Memphis 901 FC falls 1-0 at FC Tulsa

Memphis 901 FC ended their three-game road stint with a 1-0 loss to FC Tulsa. Phillip Goodrum, the former Memphis 901 FC striker traded to Tulsa last season, scored the deciding goal with a clever backheel in the first half.

Tulsa had not scored in three consecutive matches but were on the front foot in the opening stages. They had several chances during moments of fast-flowing play. As is often the case during a scoring slump, the finishing touch was lacking.

All was corrected in the 42nd minute with Diogo Pacheco starting a charge down the left side. The Portuguese winger had ample space to run into after beating Carson Vom Steeg with a skill move. His cross towards goal ended in the opposite corner, tracked down by Boubacar Diallo. Diallo sent the ball back into the box, finding Goodrum who sent it past Tyler Deric with his back to the goal.

Memphis had a slight edge in possession and three corners in the first 45 minutes but were unable to put a shot past the back line. Marlon Santos was a bright spot in the attacking third with his speed against the Tulsa back line. Marlon began his USL career with Tulsa in 2019, appearing in 54 games across three years.

The opportunities started to rack up after the break with 901 FC chasing an equalizer. They tallied eight shots in the second half but only one landed on target. Emerson Hyndman’s long range effort was the best of the bunch, the right-footed effort curling just wide in the 65th minute. Tulsa remained stout in their defense during periods of momentum for Memphis.

Play started to unravel for Memphis after Marlon was sent off in the 87th minute — sliding into the Tulsa goalkeeper, Johan Penaranda, chasing after a ball at full-speed. Five minutes later, Abdoulaye Cissoko received a red card of his own with a foul one-on-one against Goodrum. Memphis is now tied for first place in the USL Championship for yellow cards (65) and red cards (5).

Down to nine players, Memphis spent the remaining ten minutes of extra time defending. Tyler Deric stood tall and made a terrific save in the 100th minute to prevent the scoreline from worsening.

Memphis currently sit in fourth place of the Western conference standings with a record of 8-8-4. Also making the move West this season, FC Tulsa have climbed into tenth place, six points away from a playoff spot.