The busy week continues for Memphis 901 FC (10-6-8, 38 pts.) on Saturday as they look forward to round two of a heavyweight bout against a strong Charleston Battery club (12-7-7, 43 pts.) looking to avenge their loss earlier this season.
Memphis looks for the season sweep over a strong Charleston Battery club just ahead of them in the Eastern Conference Standings.
The Beale Street Boys won the first battle of the year at AutoZone Park in a 3-2 victory featuring goals from Laurent Kissiedou, Rashawn Dally, and a game-winner for Rodrigo Da Costa.
While five points separate the two clubs, Memphis holds two games in hand over Charleston and can improve their chances of moving above the Ben Pirmann side with victory.
Memphis will look to stop a dynamic Charleston attack with their momentum on the defensive end, as three clean sheets in the last four matches has lifted them to a four-match unbeaten streak as the club enters the final quarter of the regular season.
901 FC played to a scoreless draw against Indy Eleven last time out and carry strong form on the road with victories in the last two matches away from AutoZone Park. Meanwhile, Charleston is recovering from a 2-0 loss at Orange County SC.
Fans can watch the match on ESPN+ and WMC Bounce TV locally.
Road Warriors
The Beale Street Boys hit the road for their fifth away match in the last six games on Saturday. Memphis has been one of the top clubs on the road in the USL Championship with only two losses in 12 matches away from AutoZone Park this season.
Rodrigo Answers the Call
Rodrigo da Costa leads Memphis 901 FC with nine goals this season, already matching his 2022 total and only three scores away from his career-high with 10 matches remaining in the regular season.
“Rodrigo continues to give us what we knew he would when we got him,” Head Coach Stephen Glass. “We’ve not been disappointed since he got here.”
The versatile Brazilian attacker joined Memphis 901 FC in a midseason acquisition, bringing his knack for scoring and distribution to one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the league.
Spreading the Wealth
Memphis hasn’t missed a step even with injuries to key players this season. 901 FC has had 14 different players find the back of the net and 11 assist others in scores this year.
Leading the charge is midfielder Aaron Molloy, who leads the club with six assists this season, third most in the league. Molloy and Jeremy Kelly led the team with 10 assists each in 2022.
Romig Rises
Drew Romig has established himself as a strong starter in goal for this league after strong performances over the past month with two consecutive clean sheets while only allowing one goal in the past four matches.
The goalkeeper earned Team of the Week honors for the first time after his fourth clean sheet of the season.
