Memphis, Tennessee:
For the first time since March, live sports returned to the Volunteer state as 901 FC took to the pitch to take on Charlotte Independence. Not only was it the first sporting event to return back to the state of Tennessee since the start of the Coronavirus in March, but tonight’s match was also the first to have limited fan capacity. It was weird, but the very limited crowd that was in attendance brought enough energy to make the night special for the city of Memphis.
The first half belonged to 901 FC, behind a Brandon Allen goal, Memphis was able to control the flow of the game. However, Charlotte answered early in the second half after a defensive breakdown from Memphis, that led to a header from Luke Haakenson to tie the game at one a piece.
From that point on, it was on.
Rece Buckmaster shortly broke the tie for 901 FC with a beautiful move that confused the Charlotte defense. That goal came at the 56th minute of the second half and it seemingly gave Memphis the advantage heading down the finish line. Until a late controversial goal at the 86th minute mark from Charlotte that tied things up at two. From there, Memphis was unable to find another goal, with that, the game ended in a draw which gave both Memphis and Charlotte a point each in the standings.
Although it was draw, tonight felt like a win for the organization and for the city as we all find ourselves in uncertain and crazy times. 901 FC will look to use tonight’s draw as momentum as they return back home to AutoZone Park next Saturday to take on Saint Louis FC. 901 FC will also have the opportunity to win their first match of the season next Saturday.
Next Saturday’s game will kick-off at 7:30.