Tag: Memphis 901 FC

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INDvMEM Indy Eleven vs Memphis 901 FC .07/23/2022.IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium.Indianapolis, IN.Photo: Don Thompson

The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant reached new heights in 2022, the team tying a franchise record with 56 wins as the player started his first All-Star Game and earned second-team All-NBA accolades. Better yet, the Griz became the youngest team in NBA history to win as many as 55 games, good enough to earn the franchise its first Southwest Division championship. It turns out that leading the NBA in rebounding, steals, and blocks is a good thing, as Memphis finished the 2021-22 campaign with the second-best mark in the entire league, this despite Morant missing 25 games with various ailments. The Grizzlies turned aside Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs before fizzling out against the title-bound Golden State Warriors. It was the kind of season that leaves a fan base wanting even more. Lots more.

The Tigers — both basketball and football — had “yes but” seasons in 2022. Penny Hardaway’s hoop squad reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in eight years, but wasn’t able to reach the big dance’s second weekend (extending a drought that dates back to 2009). Highlights of the season on the hardwood included a pair of wins over top-10 foes (Alabama and Houston). On the gridiron, the Tigers reached bowl eligibility for the ninth straight season, but finished merely 6-6 (a second straight year). Coach Ryan Silverfield will be back for a fourth season, but expectations — both within the program and outside — are high and heavy for 2023.

The Memphis Redbirds fell short of the playoffs in their first season in the International League, but a pair of players achieved some history for the franchise. Outfielder Moisés Gómez slammed 16 home runs for Memphis after being promoted from Double-A Springfield (where he had hit 23) to establish a new minor-league record for the St. Louis Cardinals with 39 bombs for the season. And Alec Burleson — another rising outfielder — hit .331 to win the International League batting title, the first such crown in Redbirds history.

Memphis 901 FC catapulted the organization to new heights, thanks to stellar player recruitment from the front office, coach Ben Pirmann’s tactical tweaking and man-management, and team-of-the-season performances from multiple players. There were plenty of things to be happy about. Memphis finished the year with a 22-8-6 record, racking up the franchise’s highest season totals for wins, points, and goals scored. 2022 saw a first ever playoff win for the organization, a 3-1 victory over Detroit City FC, before the team just missed out on the conference finals with a tight loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Along the way, striker Phillip Goodrum tallied 21 goals, midfielder Aaron Molloy chipped in with 8 goals and 10 assists, and defender Graham Smith marshaled the team to 11 clean sheets. Once the dust fell, 901 FC quickly announced contract extensions for all three players, each of whom were named in either the first or second USL All-League teams. And plenty of other key players had their contracts extended, including captain Leston Paul. The only sour note is that Pirmann announced his exit from the club, accepting the head coaching role with Charleston Battery FC. But looking back, this squad made Memphis and its AutoZone Park matchday fans proud. After a couple years, 901 FC showed that it belongs in the USL.

Meanwhile, sports infrastructure got a big boost when Mayor Jim Strickland announced an ambitious $684 million proposal to renovate the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and AutoZone Park. Plus, the plan called for a new soccer-first Memphis 901 FC stadium (with options to host other programming and events). The city is asking the state of Tennessee to cover $350 million after seeing Nashville’s plans for a new $2 billion stadium for the Tennessee Titans, with state assistance. But nothing’s set in stone.

Youth sports have a shiny new home in the Memphis Sports & Event Center (MSEC) at Liberty Park. At 227,000 square feet, the $60 million complex’s enormous footprint can accommodate young athletes for anything indoor sports related, from basketball to futsal to volleyball and so many others. While final construction won’t be complete until early next year, Liberty Park began showing off the new facilities in December, and it’s enough to get any sports fan excited.

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All Square in Oklahoma as Memphis 901 FC Snags a Point on the Road

May 29, 2021: OKC Energy FC plays Memphis 901 FC in a USL Championship match at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Steve Christy)

Fresh off a thrilling draw in its second match, Memphis 901 FC made the trek to Oklahoma City on Saturday to face conference rivals OKC Energy for the first time. The Oklahomans looked ripe for the taking, having only mustered two draws and three losses in their first five matches. And but for an incredible goal line clearance, Memphis very well could have walked away from the stadium with three points. While the team rued some missed chances, the 0 – 0 draw saw the defensive line celebrate a first clean sheet of the season. 

