As Aaron Molloy’s 70th-minute cross curved closer to Phillip Goodrum, most fans could be forgiven for already being on their feet. For if there’s one sure thing this season, it’s that Goodrum is just going to keep on sticking the ball in the back of the net. But long before the forward headed in his 13th goal of the season, it was pretty clear that 901 FC’s winning ways would continue on a trip up East to challenge New York Red Bulls II. Before some hasty retyping during the last few minutes of the game, the bulk of my report simply detailed how easy it all was for Memphis. A late consolation goal for New York brought up a few nerves, but it didn’t really matter; Memphis was always the dominant side during a 2-1 victory at MSU Soccer Park.
Really, the game was all but wrapped up by halftime. But with one caveat: Somehow, Memphis had only managed to score one goal! After a first half in which 901 FC opened fire on the New York net, the boys in the white away kits had somehow only managed to score once. The first 10 minutes were a clear indication of Memphis’ dominance, with 901 FC recording a staggering 70 percent of possession and some nice passing sequences to get into good scoring positions.
The 17th minute opener followed one such passage, midfielder Chris Allan eventually finding a streaking Jeremy Kelly in the box, who despite sprinting all the way upfield, looked like he had all the time in the world as he steadied himself and shot past Red Bulls keeper Giannis Nikopolidis at the near post to make it 1-0 to Memphis.
All the while, Goodrum made himself a menace with a few good chances, and others chipped in as well. 901 FC’s sheer dominance, in terms of possession, winning the ball back, and locking down any Red Bull attacks never truly put the performance in doubt. In fact, New York only really had one chance of note coming in the 2nd half, with Zachary Ryan poking the ball wide in a 1v1 situation in the 60th minute. Otherwise, center backs Zach Carroll and Graham Smith, along with fullbacks Rece Buckmaster and Patrick Seagrist, locked down almost every New York incursion with ease.
And Goodrum scored what would be the eventual winner in the 70th minute, cushioning a header from Aaron Molloy’s cross past Nikopolidis. That made it a lucky 13 goals for Goodrum this season, and his fourth game in a row with a goal.
Then in the 76th, Seagrist rolled the ball across the box for substitute Derek Dodson, who just missed out on connecting for a tap-in, and the forward then couldn’t quite finish immediately after when pouncing on some slack New York passes. But shoutout to Dodson, who did what any good sub should do and made the most of all of his touches. Out on the right side, he had his way with the New York backline, frequently winning challenges, turning his marker and charging in behind, and delivering into the box to create chances for his teammates.
And honestly, other than missed chances, it was about as comprehensive a performance as you’ll see, the win almost as straightforward as they come. New York’s high defensive line and scattered pressing was suicidal against a team as adept to moving the ball upfield as Memphis. And even when a couple of the starters subbed out, the new blood kept the game ticking over nicely. After dominating possession in the first half, the second 45 saw Memphis take their foot off the gas a bit and swat away what little New York threw at them.
Of course, this is still soccer, so in the 87th, New York broke from their own half and charged into open space, Jordan Adebayo-Smith calmly finishing past Trey Muse to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Memphis quickly reasserted themselves just two minutes later, with Laurent Kissiedou playing in Dodson to a huge swathe of space on the right side of the box, but substitute David Egbo unfortunately couldn’t make a proper connection on his teammate’s inch-perfect cross. Egbo continued to get into good positions and had another late chance saved by Nikopolidis.
Ultimately, New York just didn’t really do enough to test Memphis. Now, 901 FC are up to third in the Eastern Conference, and next up this Saturday are Hartford Athletic at AutoZone Park.