Tag: Ben Pirmann

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901 FC’s Nighte to Remember

Nighte Pickering celebrates after scoring a spectacular first career goal. (Credit: Ryan Beatty/901FC)

Some players hit the ground running. Others like to hit the ground scoring. Literally, in the case of Memphis’ new signing Nighte Pickering.

The 17-year-old, who had joined the team just two days prior to Saturday’s game, decided that he didn’t have time to wait around to open his professional account. The teenager’s acrobatic bicycle kick late in the game marked his first goal in Memphis blue, and 901 FC’s final tally en route to a smooth 3-1 victory at AutoZone Park.

Last Saturday’s victory made it two relatively simple wins on the bounce. New York Red Bulls II didn’t threaten much back on August 3rd, and the same went here, with Memphis dominating the first half completely, almost taking the lead when David Egbo tapped in from close range, but the forward was adjudged to have been offside by a hair. And just a minute later, Memphis actually fell behind when caught out by a quick counter attack, former 901 FC player Rashawn Dally squaring for Prince Saydee to smash in from close range in the 37th.

But 901 FC doesn’t like losing this season, and midfielder Aaron Molloy just a few minutes later blasted in an equalizer, smashing his shot from outside the box past a helpless Yannik Oettl in the Hartford goal. And then just a couple minutes after that, Molloy tallied his eight assist of the season after he sent in a delicious swerving set piece delivery that defender Zach Carroll was all too happy to head in from close range, putting Memphis up 2-1 at halftime.

Memphis continued to dominate after halftime, but the clear icing on the cake was Pickering subbing on to score his first professional goal. Pouncing on a poorly headed clearance in the Hartford box, he launched himself into the air and hit his overhead kick goalward. As he hit the ground, the ball flew into the back of the net, cuing wild jubilation from the crowd and his teammates. Not bad for a first goal at the pro level, eh? That’s a player oozing with confidence and already feeling at home in the league, and no matter where his career goes from here, he’ll always have that.

Nighte Pickering’s acrobatic goal sealed 901 FC’s 3-1 victory. (Credit: Ryan Beatty/901FC)

So how dominant was 901 FC in this game? Take a look at the maps below. On the first touch map (901 FC players represented by brown circles), numbers 7 and 19, fullbacks Patrick Seagrist and Rece Buckmaster, respectively, held an average position almost inside the Hartford half. Meanwhile, only four Hartford players had an average position inside Memphis’ half, and not very far upfield. And in the heat map below, Seagrist and Buckmaster had an enormous amount of touches in the attacking side of the pitch, more so in the first half, but that continued into the second half as well.

(Credit: USL)
(Credit: USL)

And the team put on a clinic while resting top scorer Phillip Goodrum. Not a bad day at the office, reflected by 901 Fc’s 21 shots (15 inside the box) to Hartford’s 10. And Molloy nabbed himself another spot in the USL’s Team of the Week.

The win moves the team up to 14-5-3 on the season, and third in the Eastern Conference standings. Next up is a trip to the Steel City to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, August 13th. And the break should give head coach Ben Pirmann time to incorporate new signing Jackson Brady, who signed a 25-day contract with the team on Monday.

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Transitions Key as Memphis 901 FC Secures a Point in Atlanta

901 FC defender Andre Reynolds emerges victorious from a challenge with Atlanta's Aiden McFadden. (photo courtesy Atlanta United)

On Sunday, Memphis 901 FC rolled up to Atlanta United 2 in sweltering 90 degree heat for their second match of the season. For the most part, we saw an assured performance from coach Ben Pirmann’s crew, with plenty of solidity at the back and a number of quality chances going forward. And while 901 FC walked away with a point after the 2-2 draw, the 90 minutes showcased plenty of promise for the rest of the season. Here are a few things that we glimpsed in yesterday’s match.

Transition, Transition, Transition

Whenever the home team turned the ball over, we suddenly bore witness to the Atlantean Wile E. Coyotes futilely chasing after Memphis’ roadrunners. On paper, it looked like Pirmann set his charges up in a 4-4-2 formation, perfect for soaking up pressure defensively and launching attacks the other way after a turnover. Time and again, passes were quickly pinged up to either the front two of Dre Fortune and Michael Salazar, or kicked up to wide players Kadeem Dacres and Francis Atuahene. In the middle of pitch, Laurent Kissiedou and Dominic Oduro would offer passing options to their defenders, sucking in the Atlanta United 2 press before switching the play to the opposite flank, with fullback Mark Segbers usually the recipient on the right. With the home side struggling to contain Memphis pouring numbers forward on the break, 901 FC players consistently worked the ball into great goal scoring positions, and the team easily could have scored three or four on the night with a little more composure.

