May 9, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Memphis 901 FC News Release
Memphis 901 FC heads to the unfriendly confines of Protective Stadium to take on familiar foe Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday, May 10 in an all-important Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 matchup.
While the Beale St. Boys never need extra motivation to take on rival Birmingham, the stakes for this edition of the Southern Harm derby have been raised with the victor punching their ticket to the Round of 16.
901 FC made history to get to this stage with their 2-1 victory over Atlanta United FC using a go-ahead goal from Nighte Pickering in extra time. The extra time triumph was the first victory over an MLS club in franchise history.
That night in Kennesaw was another confidence-building moment in Memphis’ current run of form before the club stretched their unbeaten streak to seven with a 2-0 road victory over Hartford Athletic. Laurent Kissiedou and Rashawn Dally found the back of the net to keep 901 FC unbeaten on the road in 2023.
901 FC has spread the love with their strong attack with nine different players scoring goals in nine matches across all competitions. Bruno Lapa, Luiz Fernando, Pickering and Kissiedou have notched two each.
That attack will look to exploit a Birmingham squad that has conceded 18 goals this season, the most in the USL Championship. They’ll look to get back to their winning ways after two consecutive losses to Oakland Roots SC and Miami FC.
Despite the current loss streak, Birmingham will prove to be a tough opponent, currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference with five victories. They reached the Open Cup Round of 32 with a win over Chattanooga FC using extra time and penalty kicks in the third round.
Wednesday’s match can be streamed live on the U.S. Soccer Youtube Channel with kickoff set for 7 p.m. CT. Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park to host Colorado Springs Switchback on Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m. CT.
The Ultimate Wingman
Winger Luiz Fernando has contributed to goals in each of the club’s last five matches across the USL Championship and U.S. Open Cup with two goals and three assists. Fernando scored the equalizer in Saturday’s draw vs. Louisville added game-winning assists vs. Atlanta and Hartford.
The Brazilian winger scored four goals and six assists in 30 appearances in 2022.
Chances on Chances on Chances
Aaron Molloy leads the USL Championship in chances created and crosses, serving as the primary kick taker and captain…