The possibility of upsetting an MLS side on the road was there. Memphis had held up defensively against FC Dallas with timely tackles and key saves from Tyler Deric. But in games with little room for error, one moment can sway the outcome.
A Dallas free kick in the 73rd minute would do just that. Jesus Ferreira caught the Memphis back line off guard by quickly sending a ball into the box. Logan Farrington slipped past the flat-footed defenders, settled the ball with his chest and scored.
The goal was enough to send Memphis out of the U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 32, losing 1-0.
Outside of the costly mistake, Memphis had defended well in open play whether they were absorbing pressure or stopping a counter attack. It was the set pieces that were problematic as Memphis avoided a few scares from corner kicks before conceding.
901 FC were pinned in their own half throughout with the home side dominating possession. There was a brief spell of play where two Dallas midfielders received yellow cards and Memphis started to gain confidence on the ball. The halftime whistle, however, halted all momentum.
Memphis ended the match with seven shots, none on target. Three came from Marlon Santos who earned the player of the week award in the USL Championship.
Next Game:
Memphis has a two game West Coast trip as they return to league play. Monterrey Bay is up first, the game on Saturday, May 11 at 9pm.