Tag: Tim Howard

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901 FC to Open Soccer-Specific Stadium

An aerial rendering of the planned 901 FC stadium at Liberty Park. (Credit: 901 FC/Odell Sports & Entertainment Studio)

Soccer fans will soon be saying adios to AutoZone Park, and hello to a brand new stadium dedicated completely to soccer.

On Tuesday, Memphis 901 FC and the City of Memphis announced plans to build a new, 10,000 capacity stadium within Liberty Park. Odell Sports & Entertainment Studio and LRK will partner to design the stadium, which will be built on the site of the Mid-South Coliseum.

The stadium will have 7,500 fixed seats, as well as suites, clubs, and large covered gathering spaces to accomodate large parties and special events. The new stadium will also be able to host other special events, including concerts and additional long-field sports. 901 FC’s new home is expected to be ready in time for the start of the 2025 USL Championship season.

“When we launched our football club in 2019, we had two dreams,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “The first was to compete at the highest level and win a USL Championship. Today, we are proud to be in the playoffs for our second consecutive season, this time as the second seed. The second goal was to build a proper soccer stadium with a world class pitch for our club that rivals that of Louisville or any of the great new venues being built in the United States and Europe for soccer. Today we move closer to that dream.” 

Alongside the new stadium, 901 FC will develop two adjacent state of the art soccer fields, which will act as 901 FC’s training home along with potential academy, League 2, and a women’s professional teams.

An aerial rendering of the planned 901 FC stadium within Liberty Park. (Credit: 901 FC)

It is a huge statement of intent for 901 FC, which currently shares AutoZone Park with the MiLB Memphis Redbirds. Having its own dedicated stadium will allow the team to grow its brand and provide one of the best match-day environments in the USL.

901 FC kicks plays its first ever home playoff match at 7 p.m. this Saturday, October 22, against Detroit City FC in the quarterfinals. Memphis locked up the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference after finishing the regular season with a 3-0 away win against FC Tulsa last Saturday.

The new stadium is part of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s $684 million plan to renovate sports stadiums in Memphis, including the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and AutoZone Park. Strickland plans to ask the state of Tennessee to invest $350 million towards the plan.

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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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Michael Salazar Joins Memphis 901 FC Attack

(Memphis 901 FC)

Memphis continued its pre-season roster building with a forward-thinking addition to the squad.

Belizean Michael Salazar is the latest face to join up with Memphis at AutoZone Park, forming the third prong of a promising attacking trident that also features new signings Kyle Murphy and Roland Lamah.

“We’re thrilled to have Michael join us for the 2021 season,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “He is a highly talented and experienced international striker and another quality addition to our dynamic attacking group.”

The attacker brings extensive experience to the 901 FC organization; he had collegiate success for both Cal Baptist and UC Riverside before kickstarting his professional career in 2016, being drafted 24th in the MLS SuperDraft by the Montréal Impact. While frequently playing for the team’s USL affiliates, he made a total of 36 appearances for the top-level side, tallying six goals and two assists. He also made 11 appearances for MLS side Houston Dynamo FC in 2019.

Salazar also suits up for the Belize national team, for which he’s made 14 appearances and scored one goal. He’s represented his country in international tournaments such as the Gold Cup, Copa Centroamericano, and the CONCACAF Nations League.

Check out a glimpse of Salazar’s attacking prowess here.

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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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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.

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Memphis 901 FC Adds Young Defender Brecc Evans

(Memphis 901 FC)

Marc Burch may be gone, but there’s a new young gun set to rock the man-bun in 901 FC’s backline.

The team announced the signing of 21-year-old defender Brecc Evans, whose versatility makes him suited for multiple positions across the defense.

Evans gained experience through several years in the FC Dallas (a Major League Soccer team) Academy from 2014-2018. He played 93 matches during his time there and regularly competed for trophies, having guided his team to a U-16 National Championship in 2016, as well as the Dallas Cup Super Group title in 2017.

After a collegiate season at Cal Poly in 2018, Evans gained his first taste of the USL in 2019 with North Texas SC, a side in League One (the division below 901 FC). And what a taste it was, captaining the team to the division title. And that all came while ranking third in the league as a passer, with 1,543 total passes and an 87.3 percent completion rate.

“We are delighted to have signed Brecc for the 2021 season,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “For such a young player, he has captained a side to a League One championship and shown immense ability at multiple positions along the backline.”

Last season, Evans split time between Austin Bold FC and North Texas SC. 901 FC’s 11th signing, he will work closely with fellow defensive stalwarts Zach Carroll, Mark Segbers, Skylar Thomas, and midfielder-turned-defender Raúl González.

901 FC’s home opener will take place on Wednesday, June 16th, against Atlanta United 2.

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Skylar Thomas is the Latest Arrival at Memphis 901 FC

(Memphis 901 FC)

The Memphis defense is starting to shape up.

