Team Announcements

Memphis, Tenn. (Nov. 13, 2024) — We collectively share the disappointment of our supporters and the Memphis community as Memphis 901 FC’s franchise rights transition to Santa Barbara, California. So many people have poured their hearts and souls into building this club, including soccer legend Tim Howard, and to everyone who helped build this organization, we will be forever grateful. 

From the beginning, we emphasized that a soccer-specific stadium was essential for the long-term viability of professional soccer in Memphis. Following the city’s direction, we participated in multiple trips to lobby the Tennessee legislature in 2023 for a $350 million cash grant to fund sports facilities, including a new soccer stadium and renovations to AutoZone Park. While the State of Tennessee fulfilled this grant to Memphis, funding for the Liberty Park soccer stadium and AutoZone Park was unceremoniously left out. In the past year, we have explored additional options, but unfortunately time was not on our side. 

We maintain that we have much to be proud of, from sold-out crowds in 2019 and navigating the challenges of 2020, to building teams that made the playoffs the past four consecutive seasons and celebrating with the best supporters in all of USL soccer, including the Bluff City Mafia. 901 FC captured the hearts of soccer fans and captivated the city with its unique culture and experiences. 

It has been a tremendous honor to represent this incredible community. Thank you, Memphis! 

Memphis 901 FC 

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Memphis, Tenn. (Oct. 27, 2024) — No. 3 seed Memphis 901 FC will host No. 6 seed Orange County SC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals at AutoZone Park on Saturday, November 2 at 1 p.m. CT. 

Memphis secured their third straight top-four finish and home playoff match with two road victories at Phoenix Rising and New Mexico United to close the regular season.  

Tickets for the Western Conference Quarterfinal will go on sale on the club’s postseason website on Monday, October 28. 

The 2024 USL Championship Playoffs are a single elimination, fixed-bracket competition that see the top-eight teams from the Eastern and Western conferences qualify. The postseason will culminate in the 2024 USL Championship Final on CBS on Saturday, November 23. 

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Donations Accepted at AutoZone Park Sept. 30-Oct. 5  

Memphis, TENN. (Sept. 30, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital have partnered for the Kicking it for Kids Toy Drive to bring joy and comfort to young patients during challenging times.  

The soccer club will collect toy donations at the AutoZone Park Team Store starting on Monday, September 30 and in the plaza during the next home match on Saturday, October 5. A list of acceptable items can be found on the club’s webpage.  

“Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is grateful for the support from our friends at Memphis 901 FC and appreciate the time they’ve taken to organize this toy drive for our patients,” said Le Bonheur Program Director of Pediatric Surgery Tim Jancelewicz. “Our goal is to get kids back to the business of being a kid and efforts like this help make it possible.” 

Memphis 901 FC players will deliver toy donations to Le Bonheur patients in the coming weeks.  

901 FC will face Oakland Roots SC at AutoZone Park on Saturday, October 5 at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the match can be purchased with this link.  

ABOUT LE BONHEUR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL  

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals, featuring expert physicians and staff, state-of-the-art technology and family-friendly resources. We are also part of the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare group of hospitals.  

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.         

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Head of Sport Science Leandro Spinola Also Extended

Memphis, TENN. (August 22, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC announced today the club has exercised the contract option for Head Coach Stephen Glass, extending his contract through the 2025 season.   

“When we hired Stephen, we wanted a straight shooter, a team player, someone who was on board with an attacking brand of soccer and made no excuses,” said Acting Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “Stephen has delivered in every way and as a club, we are excited to continue building one of the best attacking teams in the USL and consistently compete for Championships for our fans. 

“He has driven the new culture we wanted within the club, including our shared commitment to collective leadership, community outreach, and mentorship to the next generation of players in our area.” 

Glass joined 901 FC ahead of the 2023 season and lead the club to a top four finish and fourth consecutive playoff appearance in his first season. The former Premier Leaguer has brought MLS and Scottish Premiership managerial experience to make 901 FC one of the top attacks in the USL Championship over 64 matches.   

The Beale Street Boys have ranked toward the top of the league in nearly all attacking categories under Glass, scoring 60 goals in 2023 and 40 goals in 25 matches this season. Memphis boasts the top scoring team in the Western Conference this season.  

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue to build upon the work that has taken place over the last two years.” said Glass. “I am looking forward to continuing to build the squad and am grateful for the faith that the club has shown in me since I arrived in late 2022. Along with the rest of the staff, I will continue to do all I can to keep Memphis challenging at the top of the league and give the city a team to be proud of.” 

Memphis’ trademark dangerous attack has continued into the 2024 season with the club sitting at No. 3 in the USL Championship Western Conference as they compete for another home playoff match this fall. 901 FC has lost only four of their last 17 matches with a current nine-match home unbeaten streak, the last home loss coming on April 20.   

Memphis will also exercise the contract option for Head of Sports Science Leandro Spinola through 2025. Spinola joined the technical staff in 2023 after a seven-year stint as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the top tier of Brazilian soccer. 

“Leandro has delivered one of the best Sport Science programs in our league since he arrived at the club,” said Patterson-Sewell. “His dedication to improving each player, his incredible knowledge, and his ability to embrace our mantra that no job is too big has been first class.”  

Memphis 901 FC is back in action on the road on Saturday, August 24 at No. 4 Oakland Roots SC with a 9 p.m. CT kickoff. 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park on Wednesday, September 11 for Hometown Heroes Night. 

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.        

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com   

Memphis, Tenn. (August 1, 2024) — Memphis 901 FC announced today the club has acquired Panos Armenakas via transfer in exchange for an undisclosed fee, pending league and federation approval.  

A key piece in last season’s title-winning Phoenix squad, Armenakas joins an already deep attacking group in Memphis. The Australian international has made 45 of his 51 USL Championship appearances since moving to Phoenix during the 2023 season. Armenakas has started in 12 of his 16 appearances this season with two goals and an assist in 2024. 

“We are delighted to welcome Panos to Memphis,” said Acting Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “He is a top talent and was highly sought after during this period. We are delighted he chose Memphis. We see him playing multiple positions which gives us flexibility and he has a burning desire to win something this season. We look forward to Panos bringing his competitiveness and helping us achieve our goals this season.” 

The 25-year-old has played professionally in Denmark, Belgium and Greece along with international appearances for Greece (U17) and Australia (U17, U23). Armenakas signed with Italian side Udinese at age 19, becoming the youngest Australian at the time to sign a professional contract with a top five European league. 

Memphis 901 FC is back at AutoZone Park on Saturday, August 3 for College Night. Tickets are available now on the club’s official website.  

PLAYER BIO 

Name: Panagiotis “Panos” Armenakas 

Position: Midfield 

Height: 5’10”   

Date of Birth: August 5, 1998  

Hometown: Newport Beach, California  

Nationality: Australia 

Previous Club: Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)  

Transaction: Memphis 901 FC acquires midfielder Panos Armenakas via transfer on August 1, 2024.  

For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.        

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Joshua Clayton – Manager, Communications and Media Relations  

Jclayton@memphis901fc.com