April 30, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Miami FC News Release
Memphis, Tenn. – The Miami Football Club ended Memphis 901 FC’s five-game unbeaten streak after a 2-1 win at AutoZone Park. Former Memphis 901 players Kyle Murphy and Pierre da Silva led Miami FC to a victory, scoring the goals on Saturday night
Head coach Anthony Pulis deployed his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation with captain Paco Craig leading the team from the back after missing Miami FC’s previous two matches against Phoenix Rising and Inter Miami CF with a leg injury. Striker Kyle Murphy, who scored 21 goals for Memphis 901 FC last year, returned to the starting lineup to face his former side.
First half breakdown
Murphy celebrated his homecoming with a goal within the opening ten minutes. Attacking midfielder Florian Valot anticipated a throw-in in front of the Memphis 901 FC bench, drove the ball infield and dished out a pass to the ex-Memphis forward. Murphy took a touch and then tucked the ball past goalkeeper Trey Muse with his left foot to give Miami FC after just seven minutes of play.
The Orange and Blue double their lead in the 11th minute after wingers Josh Pérez and Pierre da Silva combined for their third goal of the year. The Salvadorian beat defender with speed on the right wing, and crossed the ball into the six-yard-box. Pérez’s cross was parried by the keeper, and Da Silva reacted before the defenders around him to poke the ball into the goal.
Despite finishing the half leading the game two goals to zero, Miami FC trailed in possession and chance creation statistics. Memphis dominated possession with 57 percent of it and created nine shots, two on target, compared to Miami’s three shots on frame. The visitors headed into the locker room with 100 percent shooting accuracy, creating and converting the only two clear chances of the first half.
Second half breakdown
Memphis 901 FC made three substitutions during the break. On the other hand, Pulis started the second…