Tag: Tim Mulqueen

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Still Kicking: 901 FC’s Strange and Disappointing Season Ends

CREDIT: Eric Glemser

The early aughts of the 2020 United Soccer League (USL) season held so much promise: a more settled squad full of Coach Tim Mulqueen’s preferred players; Tim Howard coming out of retirement to split goalkeeping duties with Jimmy Hague; and a rowdy bunch of fans ready to take in the season at one of the league’s best stadiums in AutoZone Park.

While the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to USL for a few months, a return to action saw a familiar pattern emerge. Quick starts and heavy spells of possession would be foiled by late concessions, turning winning positions into draws and losses. Placed in Group G against regional rivals Birmingham Legion, Charlotte Independence, and North Carolina FC, Memphis embodied the Jekyll & Hyde nature of sports. Verve and aggression in the early stages of matches would give way to sloppy defending and calamitous mistakes, with the team racking up one loss after another.

Eric Glemser

901 FC celebrates a final day victory.

Coach Mulqueen’s high press would work for 45 minutes, but as the game stretched on, it crumbled. Opponents would easily break through the pressure in the second half and create enough high-quality chances to seize a result from Memphis’ grasp. The defense was also prone to individual errors at times. Centerback Liam Doyle (later shipped out to San Antonio) was a shadow of himself from last season, while Captain Marc Burch missed a lot of games with back spasms.

Up top, the goals dried up for last season’s top scorer Brandon Allen, with the onus falling on new signing Keanu Marsh-Brown to carry the offense through parts of the season. Ultimately, a run of only two wins in 12 matches saw Mulqueen sacked, putting an end to 901 FC’s first chapter.

Assistant coach Ben Pirmann acted as interim manager for the team’s last three matches, overseeing an uptick in fortunes with two wins. By then, Memphis’ hopes of a playoff spot were long gone, but the positive performances should provide a blueprint for next season. But what does 901 FC need to fix?

The emergence of Cal Jennings as a locked-in starter, with nine goals in 14 appearances, means the team has to do everything in its power to retain him for next season. Keanu Marsh-Brown is always an electric presence, and provides incision, hard running, and even a healthy dose of defensive diligence. In midfield, new signing Jose Baxter also missed much of the season, but supplies a level of class and awareness complemented by Duane Muckette’s all-around excellence and Leston Paul’s steel (it’s unknown whether Tommy McCabe will be available for another loan spell).

Defensively, there needs to be improvement. While Memphis’ haul of 24 goals scored put it about on par with the rest of Group G (and middle of the pack in the entire Eastern Conference), the defense was another matter. At 31, Memphis had the fifth-highest number of goals conceded in the East, and kept only one clean sheet. Those numbers just aren’t good enough for a team hoping to qualify for the playoffs. Pirmann’s tweaks, however, showed that the squad already has the quality to tighten things up.

But there are even bigger questions to answer. Who will be the next head coach? Pirmann didn’t do his chances any harm, but the sooner the organization can place someone in charge, the better. Burch announced his retirement, while Howard’s new analyst role for NBC Sports makes it unlikely we’ll see him back in goal. Meanwhile, Pierra Da Silva, Rafa Mentzingen, Jean-Christophe Koffi, and Mark Segbers didn’t appear in the squad again after violating unspecified team rules in late September. Mentzingen and Segbers were two of 901 FC’s better performers throughout the season, but it remains to be seen whether they have a future in Memphis.

It’s not the season anyone wanted. While many of the results were close, the consistency of errors meant that the losses couldn’t be put down to luck. The last few matches of this bizarre pandemic season, however, provide a glimmer of hope that this squad is indeed capable of challenging in the playoffs. You can bet Craig Unger, Howard, et al. are hard at work to put the right pieces in place.

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901 FC Falls Short in Tim Howard’s Memphis Debut

CREDIT: 901 FC

901 FC

Defender Zach Carroll celebrates with Liam Doyle after scoring 901 FC’s second goal of the night

Before kick-off, it was clear that Memphis had greatly missed 901 FC and the constant stream of Saturday matches at AutoZone Park. The lines to get in the stadium stretched all the way back to the gates, Bluff City Mafia was in full voice, and a regular-season record 8,571 fans took their seats to see what a new season could bring. And while 901 FC played some of its best soccer since the team’s inception, defensive errors saw the home side fall 2-4 to Eastern Conference rivals Indy Eleven.

With six new faces in the starting lineup, the organization immediately made good on its promise to play more attacking soccer this year. Memphis started strong out of the blocks, controlling the game and putting constant pressure on Indy Eleven. As early as the ninth minute, good interplay between Duane Muckette and Pierre da Silva saw the latter loft a one-touch pass over the defense. Last season’s top scorer Brandon Allen took it down with aplomb before cutting inside two Indy defenders and curling the ball into the net.