On the flip side, there’s a little more work to be done for defensive transitions. Perhaps cognizant of the long ball from which they conceded last week against Birmingham, the Memphis defense didn’t push up as much to join their marauding attackers. Atlanta sometimes found it easy to run straight through the heart of the pitch after 901 FC had committed players forward, and a focus on getting back into shape quickly will help curb the number of opportunities for opponents. Being just that little bit more attentive after a turnover will help immensely, both at the front and at the back. But overall, Memphis did well to eliminate any good looks for the Atlanta attack.

Kadeem Dacres the Offensive Fulcrum

When 901 FC advanced the ball into dangerous positions, it was more than likely that new signing and Buff City Soap Man of the Match Kadeem Dacres was involved. He was the brightest spot among 901 FC’s buccaneering attack yesterday, cutting inside to shoot, popping up in the box unmarked, or playing creator for teammates. Dacres slotted home Segbers cross to tie the game at 1-1 right before halftime, and also slipped a nice through ball to Kissiedou to put Memphis up 2-1 in the 73rd. 

Many Atlanta players were chasing his shadow all night long, and he mixed well with most of his teammates. Based on this showing, the player to build the attack around going forward is Dacres.

The Segbers Express Motors Onward

Last season, Mark Segbers was one of the most important players for 901 FC’s attack, with the fullback unafraid to charge upfield and get to the byline for crosses. He continued that fine form today, claiming an assist via his cross for Memphis’ opener. Plenty of other times, he charged down an empty right flank when Atlanta had shifted over to the other side of the pitch. That tireless running is a huge weapon for Memphis, able to stretch or overload the opposition defense. Expect plenty more Segbers action throughout the season.

Late Concession Can’t Take Away From a Good Performance

The admittedly well-taken equalizing goal from Atlanta’s Aiden McFadden — scored in the 93rd minute and after the home team had been reduced to 10 men — soured the mood for Pirmann and co. But the late goal can’t take away from the fact that Memphis executed its game plan from the first minute to the last, keeping the home side at bay and creating more quality scoring chances. That’s a far cry from last season, when 901 FC would put in a good performance for 60 or so minutes before things started to crumble. 

Memphis goalkeeper John Berner starts a play out of the back for Memphis 901 FC. (photo courtesy Atlanta United).

But this is a new group of players, and they’ve clearly already developed some chemistry despite so many being late additions to the roster. Both of Atlanta’s goals (a free kick and the impressive “right-place, right-time” volley from McFadden after goalkeeper John Berner palmed away a cross) weren’t the results of gaps in Memphis’ pattern of play. It’s unlucky, but Pirmann has to be encouraged. There are plenty of pieces to work with, and the players who started Sunday’s match against Atlanta showed off some of the excitement we can expect from the team’s attacking weapons this season.

Memphis 901 FC’s next match is at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday, May 29, away to OKC Energy FC.

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901 FC Signs Former Loanee Rashawn Dally

Rashawn Dally spent part of the 2019 USL season on loan at 901 FC. (photo courtesy Memphis 901 FC)

A familiar face returns to AutoZone Park this season, and he’s got a little bit of 901 FC history in his boots.

The team announced the signing of Rashawn Dally, a forward who played for Memphis on loan from parent club FC Cincinnati during the 2019 season. After linking up with his Memphis teammates, he wrote himself into 901 FC lore by securing the organization’s first-ever win in the USL. During a trip to Chester, Pennsylvania, Dally pounced on a defensive mistake by the Bethlehem Steel to score his first professional goal.

Rashawn Dally’s goal against Bethlehem Steel secured 901 FC’s first USL win

After briefly returning to Cincinnati, he spent another USL season with Las Vegas Lights FC, scoring three goals in 14 appearances.

“We are thrilled to add Rashawn to the attacking corps of our club,” said 901 FC head coach Ben Pirmann. “We were fortunate enough to work with Rashawn in the 2019 season and his development over the past two years has turned him into a very threatening striker in the USL Championship. He is a phenomenal young man, and we can’t wait for him to improve an already daunting front line.”

Memphis now has plenty of attacking riches at its disposal, with Dally just the latest addition to a forward line featuring Roland Lamah, Kadeem Dacres, Kyle Murphy, Michael Salazar, and Francis Atuahene.

