MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis 901 FC scored back-to-back goals in stoppage time to come from behind and draw 2-2 with Rhode Island FC on Wednesday night at AutoZone Park.
"I think we were poor tonight. There’s no two ways about it. Everything that was bad in the game came from ourselves," head coach Stephen Glass said. "I think our group of players have got unbelievable heart. They don't know when they’re beaten and I think that’s a huge, huge positive."
Memphis found themselves down 1-0 early on Wednesday night after Conor McGlynn scored in the 18th minute for Rhode Island.
The Beale Street Boys came close to equalizing on several occasions but Rhode Island's Joe Brito would be the next to find the back of the net in the 67th minute.
Despite having 68% of possession and a whopping 22 shots (6 on target) compared to Rhode Island's 8 shots (5 on target), Memphis trailed 2-0 at the end of regulation.
But the Beale Street Boys made sure they weren't out of it. Right as regulation time ended Rhode Island's keeper, Koke Vegas was sent from the pitch for a foul on Nighte Pickering as he was going for goal. Sameul Careaga capitalized on the moment, nailing a free kick from 22 yards out against Rhode Island's backup keeper.
It marked Careaga's second goal this season and second off a free kick situation.
Five minutes later, Lucas Turci was pulled down in the box and Memphis was given a penalty kick. Marlon made no mistakes with the shot to score his sixth goal of the season and tie the match in the 101st minute.
The draw sees Memphis earn a point and move into sixth spot in the Western Conference Standings. The Beale Street Boys are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches.
Memphis 901 FC return home on Saturday where they host Western Conference leaders, New Mexico United at 7:30 p.m. CT.
"They're one of the best teams in the league, East and West. We felt it when we were there last year. They'll be confident and fresh. We'll be ready. It'll be a great challenge and I think it'll be a good game," Glass said. "Hopefully we get the backing of the fans like we did tonight and we'll excite them like we did tonight."