For Memphis 901 FC the scenario is quite simple: win and you get a home playoff game, do anything but win and you don’t get a home playoff game. The Beale Street Boys currently sit 5th in the Western Conference and the top four teams get a home playoff game. There’s no chance of catching New Mexico in first place, but if they were able to get all three points in Albuquerque they could finish as high as second. And because 3rd place Sacramento plays against 4th place Colorado Springs, each on 49 points, a win for Memphis would guarantee that 901 FC passes one of them. However, since each of those two teams has the tiebreaker against Memphis, the Beale Street Boys must win against New Mexico if they want to be back at AutoZone Park next weekend.
It’s also worth noting that going into this game, Memphis can finish no worst than 5th and New Mexico can finish no worse than first, a fact that hasn’t escaped Coach Stephen Glass’ notice.
“We’re now guaranteed No. 5 at least, so there’s a possibility that if we do well, we’ll end up going (to New Mexico) in week two of the postseason if everyone is still in,” Glass said. “We want to make sure that we set the tone and show that we can go into a hostile environment again.”
But despite New Mexico having the top spot locked up, Coach Glass isn’t expecting them to take their foot off the gas with the postseason so close.
“New Mexico is a top team and they’ve won the division for a reason,” said Glass. “I’m sure they’ll want a bit of revenge for the fact that we won at home. It’s a tough game coming up.”
When, Where
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Venue: Isotopes Park
City: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Time: 8pm CT
TV: WMC 5.3, ESPN+
All-Time Series
Memphis 901 FC leads 2-1-0
Last Meeting
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Venue: AutoZone Park
City: Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 3,196
Result: Memphis 901 FC 2-1 New Mexico United
Conference Standing
Memphis 901 FC: 5th in West (48pts)
New Mexico United: 1st in West (59pts)
Next Game
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 – Sunday, November 3, 2024
Competition: USL Playoffs
Match-Up: TBD
Venue: TBD
City: TBD
Time: TBD
TV: TBD