Memphis 901 FC have continued to be an impenetrable force at home. The unbeaten streak sits at a dozen after the 1-1 draw to the Oakland Roots Saturday night.
Bruno Lapa has been pivotal to the success and delivered scorching starts the past two games.
The Brazilian scored twice inside twenty minutes last week before the avalanche of the Louisville attack ensued. Against the Roots, Lapa hit the back of the net in the fourth minute. Alvaro Quezada made an overlapping run down the right before cutting it back to Lapa inside the box. The ball slotted into the bottom right corner with the goalkeeper unable to react.
The momentum stayed with Memphis as they had key opportunities to double their lead in the first half. A pair of goals were whistled for offside, Luiz Fernando being the culprit both times. The second instance fooled the celebratory firework operators and drew lengthy arguments from the 901 sideline.
Oakland responded with an equalizer minutes later. The visitors attacked best through set pieces and they found a breakthrough with their fourth corner kick. Camden Riley’s header ended the four-game goalless streak for the Roots.
Oakland dug in defensively in the second half. They kept Memphis from getting a shot on target while compiling attacks of their own. 901 FC survived narrow miss after narrow miss — from a shot clanking off a crossbar to more dangerous corners.
The Roots were also on the favorable side of a controversial call once again. AB Cissoko was taken down inside the box with no penalty given regardless of the fiery protests from the surrounding Beale Street Boys.
Memphis did surge in the final ten minutes but each shot, often from long distance, strayed wide of the goal.
A glance at the standings
Three teams have clinched a playoff spot in the Western conference: New Mexico United, Las Vegas Lights and the Sacramento Republic.
Intense clashes remain elsewhere. Five teams, including Memphis, are battling for a top-four finish to host a playoff game. Six more are in the fight for the final two spots with eight points separating seventh and last place in the Western conference.
All three of Memphis’ final opponents are currently in the playoffs.
Next Game
Memphis will host Sacramento Republic FC in their final home game of the regular season Saturday, October 12 at 7pm.