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Memphis 901 FC Podcast Ep. 3: Caleb Patterson-Sewell
Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell joins host Pete Pranica to discuss the club’s seven-match unbeaten streak, community outreach and the acquisition of Rodrigo da Costa.
The Beale St. Boys return to AutoZone Park on June 3 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are available now starting at just $10!.
‘I Came to Memphis to Win’: Sebastián Velásquez is Back and Ready to Roll
There’s a balance required to coming into a new locker room as an established veteran, especially a locker room coming off the best finish in club history with most of the core of the roster returning.
It’s something the veteran midfielder Sebastián Velásquez was mentally prepared for when he signed with the club as one of the final pieces added to the talented roster. However, he’d have to wait to show how his physical talents blended with his teammates on the pitch.
The 32-year-old suffered a hip injury in the offseason, causing him to miss preseason camp and the first two matches of the regular season with his new club. The midfielder worked with the club’s medical team and received an injection to relieve pain and return to the pitch. After two intense weeks on training ground, Velásquez made his 901 FC debut and 100th USL Championship appearance when he came in as a reserve against Miami FC
“I’m going to play this way,” Velásquez said. “It completely knocked the pain away which is pretty cool. It’s crazy what science and medicine can do, and to be quite honest, I’ve looked very good in training. I’m feeling like myself.”
Velásquez is back in the USL Championship after spending the past four seasons between El Paso Locomotive and Miami FC. The Columbian also scored two goals in 18 appearances with Isreali side Hapoel Umm al-Fahm in the winter before signing with 901 FC in late-February.
Upon his return from the injury report, Velásquez has helped 901 FC bring back a point after a 1-1 draw to Miami FC and dismiss One Knoxville SC 2-1 in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.
The momentum from the past two games and camaraderie built since the preseason is something Velásquez said he can point out to show the club can overcome the slow start to the season.
“We’re going to be okay. There’s 93 points still on the table. It’s only game four,” he said. “If we go win here and win the rest of the season no one’s going to be talking about the first two games. That’s what we’re looking to do.
“It’s been very exciting. I think the team camaraderie is very exciting right now. I’m happy to be back with the guys as well. Memphis hasn’t really seen me play so I’m excited to put that on the table as well.”
On the field, Velásquez brings a dangerous presence devoted to scoring goals that he looks to pair with the ball striking ability of Aaron Molloy, creativity of Jeremy Kelly and finishing pedigree of Phillip Goodrum.
“I have almost 40 goals in this league,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of good things in this league, so I want to challenge myself to help the team and create chances for my teammates, score goals, get assists and at the end of the day, win games.
“I came to Memphis to win and that’s the only mentality we have. I’m one of the older guys so I think being a leader on the field is going to make a big difference because we have a lot of great players, but we need to be able to handle the whole 90 minutes.”
That leadership can serve as an extra boost to a club that ranks among the youngest in the league, and in Memphis he’s found a locker room that has welcomed him with open arms.
“It’s amazing what the locker room has become. I could tell the first few days, you could tell guys were really quiet. This is a game where you really have to express yourself,” Velasquez said. “The guys that want to make a difference have to make a difference not only in the locker room, but also on the field. I think we’ve given everybody that family vibe where everyone knows that we can count on each other. I believe that that’s what’s going to get us through.”
For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
THE OFFICIAL 901 FC PODCAST: Bill Hamid, Tim Howard
Special pod with first sit-down interview with GK Bill Hamid and Memphis 901 FC Sporting Director Tim Howard. They discuss the process of getting Bill to Memphis and how he can impact the club.
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The Official Memphis 901 FC Podcast: Episode 1
Pete Pranica sits down with Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell, Bruno Lapa and Leston Paul to talk about expectations for the upcoming season, offseason recruiting and finding their groove with a revamped roster in the debut episode of the Memphis 901 FC Podcast.
On to the Dress Rehearsal: Notes from Memphis 901 FC Preseason Camp
Memphis 901 FC continued preparations for the 2023 regular season with two split-squad scrimmages against the University of Memphis and St. Louis City SC 2 over the weekend, drawing the Tigers 1-1 and dropping the second friendly 1-0.
