Game Recaps

Memphis, Tenn. (Nov. 2, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC ‘s 2024 season came to a close with a 1-0 extra time loss to Orange County in the USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinal at AutoZone Park on Saturday. 

Playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes, Memphis held firm on the defensive end until the visitors found the game winner with five minutes left in the match. The defeat marks the first home loss for 901 FC since April 20, snapping a 13-match undefeated streak at AutoZone Park. 

The two clubs engaged in a tightly contested match which shifted after Lucas Turci was shown a second yellow card in the 79^th minute. Orange County grabbed control with Memphis playing a man down. Despite a strong defensive effort, the visitors cracked the scoring open with a header in the 116^th minute. 

901 FC reached their third consecutive top-four finish powered by the top attack in the Western Conference. 

Memphis 901 FC will return to AutoZone Park for its seventh season in 2025. Season ticket deposits 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.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Albuquerque, NM. (Oct. 26, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC grabbed a 3-2 victory over No. 1 New Mexico United to secure their third consecutive top-four finish and home field advantage in the first round of the USL Championship Playoffs. 

901 FC will host a Western Conference Quarterfinal at AutoZone Park on Saturday, November 2 at 1 p.m. CT with the opponent to be determined later Saturday night. Pending results elsewhere in the Western Conference, Memphis could finish as high as No. 2 in the division marking the club’s highest regular season finish since 2022. 

Bruno Lapa recorded two assists in Saturday’s victory setting up Jon Bakero and Samuel Careaga for goals before Lucas Turci subbed in and delivered a spectacular strike into the back of the net to finish the match. 

Bakero notched his first goal as a Beale Street Boy and second consecutive goal contribution after assisting Dylan Borczak in last week’s victory. New Mexico found an equalizer in the 20^th minute, but Memphis would roar back five minutes later thanks to Samuel Careaga. Careaga’s solo run through the defense for his eighth goal of the season. Turci’s goal in the 63^rd minute came off the left foot from 30 yards out to beat the keeper. 

Memphis is now unbeaten in their last 12 matches after leading at halftime and will return home for the postseason to defend a 13-match unbeaten streak at AutoZone Park. 

The USL Championship Playoffs Kickoff with the Conference Quarterfinal round next weekend. Playoff opponent info will be updated on the club’s official postseason website at the conclusion of regular season competition on Saturday, October 26.

POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET

Memphis 901 FC vs. New Mexico United | October 26, 2024 – Isotopes Park

HEAD COACH STEPHEN GLASS

On tonight’s performance:

“I think we knew what it was going to take. We knew we had to win. I wouldn’t say we gambled by any means but we were very controlled in our play. We went ahead early, got a little setback, but I think we truly deserved to win. At the end we were hanging on almost. I’m delighted with what we got tonight.”

On finishing the season with two crucial wins on the road:

“The last two weeks the message was we knew we had to go get close to six points. We knew walking into tonight we needed to win. It speaks volumes of the players in the last two weeks in Phoenix and New Mexico to come away with six points. It sums up the resilience they’ve shown all season and what the players and staff have achieved has been nothing short of incredible.”

On getting a home playoff match:

“We know that everyone that comes to Memphis now is going to want to knock us off of our perch. We’ll be ready for it just like we have been the last two weeks on the road and we’ll do whatever it takes to win a playoff game. If we can get a big crowd behind us and make it hostile, not a lot of teams will have a response for what’s on the pitch and in the stands.”

On the message to the rest of the league:

“I think we’re sitting here knowing we’re third at a minimum and it’s a huge achievement. We had a blip at the start of the year but I spoke to the players on the pitch after. Even before the ball was kicked this year people were telling us we’re not going to be in the playoffs. We’ve been moved to the west and probably have the most air miles in the whole league and the players have had very little respect given to them, but the performance level is nothing short of incredible. They deserve a home playoff game and hopefully there’s more than one.” 

