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USL Memphis 901 FC

Memphis 901 FC Fall to Visiting OKC Energy FC

September 1, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Memphis 901 FC News Release


Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis 901 FC (5-7-7, 22 points) fell to a 10-man OKC Energy FC (7-7-8, 29 points) side by a final tally of 0-1 Wednesday evening at AutoZone Park. Despite going up a man in the 24' and firing off seven shots on target, Memphis was unable to overcome a goal from the Energy in the 47'.

The match began with an energetic start from the home team, as 901 FC earned an early corner following a deflected shot from Laurent Kissiedou. Soon thereafter, Cody Cropper made an acrobatic dive to punch an in-swinging cross away from goal to stifle an Energy possession. Things continued to favor Memphis as OKC's Ellis-Hayden was shown a straight red card in the 24' for a violent tackle on Andre Reynolds.

Following the ejection, the Energy dropped back and made it difficult for Memphis to find chances in the box. Following the halftime break, OKC opened the scoring on a fast break that saw Villyan Bijev put the Energy ahead by a goal in the 47'. Despite season highs in corners (10), shots (20), passing accuracy (86.5%) and possession (74.5%), Memphis 901 FC was unable to penetrate the OKC backline, and the outmanned visitors escaped with three points.

"We battled and worked our tails off," Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. "We're hurting, and it's tough. I'm disappointed for our club and in the result, but we have to be better going forward. I don't fault a single player, I don't fault preparation, we put it all on the line and we worked as hard as we possibly could."

Memphis has a quick turnaround as it hosts Birmingham Legion FC at AutoZone Park on Saturday, Sept. 4. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast on CW 30 Memphis and ESPN+.

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