Memphis 901 FC routed 4-1 by Orange County to start road stretch

Memphis did not start their three-game road trip on the right foot, losing 4-1 to Orange County.

The two squads were experiencing opposite runs of form. Memphis had a week off after the overwhelming 5-1 victory against Phoenix Rising. Orange County had not scored in five halves with seven players on the injury report.

Wrapping up their third game in eight days, Orange County were aggressive from kickoff. They kept the Memphis back line under pressure whether they had the ball or were out of possession.

The payoff came in the fifth minute as the pacey Bryce Jamison was able to chase down a ball behind the Memphis back line. Akeem Ward was unable to recover in time, the strike going under the diving Tyler Deric.

Jamison’s attacking presence did not stop there. He zipped past Lucas Turci, forcing the Brazilian to pull him from behind and concede a penalty. Ethan Zubac, the striker paired alongside, converted the penalty.

901 FC had their first shot in the 35th minute from Bruno Lapa which started a stretch of attacking opportunities. Just as Memphis started to climb back into the game, Orange County scored a third goal. Owen Lambe chested down the ball from outside the box and rocketed a strike past Deric.

Memphis controlled the ball for the majority of the second half and created chances — all lacking the finishing touch that has troubled Memphis at times this season.

Christian Sorto added a fourth goal to Orange County’s scoring column in the 79th minute while Dylan Borczak ruined the potential clean sheet with a goal before extra time.

Memphis falls to sixth place after the loss in a congested Western conference. Orange County is a place behind, tied with Las Vegas for the final two playoff spots.

Next Game

While the next two games are on the road, Memphis will not have to travel out West. Up first, 901 FC takes on Detroit City on Saturday, July 13 at 6:00pm.