usl-championship – Memphis Flyer

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.

Old foes, and some slightly less familiar faces, will test Memphis 901 FC’s mettle come kickoff this season.

Earlier today, the USL Championship announced its plans for league alignment during the 2021 regular season. This year, the championship will see 31 teams spread across four divisions and two conferences. Each club’s campaign will see them play a 32-match schedule conducted over the span of 27 weeks.

Eric Glemser

Fullback Mark Segbers is one of two officially announced 901 FC players who will be returning this season.

901 FC finds itself in the Central Division, where it will face off against six-time Eastern Conference finalist Louisville City FC; regional rivals Indy Eleven, Atlanta United 2, and Birmingham Legion FC; and FC Tulsa, OKC Energy FC, and Sporting Kansas City II to round out the group.

During the season, 901 FC will play its division opponents four times — two matches at home, and two matches away. With division matches accounting for only 28 games, 901 FC will play its remaining four matches against either regional or cross-conference opponents, yet to be determined.

The full 2021 USL regular season schedule has not been released yet, but opening day is scheduled for a flexible start date of May 1st (however, clubs may begin play anywhere between April 24th and May 15th).

Defender Mark Segbers and midfielder Dan Metzger are the only two officially confirmed 901 FC players to be returning next season. Meanwhile, Ben Pirmann, who took over after the dismissal of Tim Mulqueen last year, still holds the title of interim head coach.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding player news and scheduling announcements.

See below for other USL Division alignments:

Eastern Conference                                                        Western Conference
Atlantic Division                                                              Mountain Division
Charleston Battery                                                     Austin Bold FC
Charlotte Independence                  Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Hartford Athletic                                                    El Paso Locomotive FC
Loudoun United FC                            New Mexico United
Miami FC                                                          Real Monarchs SLC
New York Red Bulls II                            Rio Grande Valley FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC                            San Antonio FC
Tampa Bay Rowdies

Central Division                                                                Pacific Division
Atlanta United 2                                                           LA Galaxy II
Birmingham Legion FC                            Las Vegas Lights FC
FC Tulsa                                                       Oakland Roots SC
Indy Eleven                                                      Orange County SC
Louisville City FC                                                          Phoenix Rising FC
Memphis 901 FC                                                          Sacramento Republic FC
OKC Energy FC                                                          San Diego Loyal SC
Sporting Kansas City II                            Tacoma Defiance