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 19, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC grabbed three tough points on the road with a 1-0 win over Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Saturday night. 

The victory thanks to Dylan Borczak’s 44^th minute goal keeps the Beale Street Boys in the hunt for a top-four finish and third consecutive home playoff match. Memphis sits within two points of the No. 2 seed after the victory.

The two clubs took their turns jabbing for weaknesses in defense until Borczak opened the scoring. Jon Bakero found space on the perimeter and fired a cross into the center of the box for Borczak, who finished a contested header into the net. The score was Borczak’s fourth of the season and Bakero’s first assist.  

Memphis forced four saves on five shots on target while preventing Phoenix from putting a single shot on the net. Memphis swept the season series against Phoenix by a combined score of 6-1. Memphis is unbeaten in their last 10 matches after leading at halftime with a eight wins and two draws in that span. 

Colorado Springs maintained their one-point lead in the table over Memphis with a 1-0 road win at Monterey Bay tonight. Memphis can capture a top-four finish with a victory at No. 1 New Mexico United in the regular season finale on Saturday, October 26.

POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET

Memphis 901 FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC | October 19, 2024 – Phoenix Rising FC Stadium

HEAD COACH STEPHEN GLASS

On tonight’s performance:

“We were good on the ball and were very resilient defensively. We made it difficult for the other team to get through us. I think we deserved what we got tonight. The players have shown the quality to win like we do at home so that’ll be important in the next few weeks.”

On gaining momentum on the road:

“We talked before the game about in being a long time since we actually won on the road. We wanted to put that right knowing that we might have to do that in the playoffs. I think we showed the spirit and the quality tonight. I think it’s a group that doesn’t fear anyone. We’re looking forward to the next few weeks.”

On preparing for the playoffs:

“We just focus one week at a time. We know it’s going to be difficult against New Mexico. We’re finding it difficult every week and a lot of the refereeing decisions continue to go against us. Tonight the correct decision ultimately was given when the penalty was rescinded, but in our league, that’s not allowed to happen. Something happened between the head referee giving the penalty kick mistakenly. It took so long, there’s no way the other officials did not see the video that was on loop showing that it wasn’t a penalty kick. It’s just is unbelievable that it happens in this league. It’s not allowed to happen where replays like that are shown and it influences the officials.”

On next week’s regular season finale:

“It’s having the belief that we can go and win. New Mexico is a top team and they’ve won the division for a reason. I’m sure they’ll want a bit of revenge for the fact that we won at home. It’s a tough game coming up. We’re now guaranteed No. 5 at least, so there’s a possibility if we do well, we’ll end up going there in week two of the postseason if everyone is still in. we want to make sure that we set the tone and show that we can go into a hostile environment again.

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Memphis, TENN. (Oct. 12, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC clinched the club’s fourth consecutive playoff appearance and extended their 13-game home unbeaten run with a draw to Sacramento Republic on Saturday night at AutoZone Park. 

The back-and-forth bout featured two of the top clubs in the Western Conference looking to solidify their standing in the upcoming postseason. 

Memphis controlled 62% of possession in the first half with 10 shots and two forced saves and weathered Sacramento’s best attacking play in the second half. Dylan Borczak got loose behind the defense for a scoring opportunity during stoppage time but was brought down by his jersey with no whistle. 

Memphis sits at No. 5 in the Western Conference with one point separating them and the No. 4 Colorado Springs. The Beale Street Boys have two regular season matches remaining to capture a top-four finish and host a first round postseason game at AutoZone Park. 

Memphis hits the road for the final two matches of the regular season with dates against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, October 19 and New Mexico United on Saturday October 26.   

POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET

Memphis 901 FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC | October 12, 2024 – AutoZone Park

HEAD COACH STEPHEN GLASS

On tonight’s performance:

“It was gritty. Either team could’ve won it. Two good teams going after it. I think both teams really tried to win, not just sitting there. It looked like playoff football really. That’s what it’s going be like now until the end of the season. If you come out of games unbeaten, you’ve got a really good chance to go and do something. Proud of the boys with the run that they’re on, especially at home. We just need to make sure we go on the road and get some points to get back here.”

