Memphis 901 FC Hunting for Playoff-Clinching Victory over Atlanta United 2
September 6, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Memphis 901 FC News Release
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC looks to clinch their playoff spot while ending their winless streak as they take on Atlanta United 2 Wednesday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Memphis moved to 16-7-4 on the season after a 1-1 draw against defending champion Orange County on Saturday. 901 FC dropped to third in the Eastern Conference, six points behind first place Louisville City FC with seven matches left in the regular season.
With the Tampa Bay Rowdies moving up to second in the conference and clinching a playoff spot with 54 points, Memphis looks to be the third Eastern Conference team to lock up a playoff spot.
901 FC took nine shots with four on target in the draw while Jeremy Kelly scored the club’s lone goal in the 85th minute to split points with Orange County.
Atlanta has been knocked out of playoff contention, but are coming off a 2-1 win against FC Tulsa. Memphis took the first matchup of the season defeating Atlanta 5-2 at AutoZone Park. Atlanta leads the league in goals conceded with 74.
901 FC concludes their second stretch of three matches in eight days with the trip to Atlanta before hosting Charleston Battery on Friday, September 16.
History in the Making..
Memphis 901 FC is currently enjoying their best season since its start in the Bluff City in 2019. After a playoff appearance last season, the club has established itself as a title contender. The battle at the top of the Eastern Conference has only intensified entering the final stretch of the season. 901 FC sits at third in the Eastern Conference with seven matches remaining in the regular season, including a September 23 rematch against No. 1 Louisville City FC.
The Race for the Golden Boot…
Phillip Goodrum has been the jetfuel as the man up top for one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the league. The forward has netted 14 goals this season, the fourth most in the USL Championship. Memphis is unbeaten in 12 of the 13 matches Goodrum has found the back of the net including a 5-2 statement victory on June 5 when he scored two goals against his former club ATL United 2.
Goals Scored Leaderboard:
1 – Milan Iloski – 19
2 – Hadji Barry – 16
T3 – Ottar Magnus Karlsson – 15
T3 – Leo Fernandes – 15
T5 – Phillip Goodrum – 14
T5 – Augustine Williams – 14
The Distributors…
Memphis 901 FC boasts one of the league’s most dynamic duos in the midfield with Aaron Molloy and Jeremy Kelly. Molloy has made his hay as the squad’s primary kicktaker, leading the USL with 10 assists. Kelly has been at the center of the 901 FC attack since moving from the back line this season, currently tied for fourth most assists in the USL with eight. Kelly was tabbed as the USL Championship Player of the Month in May after a stretch of three goals and three assists in four victories for 901 FC.
Assists Leaderboard:
1 – Aaron Molloy – 10
T2 – Cameron Lindley – 9
T2 – Kenardo Forbes – 9
T2 – Hadji Berry – 9
T5 – Jeremy Kelly – 8
T5 – Antoine Hoppenot – 8
Set Piece Superstar…
Aaron Molloy has made his name as one of the most dangerous legs from the set piece in the USL Championship. Seven of the midfielder’s 10 assists this season have come off of the set piece, but not before scoring his first goal of the season on a free kick strike from 20 feet out against Oakland Roots on March 19. Molloy is currently ranked third in chances created with 62 this season.
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