Leading the group in the scrimmage at Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex on University of Memphis campus was Aaron Molloy, who notched the goal from a penalty kick that flew into the top left corner of the goal. The midfielder is entering his second year with the club with high expectations after playing a large role in leading the team to their best finish in franchise history in 2022.
Molloy earned First Team All-League honors and finished second in the USL Championship MVP voting after scoring eight goals and tallying 10 assists, a single-season club record.
The Irish midfielder served as the primary kick taker in 2022 and led the team in chances created with 74 chances created and 64 key passes. Molloy said he and his teammates along with the new coaching staff established early that the goal is to build on and exceed last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinal exit.
“I think a lot of the returners still have that fire in their belly from last year and I think we want to keep on and go a step forward, get to a final or win the whole thing,” Molloy said. “That’s our mindset. This year, our sights are on a trophy and I think we can do that.”
The club has signed a few new goal-creating weapons in Bruno Lapa and Sebastián Velásquez while retaining the core of one of the most dangerous midfields in the USLC. With those new pieces, a new element of competition for minutes on the pitch has shown on the training ground.
“The new guys have come in and they’ve actually raised the level,” Molloy said. “There’s spots up for grabs and everyone wants to play in the game on March 11 so the competitive nature has risen. That brings out the best in people. These players coming in are all fantastic people, fantastic players and we’re all excited to get going in the season.”
Saturday’s final preseason friendly against Birmingham Legion serves as a regular season dress rehearsal, giving the club their last test before embarking on their 2023 campaign.
“For me, the season really starts against Birmingham,” Molloy said. “It’s a rivalry game.They have a really good group and had a really good season last year. They beat us twice last year, so for me personally, I’m super excited to go and compete against those guys. It’s a real test before heading to the real thing.”
Memphis 901 FC opens the regular season against Loudoun United FC on March 11 at AutoZone Park with a 4 p.m. CT kickoff time. Tickets are available on the club website.
Egbo Joins Memphis 901 FC on Loan from Whitecaps FC
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced today the addition of Vancouver Whitecaps FC loanee, forward David Egbo, through the end of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.
The 23-year-old forward played three seasons for the University of Akron, collecting 21 goals and 12 assists in 35 starts on 56 appearances. Egbo was then selected ninth overall by Whitecaps FC in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
Kaduna, Nigeria native spent the 2021 season on loan to Phoenix Rising FC, USL Championship team. In his time with Phoenix Rising Egbo started 10 of his 17 appearances, scoring 5 goals and recording one assist.
“David is a physical force, and we are very excited for him to arrive on loan from Vancouver,” Pirmann said. “He has great hold up play, a soft first touch, and is a menace in and around the opponent’s goal.”
“David provides the ability to impact the scoresheet, but he also opens up plays for his teammates around him to create and score goals,” Pirmann added. “We welcome him with open arms to the Bluff City.”
For the latest information on the team, visit www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 901-721-6000.
Graham Smith Highlights Three Arrivals for 901 FC
Experienced defender joined by forward Derek Dodson, midfielder Jeremy Kelly as new signings
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced today the signing of defender Graham Smith, midfielder Jeremy Kelly and forward Derek Dodson as the club continued to build its squad ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season. The signings are pending league and federation approval.
Smith joins Memphis having spent the past four seasons with Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City. The 26-year-old recorded 17 appearances and 1,377 minutes of action in MLS for SKC, and also featured on loan in the USL Championship for Sporting Kansas City II. Smith made 66 regular-season appearances for SKC II and recorded a duel success rate of 61.7 percent and tackle success rate of 75.9 percent while also notching 280 clearances and 118 interceptions.
“Graham is a top competitor and leader in the center back and we are thrilled to have him join us,” said 901 FC Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He has a very good ability to organize and make critical defensive plays, as well as build the ball from the back with precise passing and long-range passing ability.
“Graham has great experiences over the past four seasons in both MLS and USL and will be a great asset for this Club!”