Kadeem Dacres the Key to Success

Dacres put on a show against Atlanta, tallying a goal and an assist in a comprehensive attacking performance. He attempted to go one better this time around, constantly harrying the OKC Energy defenders and generally causing trouble wherever he went. If 901 FC is going to succeed this season, it seems more than likely that success will be built around Dacres’ dynamic play (and his budding partnership with fullback Mark Segbers). He was a constant menace, whether making penetrating runs, cutting inside and shaking his markers, trying to tee up teammates, or getting on the end of crosses.

And while 901 FC struggled to get quality strikes off, Dacres came closest to breaking the deadlock with his redirection of midfielder Laurent Kissiedou’s shot, denied only by OKC defender Conor Donovan’s miraculous goal line clearance. Unfortunately, Dacres’ desire to create something out of nothing cost him a second yellow card when he was booked for a pretty clear dive in the 89th minute. That means a one-game suspension, and 901 FC will be without its best attacker for next weekend’s match against Indy Eleven. That’s an unfortunate headache for head coach Ben Pirmann, but if we’re looking for the silver lining, it’ll be a prime opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they can do.

Shooting Boots Left at Home

Memphis already looks like a much more fluid attacking team than last season, so far having been consistently able to create chances in the opponent’s box. But sticking the ball in the back of the net might just be the hardest part of the game, and 901 FC still has some work to do when it comes to finishing. Memphis took 14 shots in Oklahoma, but only one was on target. That’s not great, but it’s still early days yet.

Don’t forget, the squad saw massive turnover in the off-season, and a good chunk of the squad joined up right before the start of the season. It’s understandable that some of the players are still finding their feet, and growing familiarity should eventually breed more confidence in front of goal. Plus, we haven’t even seen what the likes of injured new signing Roland Lamah can do yet. At the very least, the chances are coming. Expect a few more to hit the back of the net before too long.

Defense Holds Firm Yet Again, But Needs to Stay Alert

Defender Zach Carroll has stepped up and marshaled the defensive troops for the first three matches. Against OKC, he led the team in blocked shots, doing his part to keep the home team off the board. In goal, John Berner picked up another man of the match award after making four saves. We’re only three games in, but the keeper already looks like a fantastic acquisition for the team.

And while the Energy were kept at bay for most of the game, there were a few slips in concentration that almost cost Memphis. In the 39th minute, Skylar Thomas got a little lax on the ball and was stripped by OKC’s Frank Lopez, leaving the forward with just Berner to beat. Then in the 49th minute, the defense went to sleep on a quick Oklahoma free kick, with Berner coming up big to save from Villyan Bijev. These kinds of slips can be costly in tight games. But nitpicking on two isolated incidents aside, the defensive unit looks much stronger this year. It’s still early yet, but the pieces for a successful season are there. For now, a tough test awaits Memphis on June 5th at Indy Eleven, one of the league’s strongest teams.

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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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Trio of Recent Signings Bolster 901 FC Squad

(Memphis 901 FC)

With opening day less than a week out, Memphis 901 FC’s squad received a boost with the addition of three new signings in midfield and goal over the past week.

Midfielder Dominic Oduro comes to town straight off a USL 2020 Eastern Conference title with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, having made 57 appearances for them in a three-season span. But the Manchester City academy graduate has spent plenty of time in Europe, turning out for sides in Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark, among others.

“Dom is a very tough and disciplined defensive midfielder,” said head coach Ben Pirmann. “He has experiences all over the world and has achieved a lot of success in his last three seasons in the USL Championship. We are delighted to add a top player like him to our growing roster, but beyond thrilled to add such a quality human being. Dom will serve this club and community with top class work rate and push us to our high-end potential.”

Joining Oduro in midfield is Trinidad & Tobago international Dre Fortune. The North Carolina native spent time training at FC Barcelona and Manchester City academies before returning stateside to join the then-USL team Rochester Rhinos. Since 2017, he’s played for North Carolina FC, making 84 appearances and scoring 18 goals. In his final season, he was named the club’s Offensive Player and Most Valuable Player of the Year, recording a 100 percent penalty conversion record and 94.1 percent passing accuracy.

“Dre is a player we have had our eye on for a few years now, so we are thrilled to be welcoming him to Memphis,” said assistant sporting director James Roeling. “He will bring another attacking element to our midfield as a capable goal-scorer who can also provide assists. We like his experience in this league and believe he will be a big part of our success this year.”

The club also signed Jake Gelnovatch to provide goalkeeping depth, giving the 24-year-old former Louisville Cardinal his first professional contract.

Memphis 901 FC’s opening match is away to Birmingham Legion this Saturday, May 15th, at 3:30 p.m.

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901 FC Signs Attacking Midfielder Laurent Kissiedou

(Memphis 901 FC)

Memphis 901 FC added yet another attacking weapon to its roster.

