Vs. Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park
Saturday, April 30
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+
Memphis, Tenn. (Friday, April 29) – The Miami Football Club continues its three-game road trip against Memphis 901 at AutoZone Park on Saturday. Local supporters are invited to Miami FC’s official watch party at World of Beer Bar & Kitchen in Doral at 8 p.m. ET, and fans in the USA can live stream the game exclusively on ESPN+.
Last time out against Phoenix Rising
Miami FC arrives at Memphis, Tenn., on the back of a 2-1 away loss against Western Conference opponent Phoenix Rising.
The Orange and Blue dominated Rising in the first half of the outing, opening the scoring in the 27th minute. Left-winger Pierre da Silva served a deep cross from the left flank directed to right-winger Josh Pérez on the second post, who scored off a diving header.
The goal was Pérez’s second in the campaign, with his first coming in the home opening game of the season against NYRB2 in a similar fashion. On the other hand, da Silva registered his first assist this year.
Phoenix retaliated late in the first half, with center-back Kevon Lambert making the best out of a rebound produced from a save by goalkeeper Connor Sparrow in added time. The goal ended Miami’s 247-minute shutout streak in USL Championship play.
The tables turned in the second half, with the home side taking the helm of the possession and shooting stats. MFC goalkeeper Connor Sparrow made five saves to keep Miami in the game, but a long-range effort from Venezuelan midfielder Luis Seijas in the dying embers of the meeting beat the 27-year-old keeper to give Phoenix the win.
Miami FC trio returns to Memphis
Forward Kyle Murphy, right-back Mark Segbers and da Silva return to Bluff City after stints at Memphis 901 FC.
Murphy and Segbers joined Miami FC from the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season. The two arrived at South Florida after a fantastic year that saw Murphy post his best career numbers in a single season in all competitions – 32 games, 21 goals, two assists – and Segbers amass two goals and four assists as a defender.
Da Silva spent two seasons in Memphis, 2019 and 2020, where he appeared 15 times and scored one goal.
Murphy is happy to play against his former club but also focused on helping the Miami FC to a much-needed win on the road.
“It’s always nice to go back to an old club and see some familiar faces, but I want to go there and get three points,” said Murphy. “We just have to put together a full 90 minutes from the first whistle to the last whistle.”
About Memphis 901 FC
Memphis 901 arrives at AutoZone Park on a five-game unbeaten streak in league action. Bluff City took down Oakland Roots, Las Vegas Lights, Colorado Switchbacks and Tampa Bay Rowdies, and drew against Detroit City.
Memphis has not been perfect, losing its home opening game against Pittsburg Riverhounds 3-0. Head coach Ben Pirmann’s side also suffered an unexpected blow in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, falling to local rivals Chattanooga FC 3-1.
“They are well organized,” said Miami FC manager Anthony Pulis about Memphis 901 FC. “They have recruited some good players in the offseason, and they have started off the season well.”
Up next for the Miami FC
Miami FC will conclude its three-match away journey against Birmingham Legion on Wednesday, May 4. The Orange and Blue will have ten days to regroup before returning to league play at FIU Stadium.
MFC’s next home match is against San Antonio on Saturday, May 14. You can buy tickets ahead of time here.
