Memphis 901 FC draws with Colorado Springs
Memphis 901 FC drew 1-1 at home with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Tuesday night. The draw followed Memphis' 4-1 loss at OKC Energy FC on Saturday, the team's first loss since June 26th.
Striker Kyle Murphy earned Memphis a point Tuesday after he converted from the penalty spot late in the game. It was his ninth goal of the season. Murphy said he was happy to see the team get a draw after the tough match in Oklahoma City.
"I thought we fought really hard and everyone gave it their all. So, it was a big positive bounce back," he said.
Colorado took the lead in the 35th minute off a controversial penalty call. The penalty, conceded by goalkeeper Brady Scott, earned the keeper a yellow card.
Switchbacks striker Hadji Barry easily put the ball past Scott, who got his fourth start of the year.
"So right after the penalty went in, I was just focused on the next play," he said. "That's kind of how I try to play the entire match just focused on being in the moment, not thinking about the past or the future just be in the moment."
Kyle Morton had started the previous five matches but was not listed as a substitute Tuesday. Coach Ben Pirmann said he was out for personal reasons.
Scott made a big save in the 77th to keep Memphis (5-5-5) in the match. The effort was rewarded a few minutes later when Memphis earned a penalty in the 83rd minute, which Murphy slotted home.
A verbal confrontation between Switchbacks defender Jimmy Ockford and head referee John Matto led to a straight red card for the defender and left the visiting side with 10 men for the remainder of the match. However, Memphis wasn't able to turn that advantage into a winning goal and settled with a draw.
Memphis will host rival Birmingham Legion on Saturday night marking the halfway point of the season.