A week after their unbeaten streak came to an end, Memphis was able to respond with a draw to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Memphis had 28 total shots but were unable to break the deadlock in front of an announced attendance of 3,090.
Colorado had won five straight entering the match themselves and their confidence to start was evident. Their mix of coordinated defense and bothersome high press was awarded with an early goal. Wahab Ackwei scored with a header into the bottom left corner from a free kick.
Despite falling behind in the fifth minute, Memphis retaliated with possession in the attacking third. They matched, and eventually overwhelmed the Switchbacks with their intensity.
“The response from the team was first class,” head coach Stephen Glass said. “Anytime you’ve got a team that responds like that to adversity, you are in a good position.”
Carson Vom Steeg, usually a center back, shifted into the right back role and applied pressure down the wing. Marlon Santos, Dylan Borczak and the rest of the 901 FC attack started to get involved. The shot total started to climb but none were finding the target.
In the 36th minute, that quickly changed with a flurry of shots testing goalkeeper Christian Herrera. A long-ranged effort from Bruno Lapa resulted in a corner kick. Borczak nearly capitalized from the set piece, his header parried away. The third time proved to be the charm with the help of a deflection.
The goal was Luiz Fernando’s second of the season after a nice two-man game with Vom Steeg to get inside the box.
Colorado did not have another shot attempt in the half after their opening goal, Memphis dominant in possession (63%) and total shots (14).
The halftime break allowed Colorado to reset but Memphis retained control of the ball. Instead of sitting back completely and inviting pressure, the Switchbacks were a bit more lively on the counterattack.
Although the half started with back-and-forth action, fouls and physical play started to slow things down. Colorado remained on the back foot but the story mirrored the first 45 minutes. The attacks were there for Memphis (including two attempted bicycle kicks!) but few had the necessary quality to challenge the goalkeeper. Colorado were up to the task defensively, clearing the waves of pressure without faltering.
Memphis avoided a late scare in the third minute of extra time. A strike from Quenzi Huerman rolled past Tyler Deric but clanked off the right crossbar.
Next Game:
Memphis has two more home matches this week. The first is Wednesday, June 12 at 7pm against Rhode Island.