USL Memphis 901 FC

Memphis 901 FC Secure Draw against Interconference Adversary

Published on August 10, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Memphis 901 FC News Release


Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis 901 FC (5-5-5, 20 points) secured a draw against interconference opponent Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (7-6-4, 25 points) on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. In a physical match that saw just three shots on target apiece and 33 fouls between the two sides, the contest fittingly ended in a 1-1 draw that featured converted penalty kicks from two of the league's leading scorers.

A relatively uneventful first half for both offenses included a few chances scattered either way. A rare mistake from the Memphis defense resulted in a yellow card to goalkeeper Brady Scott in the box and a penalty awarded to Colorado Springs. The first goal of the match came from the league's scoring leader, Hadji Barry, in the 35' via the converted penalty kick.

The second half progressed with the same level of physicality, as eight yellow cards were dished out to either side. Despite a few chances both ways, neither team was able to convert from open play. Things changed in the 83' when Colorado Springs' Jimmy Ockford was shown a second yellow card in the box resulting in his ejection and a penalty kick awarded to Memphis 901 FC. The team's scoring leader, Kyle Murphy, stepped up to the spot and sent the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal to secure the 1-1 draw at home.

With his team-leading ninth goal of the year on the team's first penalty kick this season, Kyle Murphy not only elevates himself into a tie for second in club history, but the forward is now tied for third in the league. Kadeem Dacres had an effective evening as the midfielder led the team in touches, possessions gained, total passes, total crosses and good crosses. In his return to action, goalkeeper Brady Scott recorded two saves and did not allow a goal in open play against the league's third-highest scoring offense.

"I was pleased with the effort, pleased with the attitude and pleased with the overall performance," Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. "It was a good response coming off of Saturday's match. Ultimately, if we play like that every game-with that attitude and that effort and continue to improve our game-we'll win a lot of matches."

"It always feels good to score," forward Kyle Murphy said. "It was a really good turnaround. The OKC [OKC Energy FC] game was tough, but everyone did well to get themselves back and play this game. We fought hard and everyone gave their all. It was a big positive to bounce back how we did."

Next up, Memphis 901 FC will wrap up its two-match homestand as it hosts rival Birmingham Legion FC at AutoZone Park on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT. This weekend's match will be broadcast on CW30 Memphis and ESPN+.

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