A native of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Smith was selected with the 18th selection of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Sporting following the conclusion of his college career at the University of Denver. Smith had made 43 appearances for the Pioneers after transferring from Oregon State University before his junior season, and in 2017 was voted to the All-Summit League First Team while also being voted to the Summit League All-Tournament Team twice.
“In my conversation with Ben and [Assistant Coach] Caleb [Patterson-Sewell] along with current players the high ambitions of the club are clear and incredibly exciting,” said Smith. “I’m looking forward to contributing to something special next year in Memphis.”
Dodson arrives in Memphis having recorded five goals and two assists in 22 appearances for Hartford Athletic this past season. The 23-year-old joined Hartford on loan from MLS side Orlando City SC after being selected with the eight pick of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by the Lions having previously competed at Georgetown University.
“Derek is a hard-working striker with a great knack for creating and finishing chances,” said Pirmann. “He has yet to hit his full potential and is already a high-end attacker in this league. I believe his versatility will fit in smoothly in our attacking structure. He can create goals but has a quality skill set with the ball at his feet as well as in his defensive desire.”
For the Hoyas, Dodson was a three-time Big East Tournament title-winner as he made 72 appearances for the side and recorded 32 goals and 14 assists in his college career. The 2017 Big East Freshman of the Year, Dodson was voted to the 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-America team as well as to the All-Big East First Team before recording two goals and three assists in the abbreviated 2021 season before joining Orlando.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Memphis 901,” said Dodson. “It is a fantastic staff coupled with a great close-knit group of players. I can’t wait to compete and work hard for this club!”
Kelly makes the move to Memphis having most recently competed for fellow USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC in the 2021 season. Kelly made five appearances for Rising FC and notched one assist in 245 minutes of action while on loan from the Colorado Rapids. The 24-year-old will enter his third season in the professional ranks with 901 FC after being selected with the ninth pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Club de Foot Montreal before being traded to the Rapids.
“Jeremy is a very technical and gifted football player that can play anywhere on the pitch,” said Pirmann. “His impact on the game is highly fundamental to the team’s successes. Jeremy has great experiences and a pedigree that will help our Club achieve our goals this season and we can’t be happier for him to arrive to Memphis.”
Kelly had previously made his debut in the professional ranks in 2016 as an Academy signing for North Carolina FC prior to attending the University of North Carolina. Kelly made 79 appearances for the Tar Heels and recorded six goals and 12 assists overall for the side, and in his senior season in 2019 was voted to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team. During his college career, Kelly also competed for San Francisco City FC and North Carolina FC U23 in USL League Two.
“I can’t wait to get started with this team,” said Kelly. “I know we’ve got a group of players who are hungry to win so the season can’t come soon enough. Additionally, I’ve heard lots of great things about the community in Memphis so I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
For the latest information on the team, visit www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 901-721-6000.
Memphis 901 FC Signs Luiz Fernando
Former MLS Midfielder Joins the Club for 2022 Season
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced the signing of 24-year-old Luiz Fernando on Wednesday, pending league and federation approval.
The São Paulo, Brazil native has MLS experience playing for Atlanta United and has also competed for the club’s USL Championship team, Atlanta United 2. Fernando made his Atlanta United debut in a CONCACAF Champions League match against Motagua in 2020.
With Atlanta United 2 in 2019 Fernando had 27 starts, scoring two goals with four assists.
Fernando signed with Tampa Bay Rowdies for the 2021 season, but suffered a preseason injury, though he did return late in the campaign after being cleared for action.
“We are thrilled to add Luis to our attacking group for this upcoming season,” Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. “He is a top player with over 100 matches in the Championship as well as experiences in the MLS, and he is an even better person.”
“Luiz is a very talented attacking player that can change the game in many ways: off the dribble, combining with teammates or using his creative instincts,” Pirmann added. “He will be a major piece of our attack this season.”
Fernando began his professional career with the Richmond Kickers of USL Championship after signing with the club in 2016. Over three seasons in Richmond he scored six goals and recorded six assists in 78 games played.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to start training and playing with the team,” Fernando said.
For the latest information on the team, visit www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 901-721-6000.