MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis 901 FC secured its fourth straight playoff berth and extended its 13-game home unbeaten streak with a 0-0 draw against Sacramento Republic on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.
The match had a playoff-like intensity, with both teams needing points as the regular season nears its end.
“It was gritty. Either team could’ve won it," 901 FC manager Stephen Glass said. "Two good teams going after it. I think both teams really tried to win, not just sit back. It looked like playoff football, really. That’s what it’s going to be like from now until the end of the season. If you come out of games unbeaten, you’ve got a really good chance to go and do something. Proud of the boys with the run they’re on, especially at home. We just need to make sure we go on the road and get some points to get back here.”
Memphis dominated possession in the first half, controlling 62% of the ball, taking 10 shots, and forcing two saves.
Just over 15 minutes into the match, midfielder Emerson Hyndman nearly broke the deadlock, but his long-range shot was tipped wide of the post.
In the second half, Glass employed a high press, which caused problems for Sacramento. Memphis created several turnovers in the opposition's half but failed to capitalize. Midway through the second half, Sacramento began to put pressure on 901 FC’s backline, but Memphis held strong.
In stoppage time, Memphis threatened to score when forward Panos Armenakas received a pass on the edge of the box and struck the ball cleanly with the inside of his boot, only for Sacramento goalkeeper Danny Vitiello to make a brilliant save.
Overall, the match was relatively clean, but for the second consecutive week, it was marred by a questionable officiating decision in the closing moments. Memphis substitute Dylan Borczak was pulled down by his jersey during a breakaway, but no foul was called.
After the match, Glass expressed frustration with the officiating. “Some of the refereeing decisions were questionable, to say the least,” he said.
Memphis sits fifth in the Western Conference, just one point behind fourth-place Colorado Springs. With two regular-season games remaining, the club is pushing for a top-four finish and the chance to host a first-round playoff match at AutoZone Park. Glass emphasized the significance of a home playoff game:
“It would be amazing. You saw the crowd tonight. They were fantastic. The boys fed off it. The crowd made it hostile, and they were aggressive when some of the decisions were, let’s say, questionable. They were into it, and I think that’s because they respond to the heart and spirit of the team. It’s important that we keep that. We’d love to bring a playoff game back here.”
The Beale Street Boys hit the road for their final two games, facing Phoenix Rising FC on Oct. 19 and New Mexico United on Oct. 26.