With momentum on its side, Memphis continued to surge forward, keeping its opponent on the back foot. In the 16th minute, captain Marc Burch looped a corner kick into the box, where a completely unmarked Zach Carroll dove to head home for Memphis’ second and his debut goal. Just over a quarter of an hour in, and Memphis was running riot. So dominant was the team that sporting director and owner Tim Howard, who signed a contract to join the playing roster as goalie last week, spent most of the first half watching play unfold from the edge of the box.

But, as in most things soccer, it just takes one moment to turn a game on its head. Indy, which had been pinned back for 45 minutes, scored on what was only its third shot of the match. While Memphis emerged for the second half with the same fire and enthusiasm, Indy slowly grew back into the match and eventually capitalized on several defensive errors to steal the lead.

Unfortunately, Memphis’ transition defense was found wanting. Indy was lethal on the break, with goals two, three, and four all coming on quick counterattacks. As the goals started to come in, the team lost a bit of its shape and found itself hard-pressed to snuff out Indy’s continued advances forward. Of the opponent’s 15 shots, 12 came in the second half. In that sense, it was very much a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance. However, considering how well Memphis played in the attacking third, there should be nothing but optimism going forward.

“I saw two great goals, about a half a dozen chances. For me, there is a lot of improvement in that area,” said head coach Tim Mulqueen after the game. “We took a conference finalist and put them on their heels. Our press was very good for long stretches of the game. I think we just need to do a better job of adjusting when teams adjust to us. I know this one stings for our boys, it stings for me, but there is a lot of good to that game as well.”

The midfield three of Michael Reed, Jose Baxter, and J-Christophe Koffi combined well in the middle of the pitch and were able to facilitate a good number of attacks. At right back, Mark Segbers’ positioning and speed made him a crucial outlet for Memphis on the wing; receiving the ball on the right side, he frequently surged behind Indy’s defensive line. Those forward runs should give Memphis an extra dimension in the final third from last season, when the fullbacks didn’t always provide quality service. Finally, Allen is already off the mark for the season; with a more promising attack, he should improve on his 10 goals from last year.

While the final result could have been different with a bit more composure, the start to the 2020 season certainly gives fans plenty of reasons to be excited about 901 FC’s sophomore season. As Mulqueen said, there are plenty of positives to build on when St. Louis comes to town next week.

901 FC’s next match is at home against St. Louis FC on Saturday, March 14th, 7 p.m.

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901 FC Loss to Indy Puts a Crimp in Playoff Hopes

The trip to Indianapolis held so much promise: 901 FC’s recent string of results positioned it to take a crack at playoff qualification down the home stretch. And with the Indy Eleven having lost its last four games, high-flying Memphis was well poised to bag three more points. Alas, one of this season’s Eastern Conference powerhouses managed to regain its mojo and beat Bluff City’s best efforts. After a 3-0 loss on the road, Memphis’ hopes of reaching the postseason seem grim.

Coach Tim Mulqueen put out a strong starting 11, as expected, and the boys more than held their own throughout the 90 minutes. However, Indy showcased a ruthless efficiency that spoke to its experience as a franchise. Memphis conceded opportunities early and dug itself into a 2-0 hole within 22 minutes. What rankled was that rather than concede from sharp attacking play by a superior opponent, 901 FC fell apart on set pieces twice in quick succession.

901FC

901 FC’s attack misfired.

Down two goals on the road is always a tough proposition, and it put the onus on Memphis to make something happen. Indy was able to sit back a little more without leaving its defense open. And the longer Memphis went without a goal, the more it felt inevitable that Indy would wrap it up with a neat little bow.

Sure enough, Memphis conceded a third goal on the break with less than 15 minutes left to play, creating what might seem like an insurmountable gap between 901 FC and the last playoff spot. But the roster that Mulqueen has organized isn’t one to give up without a fight, and even after letting in two early goals, the team continued to grit its way through a tough matchup.

Earlier in the season, 901 FC relied on Elliot Collier’s magic to make things happen on the field, but Memphis’ possession game has markedly improved since Mulqueen finished constructing his new-look squad. Even when Indy pressed high, the midfield circulated the ball quickly. Cam Lindley and Dan Metzger buzzed about providing outlets for teammates and looking for options to move the ball forward.

On the attacking front, Marcus Epps came to the fore, constantly driving forward with purpose and precision to create opportunities for himself and others. Two of his strikes accounted for Memphis’ three shots on target, and he was unlucky not to find the back of the net on this occasion. Brandon Allen, on the other hand, was effectively marshalled by the opposition defense. Indy held him to just one touch inside the box in 90 minutes, essentially neutralizing his goal-scoring threat.

