Memphis 901 FC loses 4-1 at Louisville City FC

Memphis 901 FC lost 4-1 against Louisville City FC in Louisville Saturday night in the first match of interim head coach Ben Pirmman's tenure. Memphis has now been mathematically eliminated from the postseason. Pirmann, who assumed the top job after Tim Mulqueen was dismissed Wednesday, made several lineup and formation changes, including playing three across the back and moving Mark Segbers into a midfield role in his first match back from injury.

However, some of the mistakes that have plagued 901 FC all season — like sloppy midfield turnovers and giving opposing attackers too much space in the box — were on full display Saturday and Louisville City was in control of the match from the first to the final whistle. The home side dominated possession and got off eight shots on target, compared to two for 901 FC.

Louisville City got out to an early lead, with Cameron Lancaster scoring a relatively easy tap-in off a neat pass across the box from Brian Ownby in the 14th minute. Ownby doubled the home side's lead 10 minutes later before 901 FC striker Cal Jennings pulled one back just before the half, his third goal in the past two matches.

Memphis 901 FC seemed to find a better rhythm at the start of the second half but was unable to capitalize on the few

chances it created.

Lancaster's second goal in the 74th minute — a back-heel tap in after Memphis goalkeeper Jimmy Hague gave up a rebound — seemed to demoralize Memphis and Louisville midfielder Corben Bone's 84th-minute goal sealed all three points for Louisville. On Thursday, Pirmann called Louisville a well-coached team and one of the standard-bearers for the league.

“They're one of the top teams out of 35,” he said. “They've been to three straight cup finals. Every year they've been in the league, they've been in the conference final.”

After scoring both Memphis goals in last weekend's 3-2 loss at North Carolina FC, Jennings said he was always happy to get on the scoresheet and do his part to help the team get the kind of results that have eluded them most of the season.

“I feel like I'm definitely getting into the speed of the game and getting more comfortable as time goes on, getting to know my teammates,” he said.

However, 901 FC was not able to build on his goal Saturday, leading to their seventh loss of the season.

Memphis 901 FC returns home this week to host North Carolina FC on Wednesday night, which will be the two sides' third meeting in two weeks.

SAM UPSHAW JR./COURIER JOURNAL Louisville City FC'S Cameron Lancaster (17) celebrated with teammate Napo Matsoso (27) after scoring their first goal against Sporting Kansas City II during their match at Lynn Family Stadium on Aug. 19, 2020. Lancaster scored two of Louisville City FC'S four goals against Memphis 901 FC Saturday.