Memphis 901 FC opens the 2021 season away at Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 15th.

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Hail, Caesar! Memphis 901 FC Names Ben Pirmann Head Coach

Ben Pirmann patrols the touchline during last season's closing win against Birmingham Legion.

901 FC has found its man to be at the helm this coming season.

Ben Pirmann no longer bears the “interim” tag and will take over full responsibility for guiding Memphis 901 FC for the 2021 USL season. The former Detroit City FC coach (where he was referred to as Caesar by fans after a slip of the tongue during an interview) joined Memphis’ technical staff in late 2018, and has been with the team since its inaugural 2019 campaign.

“Highly qualified individuals both domestic and foreign were interviewed, but we feel that Ben provides us with the best chance of taking this team closer to our goal, which is to make the playoffs and bring a trophy to Memphis,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “You will not find an individual who works harder and gives more for this club.”

Pirmann took over as interim head coach last September after the dismissal of Tim Mulqueen and oversaw three matches (two wins and a loss). Over that brief spell, the team scored seven goals and just about doubled its shots per game.

“Ben knows the history of this club, he knows this market and the expectations of our supporters, said Memphis 901 FC president Craig Unger. “Most importantly, he knows what this team needs to do to deliver more wins. Last year was challenging on many fronts, and despite all of those challenges, Ben stepped up and proved that he is a leader and worthy USL Championship Head Coach.”

Having a settled head coach should make it easier for 901 FC to continue filling out its remaining roster spots. Pirmann will lead the team into battle for the season opener against Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 15th.

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901 FC Dismisses Head Coach Tim Mulqueen

CREDIT: Eric Glemser

Eric Glemser

A poor run of results this season led to the dismissal of 901 FC head coach Tim Mulqueen.

In a press release, 901 FC announced the dismissal of head coach Tim Mulqueen, effective immediately.

Assistant coach Ben Pirmann has been named interim head coach, and will manage the team in the next match against Louisville City this Saturday. Pirmann, who joined the staff in December 2018, has previous experience as a head coach, having spent six years in charge of Detroit City FC of the National Independent Soccer Association.


The announcement follows Sunday’s 3-2 loss to North Carolina FC, in which Memphis squandered a two-goal advantage.

“Tim was the first coach in 901 FC history and we are incredibly grateful for his countless hours and dedication to the club,” said principal owner Peter B. Freund. “That said, our goal from day one has been to build a winning culture and compete for a USL Championship and so far we have fallen short.”

Mulqueen was selected as the franchise’s inaugural head coach in August 2018, before the team launched in Spring 2019. In just under two seasons, he oversaw 11 wins, 11 draws, and 24 losses.

“Mulch’s [belief and hard work] never wavered as he took on the task of leading 901 FC from its inception,” said sporting director Tim Howard. “We are proud that he will always be the first head coach in our franchise’s history. Unfortunately, the results have fallen short of our expectations. I wish Mulch nothing but the very best in his future coaching endeavors. The club will quickly move forward in conducting an international search for our next head coach.”

901 FC elaborated on the dismissal and a new coaching search at a press conference later this afternoon.

Today’s a tough day,” said 901 FC president Craig Unger, “and ultimately as we have said in our statements, that it’s about wins and losses, and our goal was to compete and compete quickly.”

My hat goes off to him, difficult times,” followed Howard. “An expansion club is very difficult to get up and running, and this year for everybody it’s been very difficult. Through trying times he’s been very steadfast in his work and his dedication to the team. Sports is very unfortunate in that when a team doesn’t perform and results don’t come the way we like, the manager suffers for that.

“We want to bring someone in who has a reputation of winning because that’s what our fans expect. As we start to do our due diligence, that’s part of the process. Our reach is thankfully far and wide, so we’ll leave no stone unturned trying to find the right manager to be our next head coach.

We’ve promoted Ben Pirmann to interim head coach for the remainder of the season. As we’ve told Ben, it’s his car to drive now. We’re going to sit back and observe, and he’ll be part of that coaching search process given that results go our way and we like what’s happening. We felt right now, given that results were trending in the wrong direction, that we needed to cut ties with coach Mulqueen and move forward. And it gives us, and him, time to move on to the next thing. The more time we have to find our next head coach, the better we’ll do.”

This season’s coronavirus-hit USL campaign has been tough for 901 FC, with only two wins from 12 matches so far. Memphis is directly competing with three others team in Group G for a playoff spot, but sits last on 10 points with 12 matches played.