MEMPHIS, Tenn — Memphis 901 FC announced the addition of midfielder Panos Armenakas in a transfer from fellow USL Western Conference team Phoenix Rising FC. The transfer is still pending league and federation approval.
Armenakas is an Australian international who calls Newport Beach, California his hometown. He was a part of the 2023 Phoenix team that won the USL Championship. Armenakas has 51 total USL appearances. He's started 12 of 16 appearances in 2024 and has two goals and an assist to his credit.
Armenakas is the third addition for Memphis 901 FC in the last two weeks. Goalkeeper Triston Henry and Midfielder Jon Bakero were added last week and quickly helped the club to a 1-0 win over San Antonio. Henry delivered a shutout with six saves while Bakero played 80 minutes.
Memphis (9-4-8) is fourth in the USL Western Conference looks poised to make a run in the playoffs. In fact, it was their dominance of Armenakas former club that helped convince him Memphis was a destination. The Beale Street Boys beat Phoenix Rising, 5-1, in June.
"Coming here and losing 5-1 maybe helped," Armenakas joked. "I knew they were interested and some other teams. I see the ambition of the club and I'm excited to join a good group and be competitive and fight to win a championship in year one."
It seems that Armenakas was a sought after commodity on the transfer market. Both he and Memphis 901 FC Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell suggested their were other teams interested in the Australian's services. For Memphis 901 FC, it's become clear the team is not just pursuing talented players, but that they want players who specifically want to play for the Beale Street blue.
"It was really evident and that he has a burning desire to win and be in Memphis," Patterson-Sewell said. "As we've said all year long, we don't do second best so if you don't want to be here don't come. I think knowing the other clubs that were in for him, it speaks volumes to what we're building here."
Memphis 901 FC takes the pitch again on Saturday, August 3 when they play El Paso Locomotive FC.