The latest newcomer is Laurent Kissiedou, a native of Divo, Ivory Coast, who plays as an attacking midfielder. And the 22-year-old brings plenty of experience to the squad.

After joining the Atlanta United academy in 2016, he made his first professional appearance during a spell at the USL’s Charleston Battery in 2017. But the bulk of his work has been with Atlanta United 2 since 2018. Over the last two seasons, he made 46 appearances (33 starts) and scored four goals.

“Laurent is a skilled and industrious midfielder with nearly 50 USL Championship appearances at only 22 years of age,” said 901 FC assistant sporting director James Roeling. “He is a fighter on the field, a great human being off it, and will be a valuable addition to the roster and the Memphis 901 FC family.”

Kissiedou will play alongside midfield colleagues Kadeem Dacres, Mitch Guitar, Roland Lamah, and Leston Paul.

In the meantime, check out an example of Kissiedou’s finishing ability here.

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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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Memphis 901 FC Signs Francis Atuahene

Ghana native Francis Atuahene is the newest addition to the 901 FC attack.

It’s another name in the books for the Memphis 901 FC squad, with attacker Francis Atuahene joining up with the team ahead of the 2021 USL season.

The Ghanaian attacker comes with pedigree. Three successful years of collegiate soccer at University of Michigan (with two selections for the All-Big Ten First Team) prompted a declaration for the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected fourth overall by FC Dallas.

And 42 seconds into his debut, he scored. Watch that goal. Most players are nervous making their first professional appearance, but the strike just oozes confidence and skill. There shouldn’t be any sort of opening to shoot from that position, but Atuahene’s outside of the boot flick catches everyone off guard. That’s just the kind of unpredictability teams need in tight matches.

Following his first MLS appearance, Atuahene spent several loan spells with USL sides, including Oklahoma City Energy, Austin Bold FC, and San Diego Loyal SC.

“Francis is a talented, dynamic attacker who likes to drive at defenders,” says 901 FC assistant sporting director James Roeling. “His explosiveness with the ball and understanding of the league will make him a valuable addition to our roster this year.”

Atuahene will link up with fellow attackers Kyle Murphy, Michael Salazar, and Roland Lamah. 901 FC opens its season against rivals Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m.

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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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Memphis 901 FC Announces Full Schedule

Midfielder Leston Paul will suit up for Memphis 901 FC midfield this season. (Eric Glemser)

At last, fans of Memphis soccer can finally plan ahead when it comes to supporting their team.

901 FC unveiled its complete regular-season schedule for the upcoming United Soccer League season, in which the team will play in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division.

Opening day kicks off on Saturday, May 15th, against rivals Birmingham Legion FC. Memphis’ first five matches are all away games, before the home opener against Atlanta United 2 on June 16th. Between then and October 30th, Memphis will play its 16 allotted home matches, half of the team’s 32-match slate for the 2021 season.

Most of Memphis’ matches will come against Central Division opponents Louisville City FC, Indy Eleven, Atlanta United 2, Birmingham Legion FC, FC Tulsa, OKC Energy FC, and Sporting Kansas City II. Games against non-division opponents include matchups with Colorado Springs Switchback FC, Miami FC, and San Antonio FC.

Tickets for home matches are not yet available. Expect to see limited capacity seating at AutoZone Park due to COVID-19 restrictions, although the number of available tickets has not yet been determined.

The full schedule can be read here.

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Roland Lamah Brings International Experience to 901 FC Squad

Roland Lamah warms up before an FC Cincinnati match in 2019 (Hayden Schiff from Cincinnati, USA, CC BY 2.0)

It’s now 12 signings for Memphis 901 FC, and the latest name might be the biggest one yet.

The organization announced the acquisition of Roland Lamah, a winger who has seen it all during a lengthy career spanning the globe and more than 300 appearances. The Ivory Coast-born, Belgian international has plenty of top-level experience, including time playing for CA Osasuna in the Spanish La Liga and Swansea City in the English Premier League.

He’s also picked up a few trophies, including the Belgian First Division and Super Cup titles with RSC Anderlecht, as well as a memorable EFL Cup win with Swansea in 2013. Most recently, he played in America for MLS sides FC Dallas and FC Cincinnati.

“We are thrilled to have a player of Roland’s quality and experience join us in Memphis,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “He has enjoyed success at some very high levels in football and will pose an attacking threat to every defense he lines up against this season.”

Lamah will make his first official appearance in Memphis during 901 FC’s home opener on Wednesday, June 16th.

Check out some of Lamah’s MLS highlights here.