Orange County’s Summer away from home will continue once again as they are going to play their third straight away game and seventh of their last nine games. This three game stretch took them down to Texas and to the East Coast so it only makes sense that their final stop takes them to the South of the United States where they will make their first ever visit to Memphis. 

In the city of Memphis is that of Memphis 901 FC a team that currently sits 4th in the Eastern Conference standings but have had a rollercoaster of a season. Memphis, like most of the Eastern Conference, do not have statistics that they can boast about (only a +4 goal differential). However they are still one of the better teams in the USL this year with a top-five offense. 

For Orange County, the win on Saturday in Virginia bumped them up to a tie for eighth in the West with Phoenix and New Mexico. Saturday the 22nd is shaping up to be a massive day for all of the playoff bubble teams like Orange County with both Phoenix and New Mexico facing fellow playoff-bound teams. But for the moment, Orange County’s focus must be on Memphis. 

OPPONENT - MEMPHIS 901 FC

901 FC are another of the younger USL clubs having only been founded in 2019. The 901 is in reference to the area code that Memphis is located in, making them currently the only team with a number in their name. Memphis themselves have made a bit of a name for themselves in regards to off the field matters as former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard is an owner of the club, and even made a few dismal appearances for them as well. In 901’s young history they have qualified for the postseason the past two seasons. This was thanks in part to that of former head coach Ben Pirmann. Pirmann took over the club midway through the 2020 season and since then has compiled a positive record and a trip to the Conference semifinals last season. However he has since made the move to Charleston and in his shoes comes new head coach Stephen Glass. 

This season, while good for the moment, has had its fair share of dramatics. To start off the crazy, the main forward Phillip Goodrum demands to be transferred out of Memphis which would be granted with his move to Tulsa. Their April 15th home game against Las Vegas endured a nearly four hour weather-delay that meant the game ended April 16th at around 1 a.m. They have been on the positive ends of a 5-1 scoreline while also getting shelled in 0-6 and 0-4 losses. Even after all of this they are still fourth in the East. 

In their last game, Memphis were able to take a point from Sacramento Republic in a 1-1 draw that saw Emerson Hyndman score the lone goal for Memphis. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Memphis are heading back home and will see the return of one of their offensive pieces in Luiz Fernando. The Brazilian is a USL veteran who will most likely be making his third appearance since coming back from injury. Fernando is in his second season with 901 and this season has four goals and two assists but is a part of a strong offensive unit that has scored 32 goals in 18 matches played. Likewise the offense also added midfielder Bruno Lapa from league rival Birmingham. Lapa made the Southern Harm switch and has rewarded his new club with by registering 3 goals to go along with his four assists. The offense is the key for Memphis to have success and goals are expected to come.

On the orange side of things, Korede Osundina has looked to have made the jump up from academy player to first team contributor. At just 19 years of age Osundina has netted 3 goals all coming within his last 9 games he has made an appearance. With the trend of the club and an heavy emphasis on player development, Osundina’s output is a welcome sight to see and he could be a wildcard come postseason. 

THE MATCHUP

This is only the second matchup all-time between the clubs but will be the first time played in Memphis. The first and only matchup came last season as Orange County were able to steal a point at home against Memphis in a 1-1 draw. Brian Iloski scored the only goal for Orange County in the match. This will be Orange County’s first time ever playing in the state of Tennessee. At this point of the season there is one glaring stat that is going against OC and that is games played. As of July 21, Orange County is one of four teams with 20 or more games played in the Western Conference. At this point they are not a guaranteed lock for the playoffs but teams fighting them for the last playoff spots all have either a game or two in hand. The solution to this possible issue is to win games. Memphis themselves are winless in their last four games. 

WHAT TO KNOW

Game - @ Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship)

When - July 22, 5:30 PM PST

Where - AutoZone Park (Memphis, TN)

OCSC Form - WLWWW

MEM Form - DDLLW

All-Time Matchup - 0-0-1

TV - ESPN+