USL Memphis 901 FC

Memphis 901 FC's Comeback Bid Falls Short

June 26, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Memphis 901 FC News Release


Memphis, Tenn. - In its highest-scoring match of the season, Memphis 901 FC (2-4-2) suffered a heartbreaking 2-3 loss at the hands of Sporting Kansas City II (2-6-4) on Pride Night at AutoZone Park Saturday evening. After seeing Sporting II jump out to a two-goal lead in the 55', Memphis mounted a two-goal response to tie up the match in a comeback bid that fell just short after an SKC II goal with 18 minutes left in the match.

Despite an early shot on target from Michael Salazar and two quick corners, Memphis 901 FC conceded the first goal of the match in the 8' when SKC II's Rojay Smith lifted a nearly unsavable ball into the top left corner of the goal off a quick spin and shoot. Health again played a role in a Memphis match as defender Skylar Thomas was forced off in the 15' due to an undisclosed injury. After a lull in the Memphis 901 FC attack, the home side responded with vigor as they rallied off a number of chances late in the first half.

After three first-half cautions and three more within the first ten minutes of second-half play, Kansas City's leading scorer, Enoch Mushagalusa, picked up a loose ball in the box and fired it past Brady Scott to extend the visitor's lead to 2-0 in the 55'. From then on out, however, momentum drastically switched, swinging the way of Memphis, as Kyle Murphy cashed in on a perfectly weighted ball from Leston Paul in the 58' to inch Memphis closer to the match-tying score.

A mere six minutes after Murphy's strike, the New York native sent a ball wide to a streaking Kadeem Dacres who then rifled a ball past the SKC II keeper to level the match at two goals apiece. The initial elation was somewhat short-lived as Daniel Barbir was able to elevate and head in a lofted cross into the box. Despite corners, six minutes of stoppage and an outrageous on-target Michael Salazar bicycle attempt matched by just as fine of a save from Thompson, Memphis was not able to overcome the late goal, falling to SKC II by a final tally of 2-3.

"It's disappointing, and we have to reflect on why we aren't winning when we are playing well," Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. "Some things didn't go our way tonight. At the end of the day, we are exactly one quarter through the season and we have 24 matches to really get things right. For me, we've gotten a lot better and it's hard to come back from the last two matches with nothing."

"It shows the character of the team," Kyle Murphy said of the team's effort. "Everybody wants to win every game. We're not going to give up on any game and we just have to keep pushing them [the opposition] and try to score on every play."

Memphis maintained a commanding 70.9% possession, won 54.9% of its duels and out-passed Kansas City by a final margin of over 300. Kyle Murphy earned Buff City Soap Man of the Match honors after his goal and assist, becoming the first player since Kadeem Dacres on May 23 to record at least one of each in a match. Echoing the aforementioned attacking efficiency, Michael Salazar had a strong evening as the Belizean led the team in shots on target and key passes with three apiece. Coming on early for the injured Thomas, Brecc Evans nearly surpassed his season minutes total and led the team in total passes and successful passes, maintaining an impressive 94.4% passing accuracy.

Memphis 901 FC will hit the road again for its second-longest road trip, as the club will head back to Atlanta on July 3 before traveling to Birmingham and Indianapolis on the two following Saturdays. Memphis' third match against Atlanta United 2 this season will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT from Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga. The match can be seen on CW 30 Memphis and ESPN+.

Check out the Memphis 901 FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 26, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central