On the importance of getting a home playoff match:

“It would be amazing. You saw the crowd tonight. They were amazing. The boys fed off of it. The crowd made it hostile and they were aggressive when some of the decisions were let’s say questionable. The crowd were into it and I think that’s because they respond to the heart and spirit of the team. It’s important that we keep that. We’d love to bring a playoff game back here.”

On finishing the season with playoff-like matchups:

“When you’re preparing for it week-to-week, it really sets you up for playoffs. The prep becomes very important for a game like Sacramento so if someone comes here in the playoffs and we deal with it like we did tonight… I always say don’t get beat, but we’re always trying to win. I’m proud of the boys’ effort.”

On the club’s form:

“You can only play the teams in front of you. The so-called bigger teams that have come here, we’ve dealt with them. All the teams that fancy themselves to be real top ones, they’ve come here and we’ve taken one or three points off the majority of them. We’re pleased with what we’ve done the season so far but we know we can’t rest on our laurels because there’s a lot of good teams in the division. With the quality the players have and continue to show, I’m really hopeful for a brilliant end to the season.”

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Memphis, TENN. (Oct. 5, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC played to a 1-1 draw with Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night at AutoZone Park. 

An early goal from Bruno Lapa put the Beale Street boys ahead as the club extended their unbeaten run at AutoZone Park to 12 games. 

Alvaro Quezada found space on the perimeter and picked out Lapa on a cross with the Brazilian using one touch to tuck a goal into the bottom corner of the net. Lapa has scored three goals in the last two games and has a team-leading 11 scores this season. 

Oakland equalized on a set piece in the 36^th minute with a Camden Riley header. 

Memphis sits at No. 5 in the USL Championship Western Conference with three matches remaining in the regular season. 901 FC continues their race to the playoffs with eyes toward a third consecutive top-four finish and first round home playoff match. 

Memphis 901 FC is back at AutoZone Park on Saturday, October 12 for the regular season home finale and Latino Heritage Night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.  

POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET

Memphis 901 FC vs. Oakland Roots SC | October 5, 2024 – AutoZone Park

HEAD COACH STEPHEN GLASS

On tonight’s performance:

“I think we got our noses in front and got some really good play from the lads. It didn’t look like we were going to give up a lot of opportunities. You go into the game knowing the threat of the set pieces which they’re very good at. It’s disappointing to lose one. We’ve got to do a little bit better ourselves. 

Where we can’t do better ourselves is when Luiz (Fernando) puts it in the goal, he’s clearly onside, and it doesn’t count. It’s 2-0 and it’s a huge difference maker in the game. I’ve said it all season, everything will even itself out. I think we’re in for a really good last 7-8 weeks here if it evens itself out. You look at the second half, it’s a penalty kick not given. You miss the first one with Lucas (Turci) and choose not to give the one on AB (Cissoko), I can legislate for that. What I can do is the fight and the quality the players show. They continue to do it in the face of some extreme adversity. It’s difficult to keep players controlled when they feel things are against them on the field. The discipline has been fantastic. I think if we can continue that and things even themselves out, we’ll be in for a good end to the season.” 

On extending the home unbeaten streak:

It was important not to get beat tonight as well. If we lose tonight here they start to overtake us. It was “important to fend that off and keep ourselves in a nice comfortable position knowing we’ve still got tough games. We didn’t look like losing at any point. Pleased to not get beat, disappointed not to win, but not disappointed in any way with the players’ performances.”

On the message to the players after the match:

“I think it’s the fact that they were very resilient. Things were going against them. I can say things to the players that I can’t say publicly and I’ll be pretty strongly worded to the players when I do. They’ve dealt with the situations on the field all season. I hope that they can look forward to things evening themselves out.”

