MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis 901 FC fought to a 1-1 draw against Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.
Bruno Lapa gave Memphis an early lead, extending the club’s unbeaten streak at home to 12 games. Alvaro Quezada set up the goal with a pinpoint cross from the edge of the box, and Lapa sent a one-timer into the bottom corner .
Lapa now has three goals in the last two games, bringing his season total to a team-leading 11 goals.
“I think we got our noses in front and got some really good play from the lads," Glass said. "It didn't look like we were going to give up a lot of opportunities. You go into the game knowing the threat of the set pieces which they’re very good at. It’s disappointing to lose one. We’ve got to do a little bit better ourselves."
Mid way through the first half Jon Bakero pinged a shot from 20 yards which was saved. Luiz Fernando pounced on the ball and sent the rebound into the back of the net but the linesman signaled for offside and the goal was disallowed.
After the game 901 FC manager Stephen Glass voiced his displeasure with the decision.
"Where we can’t do better ourselves is when Luiz (Fernando) puts it in the goal, he’s clearly onside, and it doesn't count," Glass said. "It’s 2-0 and it’s a huge difference maker in the game. I’ve said it all season, everything will even itself out. I think we’re in for a really good last 7-8 weeks here if it evens itself out. You look at the second half, it’s a penalty kick not given.
Oakland found an equalizer in the 36th minute when Camden Riley headed in a set piece.
Memphis came out firing to start the 2nd half. Samuel Careaga managed two shots from just outside the box in the opening 10 minutes of the half, but both of his attempts missed the target.
Oakland nearly took the lead with 13 minutes remaining but Johnny Rodriguez clanged his shot off the crossbar.
901 FC picked up the pressure with minutes remaining but couldn't find the back of the net. Lapa came close with two minutes remaining but his shot sailed narrowly wide.
Currently sitting fifth in the USL Championship Western Conference, Memphis has three games left in the regular season as they push for a top-four finish and a first-round home playoff match.
Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park on Saturday, October 12, for their regular season home finale, which will also be Latino Heritage Night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT.