Memphis 901 FC share a point with Detroit City FC in goalless stalemate

Two streaks continue with the result: unbeaten in ten games in league play and the fact that Detroit City has never beaten 901 FC.

The physical, hard to break down defense of Detroit clashed with a fearsome Memphis attack, with neither willing to budge an inch. There were chances from both sides that called for fantastic goalkeeping or a bit more quality from the attacker. Nighte Pickering and Rodrigo da Costa had the best looks for Memphis, along with a potential penalty not called against Detroit. With the goalless draw, Memphis became the last team to not score in a match this season.

“We’re disappointed in our performance level tonight, but when good teams don’t perform at the top level they don’t get beat,” Coach Stephen Glass said. “I think that was important tonight for us to come out of there with a point.”

The first half favored Detroit, but Memphis bounced back in the second with a more connected midfield and a focused attack, but the breakthrough goal just never arrived.

All three points were lost through this inability to capitalize on these opportunities, which are especially important when facing a stout backline like Detroit. However, the draw was hard-earned with Coach Glass crediting the resiliency of the back line.

Recap:

Rodrigo da Costa did what he does best to start the game, and that’s create chances. Detroit gave away the ball in the middle of the pitch, and the always aggressive Memphis attack took advantage. Da Costa passed off to Lucas Turci before receiving the ball right back for a shot on goal. Although forcing a save, the goalkeeper didn’t have too much trouble — the shot not connecting as well as da Costa would have liked.

The game calmed down afterwards with both teams feeling each other out, looking for an advantage to get behind the backline. Memphis held the slight advantage through the possession game, but neither side was able to breakthrough. An opportunity for Detroit came during this spell of play — a dangerous cross from the foot of Ben Morris linked with Skage Simonsen for a close-rage shot. Drew Romig was up to the challenge, getting a hand on the attempt and continuing his excellent play since being reinserted into the starting lineup. There were questions of offside from the Memphis players and coaching staff towards the linesmen.

Detroit’s solid run of form started to show as the first half continued by controlling the pace and rushing Memphis when out of possession. Their style of play, physicality and defensive mindset kept Memphis’ potent offense from getting a foothold on the game. 901 FC had trouble stringing passes together in the midfield which hasn’t occurred at length since the unbeaten streak started, especially inside AutoZone Park. The absence of Aaron Molloy certainly contributed to the lack of command. Long balls were ill-timed or forced and passes weren’t as crisp without Molloy anchoring the middle of play.

At halftime, many of the match stats (expected goals, shots, duels won) favored Detroit highlighting just how strong their showing was. Still, the best chance might have came from 901’s attack in transition. Nighte Pickering, who has contributed to four goals in the last three matches, darted down the right wing and found only the goalkeeper and a lone Detroit defender in front of goal. Laurent Kissiedou was running opposite to Pickering, but the 18-year-old decided to take the shot — the ball soaring above the crossbar. A bit ambitious, but you can’t fault the kid considering his recent performances.

The physicality persisted to begin the second half as a third Detroit player was shown a yellow card due to a dangerous high kick. Seconds later, Memphis earned its first corner kick of the match — 50 minutes in — from a Kissiedou shot that greatly challenged the goalkeeper. 901 FC started to gain confidence and apply pressure on the Detroit defense, playing much better in the final third.

Conditioning was an interesting factor that began to appear as the minutes ticked on. Both teams would already tire easily in the June humidity Memphis has to offer, but Detroit had also played four days prior and Memphis has two more matches this week to account for. This, along with the yellow cards collected, added an extra strategy that both managers had to deal with regarding substitutions and style of play.

Coach Stephen Glass went to Emerson Hyndman and Rashawn Dally shortly after Detroit’s three-man subsition, replacing Pickering and Bruno Lapa. Hyndman, who had a brief showing on the road in Louisville, made his first appearance in front of the home crowd (3,964 announced attendance).

Memphis was on the wrong side of a huge call in the later stages with Kissiedou going down in the box desperate for a penalty to be called. The referee, however, saw no harm in the defender knocking him down. A similar instance occurred in the first half with another defender running into Pickering just outside of the box. This led to a very frustrated Memphis’ side, added on by the calls going in Detroit’s favor in the middle of the park.

A bit of road-team time wasting and a few lofty chances occurred in extra time, but neither team found an opening before the final whistle blew.

Memphis won’t have to wait long to bounce back as there are two more games this week inside AutoZone Park.

(Photo: D’Angelo Connell Photography)