On players’ frustration during the match:

You go and ask for an explanation and you don’t really get one. And if you do, you get a yellow card waved in your face normally. I’ve decided that it’s important that we keep up discipline. Anyone that sees that knows that’s a penalty kick, but the disappointing factor for us is the referee didn’t give it for whatever reason. Whether he didn’t see it or whatever. We look at ourselves and we dust ourselves down and get ready to go again next Saturday against a good Sacramento team.

On the mindset for the final games of the season:

I think we need to keep carrying the threat that we carry. We look like we’re going to score every week. If we can carry that on and be difficult to score against, then we give ourselves a really good opportunity to do something special… we’re happy with the group we’ve got this year. I think we’re in a really good position to go and tackle the last few regular season games. We’ve got a very strong group that’s difficult to play against with a hell of a lot of heart. I’d love to see them achieve something for all the work they’ve put in.

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Louisville, KY. (Sept. 28, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC fell to top Eastern Conference side Louisville City FC 4-2 on the road at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday night. 

A first-half brace from Bruno Lapa wasn’t enough for the Beale Street Boys to get the three points on the road after Memphis conceded four unanswered goals. 

Samuel Careaga and Lapa connected for both 901 FC goals as Lapa grabbed his ninth and team-leading 10^th goals in the first half. 

Memphis sits at No. 4 in the USL Championship Western Conference with 43 points and four matches remaining in the regular season to fight for a third consecutive home playoff match. The top four teams in each conference earn home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Memphis is unbeaten in their last 11 home matches. 

901 FC returns to AutoZone Park to host Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, October 5 at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the match can be purchased on the club’s 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.        

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Memphis, TENN. (Sept. 14, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC grabbed three points with a 3-0 victory over North Carolina FC on Cancer Kickers night at AutoZone Park. 

The Beale Street Boys debuted their new Community Kit as a part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month as scores from Marlon and Luiz Fernando gave Memphis the advantage after 90 minutes. 

Marlon’s first half brace had Memphis on the front foot early as the Brazilian forward grabbed his eighth and team-leading ninth score in the 10^th and 22^nd minutes. 

Luiz Fernando subbed on in the 69^th minute and provided immediate impact, combining with Noe Meza for a give-and-go score for his third goal of the season. 

901 FC is unbeaten in their last 11 home matches and holds a 9-2-1 record after leading at halftime this season. 

Memphis moved to No. 4 in the USL Championship Western Conference with the victory with five matches remaining in the regular season. 

Memphis 901 FC has a bye week before traveling to face Louisville City FC on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. CT. 

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. North Carolina FC | September 14, 2024 – AutoZone Park

HEAD COACH STEPHEN GLASS

On Cancer Kickers Night:

“Every week we do it, but on a night like tonight, it’s a special event. It was important that we got the win. I think the boys are delighted with that and I think you saw after the game they were talking to Chris Clothier and his family and some of the children. Anything little that we can do to help is amazing. We lost one of our communities last week with Jenn Garber as well. It was a big night tonight and a special one. I’m glad for Jenn’s memory and also for Cancer Kickers and the evening. It was a good night all around.”

On tonight’s performance:

“I think we were very clinical in the first half. It could have continued in the same vein. I think we’re a bit disappointed but we come in 3-0 against a good counter attacking team. We controlled the game and got three points so we’ve got to be happy with it.”

On the 11-match home unbeaten streak:

“I think we enjoy playing at home. The boys have shown that since the middle of april. We had a few disappointing results then we showed a little resolve to get back on track. It’s continued and once you get on a roll you don’t want to give it up. We know we’ve got two tough home games left here then hopefully playoff ones. Anytime you can play at home and be difficult to beat… we like playing here, we like the support we get and we want to repay the fans especially with cancer kickers night tonight. We were able to send everyone home happy with a victory and a clean sheet.”

