Memphis 901 FC at Oakland Roots SC Game Preview

An early season trip to the west coast awaits 901 FC, with former USMNT goalkeeper Bill Hamid available for selection.

WHO: Memphis 901 FC (0-2-0) at Oakland Roots SC (0-1-1)

WHEN: 9:00 pm CST

WHERE: Laney College Football Stadium – Oakland, California

HOW TO WATCH: ESPN+, WMC 5.2

The first road challenge of the season for Memphis 901 FC brings the club out west to face off against Oakland Roots SC in their home opener. Oakland acquired their first point of the young season last time out against Rio Grande Valley FC, drawing 1-1. 901 FC looks to avoid three straight losses which hasn’t occurred since their inaugural season in 2019 – it happened three separate times that year, reaching four straight defeats twice.

Memphis excelled in interconference play last season with a record of 6-0-2, tallying 19 out of the 21 points available. Oakland also fared well against the opposing conference, dropping points only once (record: 5-1-2).

The defense from 901 will have to keep an eye on Guillermo Diaz and Johnny Rodriguez, the two goal scorers for the Roots this season. Edgardo Rito leads to the team in chances created with eight in his two appearances. Rito earned First Team All USL honors at right back last season but has been listed as a right midfielder in the 2023 campaign.

All Eyes on Hamid

Just five days after the historic signing of Bill Hamid was announced, there is a possibility that the former USMNT and MLS goalkeeper will be between the sticks for tonight’s matchup. Conceding six goals in two games, the defense of 901 FC desperately needed a boost and the club hopes that Hamid can be just that and more. Hamid’s treasure trove of experience paired with his prime goalkeeping age of 32-years-old could be the perfect balance 901 FC needs.

Whether Hamid or Drew Romig gets the start, both will need a more connected back line to support their efforts.

Win the First 15

The opening quarter of an hour has been a struggle for 901 FC so far, but perhaps the squad will respond better to a hostile road crowd. Three goals have been allowed during this time period for Memphis, which has put them on the back foot early.

Oakland has also encountered trouble shortly after the opening kickoff, allowing a goal inside the first 15 minutes in both of their first two games.

Final Thoughts

Memphis 901 FC is tied for most goals conceded in the USL Championship at 6 but Oakland has not fared much better, conceding 4. Whether 901 FC can turn their fortunes around depends quite a bit on the availability of Bill Hamid, but I still think the back line has a better showing than the two at AutoZone Park.

Neither team has scored multiple goals in a game up to this point so it will be intriguing to see if either team’s attacking force can breakthrough. Laurent Kissiedou being available after his one-game red card suspension might prove to be crucial, as he is responsible for one of the club’s two goals this season.