Losing 3-0 doesn’t look good, but it doesn’t mean Memphis was comprehensively outclassed. Indy scored on three of its four shots on target, a usually unrealistic conversion rate. This weekend’s opponent likely won’t pose such a threat. The visiting Charlotte Independence sits two spots below 12th-placed Memphis in the Eastern Conference standings (although it has won its last two games). 901 FC is a different prospect since Charlotte won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in July, so the game should be manageable at AutoZone Park. Mulqueen has to mark this game as three points, which would bring Memphis back within touching distance of a playoff spot.

Birmingham Legion narrowly holds the final qualification place, in 10th, but is tied on 40 points with 11th-placed Charleston Battery. Memphis sits six points behind at 34, but the Legion’s next game is away at Hartford Athletic, the worst team in the United Soccer League this season. Meanwhile, the Battery hosts the iffy Loudoun United. Both playoff contenders can reasonably expect to win their matchups, which means Memphis would need to win six points in its final two contests while both of its rivals lose their remaining games. It’s unlikely, but 901 FC didn’t come this far just to give up. The desire and tenacity on display in recent weeks shows how much the team cares, so there’s nothing for fans to do but buckle up and enjoy the ride.

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Memphis 901 FC Snags First Franchise Victory

CREDIT: Memphis 901 FC

Memphis 901 FC

Don’t dally. Wherever you are on the field, think and act quickly, or you’ll be punished. That’s one lesson pounded into most soccer players’ heads from a young age. Unfortunately for Bethlehem Steel defender Ben Ofeimu, he became a bit too lackadaisical with a headed back-pass and, like a coiled viper, 901 FC forward Rashawn Dally was there to strike. Just like that, Memphis’ 901 FC sealed its first victory in franchise history.

Due to FIFA’s international break, several prominent starters were missing from both teams’ lineups. That meant no Adam Najem pulling the strings from an attacking midfield role, while inaugural goal-scorer Elliot Collier was also out of the lineup. Due to absentee players, and this being 901 FC’s first away game, I wouldn’t have earmarked it as the franchise’s first win. However, I’m very happy to have been proven wrong, and a solid performance from the team should ease any concerns.

For the first 25 minutes, Memphis played a defensive game and let the Steel press forward. Despite ceding possession, the strategy neutralized most of the home team’s attacking threat. The biggest danger from Bethlehem came from its fleet-footed attackers, who troubled the left side of the defense a few times but were stopped from creating any real chances. 901 FC coach Tim Mulqueen deployed Abdi Mohamed at left back to contain the speedsters, while centerbacks Marc Burch and Todd Pratzner worked in tandem to play an effective offside trap whenever Bethlehem threatened to get in behind the defense. With the opposing attackers kept at bay, Bethlehem tried to play long balls, but Burch and Pratzner comfortably dealt with anything thrown their way. The only two decent shots from Bethlehem had were two fabulous strikes from distance which hit the post.

After the opening exchanges, Memphis grew into the game and added more verve to its attacking play, with Duane Muckette controlling the ball well in midfield and acting as a conduit between defense and attack. He set up Dan Metzger for 901 FC’s first shot of the night, and continued to present himself as a passing outlet throughout the game.

In the second half, the Steel pressed Memphis more and held a good chunk of early possession, but were again effectively stifled.

Then, in the 58th minute, Ofeimu made that fatal mistake, and Dally pounced to score his first professional goal. Up until that point, the forward had been largely isolated from play, but sometimes that’s the life of a striker. When it really counted, he successfully read the play and slotted the ball past onrushing Steel goalkeeper Matt Freese. The game opened up a bit after that, but even as the Steel became more desperate as the clock ticked toward 90 minutes, Memphis was never seriously troubled.

Mulqueen managed the game effectively in the final 15 minutes. Whenever Memphis took the ball beyond half field, they drifted to the corner flag or drew fouls near the opposing box, taking precious seconds off the clock that the Steel needed to get back in the game. As the home team’s attacking play became more frantic, they finally created an opening in the 95th minute. Memphis goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, who it must be said had another overall fantastic performance, spilled a cross in the box, leaving an open net for Bethlehem. However, just when it seemed like an equalizer was on hand, Wes Charpie blocked the goal-bound effort, preserving the victory for Memphis. That should give the team plenty of confidence for their next away match on Friday against New York Red Bulls II.

Quick Notes
* Memphis really couldn’t have hoped for a better result from the team’s first road game. A goal, a clean sheet, and three points that places the franchise among the top 10 teams in the Eastern conference.

