Memphis 901 FC draws 1-1 with Birmingham Legion
For the second time in as many meetings, Memphis 901 FC drew with rival and Group G leader Birmingham Legion, which found its lone goal on a penalty kick awarded for a foul committed outside the box.
The 1-1 draw at Autozone Park on Saturday leaves Memphis at the bottom of the group. The match was a marked improvement from Wednesday's listless performance against the Charlotte Independence.
Coach Tim Mulqueen said he felt good overall about the game but said he felt bad for his players that they didn't get all three points due to the penalty.
“I looked on video; it's not a (penalty). Clearly outside the box. That's just a call that can't be missed. It changes the course of the game,” he said.
Here are three takeaways:
Buttoned down in back
When Memphis played the Legion in Birmingham for the first match after the restart, Birmingham dominated. At the teams' last meeting, the sides drew 2-2 in Birmingham in a match that looked sure to be a 901 FC victory before Memphis conceded a penalty eight minutes into second-half stoppage time.
On Saturday, Memphis frustrated Birmingham's offense for the majority of the match and did not allow a goal from outfield play, even after Dan Metzger was sent off with 17 minutes plus stoppage time to play after picking up his second yellow card.
“I thought our commitment to work, our tactical discipline — aside from the red card — was very good,” Mulqueen said.
Memphis also controlled the midfield, thanks in large part to Jean-christophe Koffi and Jose Baxter.
“I thought his presence, his passing, his ability to get us out of tight spots was great,” Mulqueen said of Baxter.
Finishing better, but still needing work
Memphis' goal came by way of a Keanu Marsh-brown chip over goalkeeper Matt Vanoekel at close range in the 28th minute, his third goal of the season.
Mulqueen praised his composure and decision making and also singled out forward Matt Hundley, who got his first start of the season Saturday.
Memphis created multiple other opportunities but wasn't able to finish on them, a theme of the season.
Baxter said there still needed to be improvements in front of the goal for 901 FC.
Points for the taking
Memphis will travel to North Carolina FC on Thursday for the first of a two-game series, including the match that was postponed after 901 FC players chose not to play in the wake of Jacob Blake's shooting by Kenosha, Wisconsin, police.
Memphis has to pick up wins if it wants to make the playoffs. North Carolina FC is third in the group and will be coming off a hard loss to the Charlotte Independence. Picking up six points on a road trip would be a big boost for those flickering but not yet extinguished postseason dreams.
“Playing Thursday, making quick adjustments, playing Sunday, it's hard," Mulqueen said. "It's hard for both teams. We know each other well as it is,” he said of North Carolina FC.
Baxter said Saturday that the team's mentality has changed and a sense of urgency has set in.
“I think we realized we're in a battle and we need to start winning games to make the playoffs,” he said. “I think just seeing the margin open a little bit to third and second gave us a little kick in the backside.”