Bruno Lapa’s blistering start was not enough for a result away at Louisville City. The home side, at the top of the Eastern conference table, rallied to a 4-2 victory.
The high-scoring contest was not unexpected as both Memphis and Louisville sit in the top four in goals and shots taken.
Memphis’ starting lineup was unchanged from their dominant win two weeks ago against North Carolina. They continued that good form early Saturday night. Samuel Careaga and Lapa were key in the final third, connecting twice inside 20 minutes for a two-goal lead.
Louisville was caught out in transition on the first goal, courtesy of a lovely pass from Dylan Borczak that split through the midfield. Careaga drew in a defender after a few dribbles towards the box before laying it off to Lapa. The Brazilian was clinical with his right-foot after taking a touch, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Damian Las barreling out towards him.
The second goal came from a corner kick. Lapa snuck in behind the Louisville defense at the back post and headed the ball into the back corner. The ball floated in from Careaga was perfectly placed.
The rest of the celebrations belonged to Louisville as they scored four unanswered.
Three of Louisville’s goals were in the first half, adding to the high-tempo chaos. Wilson Harris made a run past the Memphis back line in the 25th minute. He maneuvered around Tyler Deric and scored off a Lucas Turci deflection, the cornerback sliding in for a last-ditch defending effort.
The equalizer came from a Memphis turnover trying to push wide on the counter. Midfielder Taylor Davila struck the ball from outside the box. Deric was flat-footed as the ball pinged off the right crossbar and into the back of the net.
Elijah Wynder joined the goalscoring party with another well-taken strike. Turci intercepted the initial pass into the box but the ball rolled into the pathway of Wynder who rocketed it past Deric.
In the second half, Memphis had more possession than the home side but had only one shot on target. One of their best chances came immediately after the break with Marlon Santos having nothing but green grass in front of him. He laid it off to Luiz Fernando but Las was first to the ball with a diving save.
Louisville City extended their lead ten minutes later with Davila netting a brace. Surrounded by three defenders, he was still able to generate a high-velocity attempt to zip past Akeem Ward and Deric.
Next Game
Memphis 901 FC return to AutoZone Park with a matchup against Oakland Roots SC Saturday, October 5 at 7pm. Four games remain in the regular season with all to play for regarding playoff positioning.