The 2023 season has gotten off to a rocky start for Memphis 901 FC as they have dropped their opening two games. Funnily enough, both were 3-1 losses at home. To help bolster the roster and fix some defensive leaks, they signed former USMNT goalkeeper Bill Hamid. Unfortunately, Hamid’s debut had to wait as last Saturday’s game against the Oakland Roots was postponed because of field issues in Oakland (though for some reason Oakland allowed Memphis to fly over 2,000 miles to California before deciding the field was unplayable). The good news is that 901 FC was given an extra week off which should help Hamid gel with the rest of the team. And with a trip to Miami on deck, 901 FC will need every bit of help they can get.
901 FC began the season with a 3-1 home loss to Loudoun United back on March 11th. They fell behind early, conceded again, pulled on back, but ultimately could not salvage a point. Despite the loss, it was one of those games where Memphis was the better team for long stretches, especially in the second half. Following the game, Stephen Glass said the focus going into the next week against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds would be starting the game well. Fast forward one week and Memphis did not start well. In fact they conceded in the first five minutes of the game yet again. They did answer a few moments later but were outclassed totally on the day and fell 3-1 for the second straight week. But things began to wear a hopeful face with the arrival of Hamid, perhaps the biggest signing in 901 FC history. Hamid’s first test comes on the road against Miami.
Things have not gone much better for Miami to start the year than they have for Memphis. In last year’s playoffs they fell victim to the Tampa Bay Rowdies (who then of course knocked out 901 FC in truly gut-wrenching fashion). 2023 has been about as joyful for Miami thus far. They drew 1-1 at home against FC Tulsa, then dropped a 1-0 game at home to New Mexico United, and followed that up last Saturday with a 1-1 draw on the road against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Their manager is Anthony Pulis (son of the long-time Premier League manager Tony Pulis) and is in his third season as manager. It is also worth noting that Miami features a pair of former 901 FC players: defender Mark Segbers and forward Kyle Murphy (it was Murphy who bagged Miami’s only goal against Pittsburgh last weekend)
When, Where
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Venue: Riccardo Silva Stadium
City: Miami, Florida
Time: 6pm CT
TV: WMC 5.2, ESPN+
All-Time Series
Memphis 901 FC trails 0-3-0
Last Meeting
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
Venue: Riccardo Silva Stadium
City: Miami, Florida
Result: Memphis 901 FC 0-1 Miami FC
Conference Standing
Memphis 901 FC: 12th in East (0pts)
Miami FC: 9th in East (2pts)
Next Game
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Competition: US Open Cup
Match-Up: Memphis 901 FC @ One Knoxville SC
Venue: Regal Soccer Stadium
City: Knoxville, Tennessee