Late drama starts Memphis 901 FC comeback in draw to Rhode Island

Rhode Island have relied on two goalkeepers this season and needed both to squeak out a draw against Memphis 901 FC.

The visitors were in control for the majority of the match, relying on their midfield control and constant effort. They kept Memphis from building through the back with their high press. Their aggression provided the opportunity for their opening goal — Conor McGlynn scoring with a half-volley.

901 FC have conceded first in three straight matches, all coming before half-time. 

Rhode Island doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Joseph Brito was the first to a 50-50 ball at the goal line after goalkeeper Tyler Deric made a costly error on the initial shot.

“We were poor tonight, there’s no two ways about it,” head coach Stephen Glass said.

There were moments from Memphis throughout the game with promising attacks but the final product was often missing. The offense started to dwindle as the game went on and the physicality increased. A red card in the 87th minute turned the tide. As Glass put it, “we saved the good stuff for the end.”

The Rhode Island goalkeeper, Koke Vegas, was sent off after clattering into Nighte Pickering with a challenge outside the box.

Jackson Lee checked in but was not able to stop the Sameul Careaga free kick from reaching the back of the net.

Memphis started to launch balls forward with all the momentum but were without Pickering who was subbed out due an injury from the collision. This put Lucas Turci, who plays center back week-to-week for Memphis, up front for the remainder of the match.

In the tenth minute of extra time, Turci forced yet another mistake from Rhode Island. He got tangled with Karifa Yao and drew a penalty to give Memphis a chance to equalize. Marlon Santos stepped up and delivered, sending Lee the wrong way.

“[The squad] is never down and out, they’ve got a spirit that’s unbelievable,” Glass said. “They don’t know when they’re beaten and I think that’s a huge, huge positive.”

Next Game:

The midweek draw broke the tiebreaker for seventh place with the Colorado Springs Switchback and puts Memphis eight points behind first place.

The team at the top of the Western conference table is Memphis’ next opponent: New Mexico United. They have two games in hand of Memphis and have won four of their last five. The game is Saturday, June 15 at 7:30pm and will finish the three-game home stand at AutoZone Park.