Preseason Preview: Memphis 901 FC @ University of Memphis

Memphis 901 FC has played two preseason games thus far. They were both on the road against MLS teams that had several more weeks of fitness and training under their belt. But in both games, Memphis 901 FC struck first and gave a good account of themselves to earn a pair of 1-1 draws.

Their first preseason game was against Atlanta United in Athens, Georgia. The Beale Street Boys found themselves in front after just three minutes as Nighte Pickering scored with his first touch of the preseason. They then battled resiliently for another 83 minutes before Atlanta’s extra weeks of training made a difference, allowing the Five Stripes to finally pull level at 1-1.

The script was much the same when 901 FC traveled to face Nashville SC behind closed doors at Geodis Park. Again, it was the Beale Street Boys who struck first, this time through Luiz Fernando. Nashville duly equalized at one goal apiece but 901 FC was able to get another 1-1 draw.

Perhaps one reason that Memphis 901 FC was able to get a pair of draws against MLS teams, despite being several weeks behind in fitness and training, was the character and buy-in from the players. This past Thursday saw Media Day at AutoZone Park and the theme of the day was the character of the players. Both the head coach Stephen Glass and the Assistant Sporting Director, Caleb Patterson-Sewell, were clear that their goal in signing players this offseason was to bring in players who had the right character. Glass specifically pointed to the performances against Atlanta and Nashville as proof that they’ve made good decisions.

Saturday night will present a different kind of test for 901 FC. They won’t be playing an MLS outfit with several extra weeks of preseason prep. They’ll be taking on a college team: the Memphis Tigers, whose season has been done since before Thanksgiving and whose next season won’t begin until August. That doesn’t mean it will be a cakewalk for 901 FC however. Coach Richard Mulrooney has worked wonders over at the UofM. Prior to his arrival, they had been to the NCAA Tournament twice ever. Now, they’ve been to the last two NCAA Tournaments, the first time in program history that they have made consecutive appearances. On top of that, they won a Tournament game for the first time, beating previously unbeaten SIU-Edwardsville in front of over 1,000 people at the Billy Murphy Track & Soccer Stadium.

When, Where

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Venue: Billy J Murphy Track & Soccer Stadium

City: Memphis, Tennessee

Time: 7pm CT

Tickets: Open to the Public

Next Game

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024

Competition: Preseason

Match-Up: Memphis 901 FC @ St. Louis City II

Venue: CityPark

Time: TBD

TV: TBD