
Memphis Secure First Unbeaten Month Since May 2019
July 24, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Memphis 901 FC News Release
Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis 901 FC (4-4-4) defeated FC Tulsa (6-6-1) by a final tally of 1-0 Saturday night at AutoZone Park. With his fifth goal in as many matches, forward Kyle Murphy's 45+4' goal propelled the home side to a win, marking 901 FC's first undefeated month (minimum two matches) since May 2019. The victory also bumps the club up to fifth in the Central Division standings.
The action unfolded quickly at AutoZone Park as defender Mark Segbers made one of the plays of the match less than 10 minutes into the contest. After a Tulsa shot deflected up and over goalkeeper Kyle Morton, Segbers rushed in to make a sliding stop to kick the goal-bound ball off the line, keeping the match scoreless early.
Despite needing a bandage wrapped around his head after taking a knock early in the first half, Kyle Murphy continued his remarkable form by scoring his sixth goal of the season, this time in first-half stoppage time. Forward Michael Salazar set up the play with some nifty footwork at the edge of the box, as midfielder Raúl González picked up the ball and looped in a perfect cross that found the bandaged head of Kyle Murphy to put 901 FC ahead in the 45+4'.
With a number of early second-half substitutions, Memphis 901 FC focused on defending the lead for much of the second half. Just before nine minutes of stoppage time were added to the match, Kyle Morton pulled off a remarkable save in the 89' as he palmed away a Tulsa shot headed towards goal. After nearly 11 minutes had run off the clock during stoppage time, the final whistle sounded, confirming Memphis 901 FC's unbeaten July.
With his sixth goal of the season, Kyle Murphy is now tied for 12th in the league and for third in Memphis history in goals scored in a season. Quietly having another efficient outing, midfielder Laurent Kissiedou led the team in total shots, shots on target, total passes, successful passes, touches and aerial duels won. Finally, Kyle Morton's two crucial saves moved the 'keeper into a tie with Sporting Director Tim Howard's 14 saves at fourth in club history.
"It's the first undefeated month since our first season and that's big," Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. "We got the result, but moving forward, we have to improve on a few things. With that being said, I'm thrilled for the supporters, thrilled for the community, and it's always good to get three points."
"Not just tonight, but every night, there's always room to improve and look at the positives and negatives," Mark Segbers said. "We worked hard, stayed together as a unit and made it hard for them [FC Tulsa] to score. At the end of the day, three points are three points and we're happy with that. On to the next."
Memphis 901 FC will return to the road to visit Sporting Kansas City II for the first time this season on Saturday, August 1. Saturday's match in Kansas City is set to kick off at 4 p.m. CT and can be seen on CW30 Memphis and ESPN+.
For the latest information on the team, visit www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 24, 2021
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- El Paso Locomotive Plays to Scoreless Draw with New Mexico United - El Paso Locomotive FC
- Memphis Secure First Unbeaten Month Since May 2019 - Memphis 901 FC
- RGV FC and Austin Draw at H-E-B Park - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- One Goal Lifts Memphis 901 FC over FC Tulsa - FC Tulsa
- Rowdies Snap Losing Streak with Commanding Win over Loudoun - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Greens Earn 5th Clean Sheet in 0-0 Draw with SKC - OKC Energy FC
- Sporting KC II Posts Second Straight Shutout Following 0-0 Draw at OKC Energy FC - Sporting Kansas City II
- Stoppage-Time Heroics from Jonny 'Hotlinks' Dean Seals 2-1 Win at Indy Eleven - Birmingham Legion FC
- Loudoun United FC Lose 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on the Road - Loudoun United FC
- Athletic Cool Red-Hot Miami with 2-0 Victory - Hartford Athletic
- San Diego Loyal Signs Midfielder Haji Abdikadir and Forward Chase Boone - San Diego Loyal
- New Mexico United Announces Expanded Partnership with Redw CPAs and Advisors - New Mexico United
- Hounds Introduce New Tailgate Zone Prior to Upcoming Home Games - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Roots Sign Joseph Restani from Project 51O to First Team - Oakland Roots
- Ngalina's Late Equalizer Earns 1-1 Draw for Switchbacks FC - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Late-Night LouCity Picks up a Point in Colorado Springs - Louisville City FC
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