Memphis 901 FC vs Sacramento Republic Preview

Memphis 901 FC enters the weekend with an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season.

A draw gets the job done while collecting three points could leapfrog the Beale Street Boys back into the top four of the Western conference. Two teams ahead of Memphis in the standings — Sacramento Republic FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC — dropped points in their midweek matches.

Saturday is Latino Heritage Night and the home regular season finale for Memphis as they take on the aforementioned Sacramento Republic. This will be the third match in the series with Sacramento victorious all the way back in March.

The visitors sit in second place with the most clean sheets in the league. They have secured their place in the playoffs but are unlikely to catch New Mexico United nine points ahead due to an Achilles’ heel developed in recent months. They have had zero success away from home.

Sacramento has lost five straight road matches, last getting a result on July 27 to Detroit City. Their home form rebounded from a few summer hiccups and has been their saving grace (winning four of their last five). Memphis has also had success at AutoZone Park, extending their unbeaten streak to 12 last time out against Oakland in a 1-1 draw.

Home success is not the only similarity between the two clubs as both have acquired the habit of hot starts. Sacramento has scored inside 20 minutes in six of their last seven games. In Memphis’ last three games, they have scored five goals inside 25. The ability to build and maintain an early lead could prove to be pivotal.