Memphis 901 FC secure point against Oakland in road test

Two points separated Memphis 901 FC (3rd) and the Oakland Roots (4th) in the Western conference standings before their match Saturday night. Nothing changed after the 90 minutes were up, the Beale Street Boys earning a 1-1 draw on the road.

The cramped nature of the playoff picture was reflected in the action on the pitch. The game was intense from kickoff with physicality, constant chattering from both sidelines and plenty of yellow cards in an attempt to keep order. Ten cards were given in total, including the head coaches, but both teams were able to avoid having a player sent off.

Oakland were the better of the two teams in the first fifteen minutes and it started with striker Miche-Naider Chéry. He was effective in the attack, drawing fouls in dangerous areas.

Memphis struggled maintaining possession outside of a few touches from the back line, leaving the attack isolated. 901 FC became more positive once they began to improve in the midfield battle, Samuel Careaga and Zach Duncan growing into the game.

Duncan’s cross after a run down the right wing led to the opening goal in the 32nd minute. Panos Armenakas had plenty of space outside the box after the initial ball was cleared. He glanced toward goal and bent his effort around the goalkeeper into the back left corner — his third goal of the season and first for Memphis.

It was Oakland who were now having trouble keeping the ball. Memphis forced turnovers and mistakes with their pressure, nearly adding another goal in the 39th minute. Marlon Santos had a clear run behind the Roots defense in a three on one opportunity but his strike was saved.

The chances continued in the second half for Memphis. They continued to succeed in the midfield by winning 50-50 balls and direct attacks. Oakland looked uncomfortable out of possession and weren’t generating much themselves.

Without the success in open play, the Roots found their equalizer in the 61st minute from a set piece. Baboucarr Nije was unmarked inside the box and headed the ball into the back of the net from a corner.

Memphis regained momentum after conceding and almost walked away with all three points. A secondary effort from Duncan came close in the 78th but the Australian was unable to repeat Armenakas’ goal. Substitute Nighte Pickering had a chance in the final minute of extra time but was unable to keep his volley down.

Next Game

The schedule is dwindling down with only eight games remaining. Memphis has a midweek road test this week, up against the Colorado Switchbacks. The match will be August 28 at 8pm.