Memphis 901 FC shutout win over FC Tulsa increases home unbeaten streak

The third game this week for Memphis 901 FC brought them back home next to the Mississippi River where they have found comfort and consistency.

With an attendance of 2,868 inside AutoZone Park, Memphis handled the stingy Tulsa defense with a 2-0 win. Bruno Lapa scored the opener from the penalty spot while Samuel Careaga put the game away in the second half.

The three points kept Memphis high in the Western conference standings and extended the home unbeaten streak to nine games.

“We’re proud of the amount of time we are unbeaten here,” head coach Stephen Glass said.

The last defeat came against Monterey Bay back in April when 901 FC struggled out of the gates — losing four of their first five.

“It’s something that we need to make sure to keep as long as we can,” Glass said. “When you’ve got it in your hands, you don’t want to give it away.”

The visitors, understanding 901’s success, charged ahead at kickoff, launching an ambitious shot from outside the box before a minute passed. Triston Henry was there for the stop leaping to his left. He didn’t have to do much else for the rest of the half.

Most of Tulsa’s possession was spent in their own half as they struggled to break down the Memphis pressure. Stefan Stojanovic did hit the back of the net in the 14th minute from a ball over the top but was called for offsides.

The success for Tulsa, however, has not come from an abundance of goals. Their defensive fortitude has shined in the summer, vindicated by their goalkeeper, Johan Peñaranda, winning the USL Championship’s Player of the Month for July.

Their strength in defense was evident in the first half. Memphis were racking up the shot total but struggling for the quality needed. Akeem Ward cut inside the box in the seventh minute and attempted a shot towards the back post. Peñaranda was able to parry it wide. Luiz Fernando had an open goal to aim for in the 14th minute but his effort was thwarted by a defender.

Lapa secured the opening goal with timing and a bit of luck. His strike towards the center of goal wasn’t enough to get past the keeper but the ball rebounded right back to him. Bradley Bourgeois attempted to recover but fouled the Brazilian in the penalty area. Lapa converted the penalty himself, the goalkeeper diving to his right while the ball soared left. A timely golf celebration followed with the PGA Tour in town.

The offside flag went up once again to begin the second half. Lucas Turci the culprit after an excellent strike with nearby defenders lobbying for a call. Memphis compiled more shots before a few lulls in the attack occurred.

Memphis found a rhythm once again after a few injury stoppages slowed the game down. Fernandez put a shot on target in the 68th minute and Memphis got another deflection to go their way. Careaga was the benefactor, smashing the ball first-time into the bottom right corner.

The possession continued to favor Memphis despite the two-goal lead. Tulsa was unable to muster a shot on target for the match and were outshot 21 to five. Triston Henry has collected three clean sheets in five games since making the move to Memphis.

Next Game

Memphis will not have a mid-week match but do hit the road once again. They will play Oakland Roots August 24th, at 9pm.