Memphis 901 FC dominate reigning champions

Last July, Phoenix Rising ended Memphis’ 12 game unbeaten streak with a 6-0 route. The loss derailed 901 FC for a while and was a memorable blip on an otherwise stellar season.

Seven players who logged minutes in that match remained in Memphis. Nearly a year later, they got their payback with their own lopsided victory.

“We felt it there last year and they felt it here this year,” head coach Stephen Glass said after the 5-1 win.

Memphis have continued their trend of first half scoring, doing so five times in their past five games. They built a two-goal lead inside thirty minutes Friday night in front of an announced attendance of 2,775.

Akeem Ward delivered a pinpoint cross into the path of Zach Duncan for the opener. After scoring his first goal of the season, Duncan was involved in the second as well. He put a dangerous ball into the box allowing Carson Vom Steeg to fly in with a sliding tackle. The ball rebounded right to the goalscoring Marlon Santos.

“We were aggressive at the start,” Glass said. “The quality on the ball was some of the best that has been this season.”

Memphis did not let up in the second half leading to more first-time scorers this season. Carson Vom Steeg scored a header with a back post run in the 55th minute. Three minutes later, Emerson Hyndman entered the scoring column off a transition play.

The midfield duo have been key to Memphis’ success in attack despite the payoff taking longer than expected.

“We’ve been talking about it all year,” Hyndman said. “We’ve had chances and they seem to just kind of go by but thankfully we can both get one tonight.”

Nighte Pickering finished the match on a positive note with a goal of his own after Phoenix got one back.

Next Game

Memphis will spend most of July on the road, not returning to AutoZone Park until July 27. Their next match is against Orange County SC Saturday, July 6 at 9pm.