Memphis 901 FC pick up a point in goalless draw against Loudoun United

Camp day for Loudoun United brought an unusual morning kickoff time for Memphis 901 FC with neither team able to find the back of the net – giving Loudoun their first clean sheet in the USL Championship since April 23. 

The dormant attack from both sides left the two goalkeepers with little to do. Memphis was unable to get Rodrigo da Costa involved up top as he had the fewest touches of any starter before being subbed off. 

Out of the 20 total shots, only one found the target – a softly hit header from Carson Vom Steeg that was easily handled in the 57th minute. After a lengthy absence due to an injury, this midweek match against his former club marked a return to the starting lineup for the defender. He appeared as a substitute on Saturday against Pittsburgh and will be a helpful addition to closeout the season.

Leston Paul also made his first start of the year after several appearances off the bench. He sported the captain band and played the full 90 minutes – a welcome sight from the longest tenured player in club history.

With the calendar flipped to August, Memphis stays in fifth place with the result while Loudoun, who have played the most games in the Championship at 24, sit just one below the bottom 

The 11 a.m. local start time surely played a factor in the match, with routines being heavily altered. Untidiness defined the start with neither team able to find any control in the midfield. Possession favored Loudoun, but most of their time on the ball was spent in their own half. A golden opportunity appeared towards the end of the first half for United with a free kick just outside of the box. The Memphis wall stayed strong, however, deflecting the ball twice to thwart any danger.

There was more positive play in the second half but neither team was clinical in front of goal. Headers went wide, transition play was interrupted by an errant pass or timely interception and a draw seemed inevitable.

(Photo credit: D’Angelo Connell Photography)