Sports stats



USL Memphis 901 FC

Resounding Victory on the Road Positions Memphis for Success in Competitive Division

October 2, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Memphis 901 FC News Release


TULSA, Okla. - Memphis 901 FC (9-8-8, 35 points) secured a convincing 0-3 victory over divisional opponent FC Tulsa (12-11-3, 39 points) Saturday evening at ONEOK Field. In a robust team victory for a compelling Memphis side, a brace from Laurent Kissiedou and eight-save evening from Cody Cropper led the visitors to three points on the road.

The evening started in favor of FC Tulsa, however, as an errant tackle from Andre Reynolds in the box awarded FC Tulsa a penalty kick just 35 seconds into the match. Joaquín Rivas stepped up to the spot, but his shot bounced off the top of the crossbar, giving the Salvadoran the first penalty miss of his career. For the remaining 88 minutes of the match, Memphis would go on to dominate nearly every facet of the game.

Memphis began the scoring in the 18' as Alan Winn raced down the field and sent a cross toward Kyle Murphy in the box. Before the ball could reach Murphy, Tulsa's Bradley Bourgeois inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. From there, Laurent Kissiedou recorded his first professional brace in a span of just over 10 minutes. Kissiedou got his first of the night from long range as the Ivorian collected the ball in the middle of Tulsa territory to chip a curling shot just under the crossbar and above the reach of Tulsa's Wormell. Finally, in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, Kissiedou gathered a ball from Alan Winn at the top of the box and sent it under the outstretched glove of Austin Wormell to further extend Memphis' lead before the break.

The defense proved to be impenetrable for the duration of the match, and Cody Cropper accumulated a season-high eight saves which earned him Buff City Soap Man of the Match honors. Earning a 0-3 victory at full time, Cody Cropper's sturdy showing in goal saw him tie for the second most saves in a single match in club history and tie for the third most saves in a career with 901 FC. Additionally, Cropper's defensive unit, anchored by Skylar Thomas and Niall Logue, have allowed just one goal over their last four matches-the fewest allowed by any USL Championship team in that span at the conclusion of the match.

Kissiedou's brace bumps his total goals scored to four-the second most this season behind Kyle Murphy's 15. Additionally, Kissiedou's three shots-which all landed on target-move the midfielder into fifth place in a single season in club history with 33 on the year. Overall, Memphis 901 FC is hitting its stride at just the right time. At the time its match in Tulsa ended, Memphis had secured the second best goal differential over its past four matches in the league at plus-seven. Lastly, the three points earned Saturday evening give Memphis 35 on the season-the most in a single season in club history.

"We didn't start the game very well, but it felt good to walk out with three points," Head Coach Ben Pirmann said. "I thought we played excellent in the second half. We dominated in a lot of ways; shut things down, kept possession and created a lot of chances as well. To get three points on the road in a three-goal shutout was excellent from start to finish."

"It's a great team result. We rode our luck in the first few minutes with the penalty, but we took advantage of the momentum shift as a team," goalkeeper Cody Cropper mentioned. "Following the penalty miss, we put a winning performance together. Without that momentum shift, it may have been a little tougher. Ultimately, we made our own luck and took advantage of the opportunity tonight."

"Scoring the first goal gave us confidence as a team," Laurent Kissiedou said following his brace. "We came here for three points as a team, and we worked hard and earned it. It felt good to help my team earn those three points. At the end of the day, we all work our tails off, and I just want to thank my teammates, coaching staff and everyone."

The push for the playoffs continues as Memphis 901 FC welcome Sporting Kansas City II to AutoZone Park on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. CT and can be viewed on ESPN+.

Check out the Memphis 901 FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 2, 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