Earlier today, Memphis 901 FC announced the acquisition of defender Skylar Thomas. Pending league and federation approval, the Canadian is set to join up with defensive partners Zach Carroll and Mark Segbers.

Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the backline, having played five seasons in the USL Championship, and reaching the playoffs in three of them. He also spent a year with Valour FC in the Canadian Premier League. His style of play brings both strength and composure to the pitch; last season, as a member of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the 6’4 defender maintained a high level of defensive play, winning 70 percent of his aerial duels and 76 percent of attempted tackles.

“As an experienced player in this league, Skylar will bring intelligence and calmness to our defensive unit,” said sporting director Tim Howard. “His size and athletic ability make him a handful to deal with.”

Thomas is the 10th signing for 901 FC during the offseason. He joins fellow defenders Segbers and Carroll, midfielders Raúl González, Dan Metzger, Kadeem Dacres, Mitch Guitar, and Leston Paul, forward Kyle Murphy, and goalkeeper John Berner.

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Two Memphis 901 FC Regulars Commit to 2021 Season

Raúl González tussles with an opponent during the 2020 USL season. (photo courtesy Birmingham Legion FC)

The signatures continue to roll in for Memphis 901 FC, with two players from last season deciding on renewing their contracts with the team.

Midfielder Leston Paul, who arrived at AutoZone Park from Trinidad & Tobago’s Central FC in 2019, has made 31 appearances and 19 starts in the previous two seasons. He provides a steely presence in the center of the park, and can help provide a stable base for whoever is partnered alongside him.

“Over the previous two seasons, Leston has shown his leadership and experience both on and off the field,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “We are excited to be bringing back someone with his winning mentality and high soccer I.Q.”

The second returnee is a familiar face: University of Memphis alum Raúl González, who has been with 901 FC since its first season. He unfortunately missed the team’s inaugural campaign with a knee injury, but started to ease back into action last year, making seven appearances and three starts. And in January of this year, González was called up to play for the Puerto Rico national team for the first time, representing a huge personal achievement.

“We are pleased to have Raúl return for another year,” said Howard. “He is one of a handful of players who has been with us since our inaugural season and his versatility and athleticism will be an important addition to the roster.”

For now, the roster size is up to nine players, with Paul and González joining returnees Dan Metzger, Mark Segbers, and Zach Carroll, as well as new arrivals Kyle Murphy, John Berner, Mitch Guitar, and Kadeem Dacres.

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Memphis 901 FC Boosts Midfield with Signing of Mitch Guitar

CREDIT: courtesy Memphis 901 FC

Sometimes, it’s all in the name. In the most apt way possible, Memphis 901 FC made a strong addition to its roster with the signing of midfielder Mitch Guitar.

Memphis 901 FC Boosts Midfield with Signing of Mitch Guitar

Pending league and federation approval, Guitar joins the 901 FC roster via trade with fellow USL organization Indy Eleven. The player is a graduate from University of Wisconsin, and was selected in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire.

Over 58 matches at Wisconsin, Guitar was an instrumental part of a Badgers team that won the Big Ten tournament championship in 2017. The midfielder was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team for Conference play in 2018, but missed the 2019 season due to injury.

“Mitch is a player we identified during his college career as having the qualities necessary to succeed at this level,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “He has a relentless engine in midfield and makes the players around him better.”

901 FC’s roster is now up to seven players, with Guitar joining newcomers John Berger, Kadeem Dacres, and Kyle Murphy, as well as returnees Mark Segbers (a fellow Wisconsin alum), Zach Carroll, and Dan Metzger.

Now, someone should probably clarify to Mitch what Memphis’ pre-match guitar smash ritual entails.

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Attacker Kyle Murphy the Latest Addition for Memphis 901 FC

CREDIT: Courtesy Loudoun United

There’s another new face set to appear at AutoZone Park this year, and this time, it’s an offensive reinforcement.

Memphis 901 FC announced the signing of forward Kyle Murphy, pending league and federation approval. Murphy has five seasons and 116 USL appearances, with 25 goals and eight assists to his name.


The forward spent a couple of seasons at San Antonio FC and Rio Grande Valley FC before a productive spell at Loudoun United in 2019 that saw him score 13 goals. 

Courtesy Loudoun United

Kyle Murphy (left) wins the coin toss as captain of Loudoun United during a 2019 match against Memphis 901 FC.

Last season, he was part of the Tampa Bay Rowdies squad that reached the USL Championship game (however, he only scored one goal in 15 appearances).


“Kyle is a hard-working, dangerous attacker with loads of experience in this league,” said sporting director Tim Howard. “We’re adding a true professional with captain experience and an impressive goal-scoring record to our frontline.”

Murphy is the third new signing for Memphis 901 FC, alongside Kadeem Dacres and John Berner. The trio joins returnees Zach Carroll, Dan Metzger, and Mark Segbers.

Check out some of Murphy’s skills here.