Memphis 901 FC suffered a 2-1 defeat against Monterey Bay F.C. on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.
The Beale Street Boys managed to secure an early lead, finding the back of the net within the first minute of the match. Bruno Lapa orchestrated the breakthrough off a set piece, delivering a in-swinging cross into the box. The ensuing chaos amidst the 901 FC attack and Monterey's defensive scramble resulted in an own goa. A MFC defender attempted to clear the ball but ended up booting the ball off Alex Lara and into the net. The own-goal gave Memphis the lead 56 seconds into the match.
Despite the promising start, Memphis couldn't stave off a second-half resurgence from Monterey.
Just over 10 Minutes into the second half Carson Vom Steeg was called for a push in the back on Monterey's Mobi Fehr inside the 901 FC penalty area.
At full speed it is hard to see what Fehr did but if you watch it back the midfielder should have been penalized for simulation.
Since there is no Video Assistant Referee in the USL the head official's initial call for a penalty stood. Tristan Trager stepped and calmly tied the game from the spot.
Less than 2 minutes late Monterey took the lead thanks to a head goal by Lara from a corner kick.
Memphis continued to create chances and threatened to equalize on multiple occasions.
In a spirited display, Memphis unleashed a barrage of 18 shots, with five on target, in a determined bid to mount a comeback. However, their efforts fell short as they were unable to find the equalizer.
“I thought we switched off on the corner kick and gave away a goal," 901 FC Manager Stephen Glass said. "On taking opportunities we can be a little more clinical. We’ve been saying it for weeks. Performance wise it was good, making opportunities is good. Taking opportunities, not so good. If you keep it tight at the other end like we said it before, we should have won two or three nil. It’s disappointing but the players efforts, I’m happy with.”
Looking ahead, Memphis 901 FC will embark on a road trip to face arch-rivals Birmingham Legion FC at Protective Stadium on Saturday, April 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.