Memphis 901 FC split points with Las Vegas

Memphis 901 FC faced the desert heat and collected a 1-1 draw against the Las Vegas Lights.

The temperature was in the triple digits at kickoff and was potentially a factor in the uneventful start. Plenty of credit also deserved to go towards the defense from Memphis. 

Lucas Turci settled back into his center back role after showcasing his attacking talents a week prior. AB Cissoko joined the back line of Carson Vom Steeg and Akeem Ward.

The group absorbed the Las Vegas pressure throughout the game as Memphis conceded possession. The Lights had one shot in the first half despite spending quite a bit of time in the final third. The danger was often dealt with before goalkeeper Tyler Deric had to get involved.

Memphis often moved the ball down the flanks instead of slicing through a crowded midfield. More opportunities came with counter-attacks from Vegas turnovers.

Bruno Lapa secured the ball from one of these turnovers in the midfield, putting his awareness on full display. He looked up, noticed the goalkeeper off his line and lobbed the ball from Memphis’ own half into the back of the net.

The goal came after two chances from Memphis — Emerson Hyndman forced a kick save and Lapa missed his chance for a brace with a toe poke straying wide.

Memphis continued their game plan in the second half but were unable to build on their lead.

Without the insurance goal, Memphis were a bit tighter on defense resulting in three yellow cards. Las Vegas started to gain confidence and push further downfield with regularity.

They broke through in the 80th minute, Khori Bennett drawing a penalty from Akeem Ward. Tyler Deric guessed correctly diving right but Bennett’s strike was just out of reach.

Las Vegas had a chance to steal all three points in the final minute of extra time with a free kick from just outside the box. Memphis breathed a sigh of relief as the ball clanged off the crossbar. 

Four points separate the second seed from eighth place in the Western conference standings. The draw puts Memphis in fifth place with 22 points.

Next Game

Memphis return home with a Friday night match against Phoenix Rising at 7:30pm.