Memphis 901 FC is going to the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Last Saturday, the secured their spot in the playoffs with a 0-0 draw against Sacramento Republic, extending their home unbeaten streak to 13 games. Now, with two regular season games remaining, the push is to host a home playoff game for the third straight season. There are a number of scenarios which could see that happen but the simplest way for the Beale Street Boys to lock up a home playoff game is this: win the next two games and get the maximum six points.
Of course, that is easier said than done. Each of these final two regular season games is on the road and they are both against quality teams. Phoenix Rising is the reigning USL Champions and is currently above the playoff line in 7th place, though they have not officially clinched a berth in this year’s postseason. That means 901 FC can expect the Rising’s best shot on Saturday night. After the game in Phoenix, 901 FC concludes the regular season against New Mexico United who are the top team in the Western Conference.
But the possibility of a third straight year with a home playoff game is tantalizingly close. The top four teams in each conference earn a home game and 901 FC currently sits in 5th, just one single point behind the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and only four points behind the Sacramento Republic in 3rd.
For this game against Phoenix there is no shortage of storylines. Last year, the Rising embarrassed 901 FC by beating them 6-0 out in the desert. Memphis 901 FC returned the favor this season, demolishing the reigning champions 5-1 at AutoZone Park. Not long after that, 901 FC snagged Panos Armenakas, who joked that being on the losing end of a 5-1 beatdown was part of the reason he left Phoenix for Memphis.
When, Where
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Venue: Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium
City: Phoenix, Arizona
Time: 9:30pm CT
TV: WMC 5.3, ESPN+
All-Time Series
Memphis 901 FC leads 2-1-0
Last Meeting
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Venue: AutoZone Park
City: Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance: 2,775
Result: Memphis 901 FC 5-1 Phoenix Rising
Conference Standing
Memphis 901 FC: 5th in West (45pts)
Phoenix Rising: 7th in West (42pts)
Next Game
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Competition: USL Regular Season
Match-Up: Memphis 901 FC @ New Mexico United
Venue: Isotopes Park
City: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Time: 9pm CT
TV: WMC 5.3, ESPN+