra time at Atlanta United thanks to a game-winner from Pickering. The win marked the first victory over an MLS side in club history.
Kickoff for the matchup at Toyota Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. CT. Fans can stream the match live on USSoccer.com.