On Marlon returning to the lineup with two goals:

“The center forwards scoring goals in the first half was great. We went with two up front tonight, which we haven’t done a lot. Maybe Luiz gets a little bit of confidence from his goal as well coming on. It was a fantastic finish and put the game to bed. There were a lot of very positive performances tonight.”

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Memphis, TENN. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC extended their home unbeaten streak to 10 games in a scoreless draw against Hartford Athletic on Wednesday night at AutoZone Park. 

The high-powered offense was on the attack for the duration of the match, only allowing three big chances for Hartford while the whole lineup found chances. Emerson Hyndman led the team with seven shots while Jimenez, Leston Paul and Noe Meza also threatened for a goal. 

901 FC recorded a season-high 28 shots total and forced seven goalkeeper saves but couldn’t find a match winner as they moved to 11-10-7. Memphis sits at No. 5 in the USL Championship Western Conference with six matches to play in the regular season. 

Memphis 901 FC is back at AutoZone Park this Saturday, September 14 at 7 p.m. CT for Cancer Kickers Night as a part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive free Cancer Kickers shoelaces. 

POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET

Memphis 901 FC vs. Hartford Athletic | September 11, 2024 – AutoZone Park

HEAD COACH STEPHEN GLASS

On tonight’s performance:

“It’s something we’ve seen two or three times here. The goalkeeper had the night of his life. I think it’s the same as any of the other games. There were opportunities where we probably should have scored despite the goalkeeper having a really good game. We’re pleased not to get beat but disappointed not to win.”

On missing Marlon and Samuel Careaga on suspension:

“Probably after that, you can say (you miss them) a lot. It’s two guys that finish and have good numbers. We’ve got other players that have decent numbers this season as well but didn’t quite fire. When you’ve got two goal scorers missing it’s going to be more difficult but with the volume of shots and traffic going towards the goal I would be expecting to score a goal or two. Again we don’t get beat. I think it was April 20 the last time we lost here. It’s important that that stays as well. We showed good resolve at the defensive side of the pitch.”

“I’m never going to say I’m happy when we don’t win, particularly with the amount of opportunities we had. I actually don’t care if the goalie was brilliant. We should be scoring some of those chances. It becomes an excuse rather than a reason. But again we don’t lose a game, keep another clean sheet.”

On Emerson Hyndman:

“He hits a lot of good shots from distance. He’s striking the ball very well but he’s been very hard done by the amount of goals he’s scored this year.”

On the extended break over the last weeks:

“I don’t think anyone has had the amount of travel we’ve had. It’s been pretty crazy at times. It was a good time for the break. You want to keep rolling when the team does well but we didn’t do well that game so it probably was an opportune moment for the break. We can handle three in a week, but it did give us a chance to work hard while freshening up and we get afforded that opportunity again after saturday. It’s how we handle it as a group, how we train knowing we’re preparing for a very busy November.”

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.        

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Oakland, CALIF. (August 24, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC grabbed a point on the road with a 1-1 draw to Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night at Pioneer Stadium 

901 FC grabbed the lead with a dazzling goal from Panos Armenakas in the 32nd minute. 

Memphis’ newest acquisition found space in the box and curled a left-footed shot around the keeper and into the back of the net. The goal marks his first as a Beale Street Boy and second goal contribution after registering an assist in the 5-1 victory over Miami FC last week. 

Oakland would answer in the 61st minute with a tying goal on a corner kick finished by Boboucarr Njie. 

Memphis controlled the match after the equalizer with 64% of the possession in the second half but couldn’t grab another go ahead goal with five shots recorded in the second frame. 901 FC did not allow a shot in the last 40 minutes of the match. 

901 FC moved to 11-9-6 with the draw holding their No. 3 standing in the Western Conference with eight matches remaining in the regular season.

Memphis 901 FC sticks on the road for a midweek match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday, August 28 before returning to AutoZone Park on Wednesday, September 11 for Hometown Heroes Night. 

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.        

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com