* Memphis’ attacking fluidity still looks a bit rusty at times. The team looks to build up from the back and play quality soccer, but after working the ball into good positions, the final pass isn’t quite up to standard. This should improve with time. It’s only the third game, after all, and key players were missing.

* There seems to be a bit of hesitation on counter-attacks. When Memphis moved the ball to one of their wide players, there was a tendency to turn back for a pass immediately as opposed to running into space. While it helps with ball retention, a better read on those types of situations may lead to more goal scoring chances on the break.

*Jeff Caldwell is a revelation between the sticks, and he got his first professional clean sheet on Sunday. No surprise that a team run by Tim Mulqueen and Tim Howard found a fantastic ‘keeper.

*Referee Luis Arroyo did not have the best game, making a fair number of questionable decisions against both sides that had head coaches Mulqueen and Brendan Burke remonstrating with the fourth official. Overcoming poor decisions is part of the game, though, and Memphis did just that with the result.

*Everyone on this team is ready to fight for the result. In the 92nd minute, Dan Metzger read an errant touch, intercepted the ball, raced upfield, and tormented his defender before drawing a foul outside the box. It’s that type of lung-bursting effort on tired legs late in the game that can make all the difference. It also indicates that the players are fully behind Mulqueen’s philosophy.

* When watching the ESPN+ stream, you might have noticed a completely barren half of the stadium. There were some fans situated behind the dugouts, but the turnout for Bethlehem was, frankly, pathetic. Kudos to Memphis for embracing its team and turning out in droves for home games at AutoZone Park.

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Defending Memphis: Memphis 901 FC Gears Up for Opening Weekend.

CREDIT: Bryan Rollins

The Bluff City gave a very Memphis welcome to its new soccer team, teasing players with a hint of sun before throwing severe wind-chill and a week-long thunderstorm at them. If that made the first month of a preseason a bit of a grind, well, all the better for helping the athletes acclimate to the city’s sporting culture.

Turn on the TV to NBC Sports, ESPN, or even TNT to see the growth the soccer phenomenon has been enjoying. Local bars like The Brass Door and Celtic Crossing have provided spaces to watch games, but Memphis needed a bigger outlet for its soccer fandom. Two members of the Redbirds ownership group were happy to oblige.

Bryan Rollins

Memphis 901 FC

Peter Freund and Craig Unger are part of Trinity Sports Holdings, whose portfolio includes interests in the New York Yankees, Memphis Redbirds, 901 FC, and recently Dagenham & Redbridge FC, a soccer club in East London. Since the Redbirds season ended last year, the two have been working hard to ensure that all the necessary infrastructure is in place for a soccer team. Recently branded Memphis 901 FC, the team will play in the United Soccer League (USL).

Unger, the organization’s president, started by hiring sporting director Andrew Bell, a league veteran who led the Charleston Battery to the USL championship in 2012. That appointment aligned with Unger’s goal of aiming high in the team’s first season. “We want to win the USL Championship,” says Unger. “Crazier things can happen, even in year one. But our immediate goal is to reach the playoffs.” In addition to a regular league season, USL teams are also entered in the U.S. Open Cup, which will see occasional clashes with Major League Soccer (MLS) franchises, the highest level of the sport in America.

While Freund and Unger already had extensive experience running a sports franchise, they needed someone familiar with the soccer landscape to be part of the leadership group. Luckily, one of Memphis’ own fit the bill. Nicknamed “Superman” or “Captain America” after his heroics for the United States at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Tim Howard has called Memphis home since the early 2000s. The goalkeeper, who plans to retire at the end of his upcoming MLS season with the Colorado Rapids, heard about talks for a Memphis team early on and approached Freund about becoming a part-owner. Howard’s name brings instant credibility to the organization.

Finding the right coach goes a long way to ensuring success, and the candidate chosen for the position has his own history with Howard. Tim Mulqueen showed his eye for talent when he discovered Howard at a clinic in New Jersey and has been a mentor ever since. Howard believes Mulqueen has the right mentality to make the team successful in its first season. “Tim is tough, a great man-manager, and knows soccer inside and out,” Howard says.

Mulqueen is essentially working with a group of strangers for the first time, but he’s excited. “Their effort, their commitment to getting better and getting to know each other has been tremendous,” says Mulqueen. “We’re a good team, and with the effort and commitment the guys are putting in, we can’t help but get better.”

With Terminix recently announced as the shirt sponsor and several preseason skirmishes with other USL teams under its belt, the organization and Memphis are counting down the days until kick-off. When the Tampa Bay Rowdies arrive for opening day this Saturday, March 9th, both the players and crowd will be ready to match the 901 FC’s motto to “Defend Memphis.”