All good things must come to an end – as was the case for Memphis 901 FC in their first trip to Phoenix which ended their 12 game unbeaten streak. The 6-0 loss gave Memphis an unfamiliar taste of defeat. They had not lost in league play in 91 days, exactly three months ago when flowers were blooming and the heat was much, much cooler.
The 901 defense that has had great success on the road (allowing just three goals in five matches beforehand) did not show up. Two of the goals for Phoenix Rising came inside the first half hour of play, leaving Memphis with a mountain to climb in the scorching desert.
Eddie Munjoma was the first goalscorer with a moment of brilliance in open play. The right back joined the offensive attack, finding ample space in front of him with the ball at his feet. He took three dribbles toward goal before unleashing a pure strike to the top right corner. Nothing Drew Romig could do about it. A set piece created from Manuel Arteaga gave Phoenix their second goal. The low driven shot split the wall of Memphis defenders and deflected off Romig. No defender was nearby to clear the ball away and Carlos Harvey took advantage.
Memphis responded to the two goals well, playing higher up the pitch with more aggression and turning possession into chances. The ball was still drifting wide with the team unable to find Rodrigo da Costa and Emerson Hyndman in central areas, but the offense was starting to threaten. An opportunity came from a Rashawn Dally pass into the box, another when a ball fluttered in front of goal to no avail and another when da Costa’s goal was called back due to offside.
Instead of the positive momentum starting a miraculous comeback, Phoenix perfected their first first half performance with an Arteaga goal. The striker now has seven goals to his name in the past nine matches and is tied in the golden boot race with 10 in the season.
Phoenix has been dominant when leading at halftime for half a decade – an unbeaten streak of 56 games – and that did not change on this July night. Their offense had too much momentum and confidence, looking like the teams of years past who would routinely blitz teams with sheer firepower. They added two more in the blink of an eye with Erickson Gallardo and Daniel Trejo adding to the onslaught. It was evident that everything would go the home side’s way, leaving nothing but a demoralizing loss for the visitors.
The play was uncharacteristic in all areas but it was bound to happen at some point. The game could suffice as a reality check – that anybody can beat anybody on any given night in the Championship. Unfortunately, it occurred in the second nationally televised game of the club’s history.
Memphis has a chance to right their wrongs on Friday as they host San Antonio FC, another quality Western conference squad with a potent offense.
(Photo: D’Angelo Connell Photography)