MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis 901 run riot in 4-1 win over the previously unbeaten Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Marlon Santos scored his first two goals of the season and set up his Brazilian teammate Luiz Fernando for another goal to cap off an outstanding performance.
Memphis were handed a gift minutes into the match.
The Rowdies were handed a blow in 11 minutes into the match after going down to 10 men thanks to a reckless challenge by Forrest Lasso.
901 FC took advantage of the man advantage 8 minutes later. Marlon received the ball 20 yards from goal, dribbles around a defenders and rifled the ball into the top right corner.
Less than four minutes later, fellow Brazilian Fernando got in on the action. Marlon raced down the left wing and picked out Fernando who dinked the ball over goalkeeper Jordan Farr to double the lead.
“We started the game great, Glass said. "Obviously we caused them a problem with the movement up top. It’s great to take the bull by the horns and take care of it. You can get in positions to score goals and when it doesn't happen you can get criticized but when the players execute the way they did it’s fantastic."
Tampa Bay pulled a goal back through Manuel Arteaga to end the first half but 901 FC responded to open the second half.
Minutes after the start of the second half Bruno Lapa pinged a shot off the crossbar and the ball ricocheted off Farr's back. Marlon swiftly tapped the rebound across the line to give Memphis a 3-1 lead.
Memphis 901 FC's goalkeeper Tyler Deric joined the points party with a long ball to Dylan Borczak who smacked the ball into an open net to secure the win.
The win was marked by a full team effort but the the Brazilian trio of Lapa, Marlon and Fernando stole the show combining for three goals and one assist.
“They're dangerous, they can finish, they're very positive and that’s why we put them where we did the last couple of games. They've contributed brilliantly all year," Glass confidently stated.
Memphis dominated in all facets of the game, possession (57%), passing success rate (80%), shooting (21-10), and defense (one goal conceded and 21 clearances).
Memphis have now won three out of its last four but the club will face MLS side FC Dallas in the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday.
"I’m glad that they enjoyed a great day," Glass said Now we need to prepare for dallas. We’ll enjoy it but we need to move on because there's a very good chance if we can do that we’ll be playing Tampa again very soon. So we just prepare for the next one.”
Kickoff in Dallas is set for 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday.