901 FC are looking to grab their first points of the season in another early afternoon kickoff.
WHO: Pittsburgh Riverhounds (0-0-1) at Memphis 901 FC (0-1-0)
WHEN: 4:00 CT
WHERE: AutoZone Park – Memphis, TN
HOW TO WATCH: ESPN+, WMC 5.2
An uphill battle defined Stephen Glass’ first game as head coach of Memphis 901 FC with Loudoun United scoring two goals in the first 15 minutes of play, resulting in a 3-1 defeat.
Memphis will need to correct their opening minute woes against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who started their 2023 season with a 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion on the road. Midfielder Robbie Mertz was the goal scorer for Pittsburgh, as he continued his excellent run of play from the end of last season.
Top striker Phillip Goodrum did not get into the scoring column last Saturday, although he found a few favorable positions and created opportunities. Now, the task will be to translate these chances into goals. One of Memphis’ top returnees in Aaron Molloy will need to be a connecting piece between the back four and the scoring threats up front. Something that will be interesting to monitor is the positioning of Rashawn Dally, who started as a right back in the opener despite being signed in 2023 as a forward. Dally was also a member of 901 FC in 2021.
In the 2022 season, Memphis and Pittsburgh split the two games played – the Hounds winning 3-0 early in the season at AutoZone Park while Memphis responded with a 2-0 road victory.
Prediction: An early season match up between two playoff teams from the previous year always sparks intrigue and this matchup should be no different. The key for 901 FC will be the ability to find their footing and settle in early on. The two teams have a core of returning players and plenty of potential to play quality soccer. I think Goodrum scores his first goal of the season in a tightly contested 2-2 draw.
After Saturday’s contest, Memphis will be heading on a four-game road trip, including a U.S. Open Cup match against One Knoxville SC. 901 FC will not return to AutoZone Park until April 15th.