MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC and Birmingham Legion FC played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at AutoZone Park that moved Legion FC one point closer to the playoffs and further dimmed 901 FC’s playoff prospects.

Birmingham’s Prosper Kasim had the first real look on goal in the fourth minute but put his shot too close to Memphis goalkeeper Tim Howard, who saved comfortably. The hosts then got a chance from a free kick eight minutes later that saw Jose Baxter curl an effort from a central position around the wall to the right corner, but Legion FC’s Matt Van Oekel palmed the shot wide of the post and out for a corner.

The team continued to exchange chances as Bruno Lapa fired high for the visitors and Memphis’ Matt Hundley did the same midway through the half. The breakthrough arrived for 901 FC in the 28th minute as a beautiful lofted pass into the right side of the penalty area by Baxter picked out Keanu Marsh-Brown, who lofted an effort high over the advancing Van Oekel. Legion FC defender Razek Cromwell tried a last-ditch effort to head the ball out as it dropped under the crossbar, but he was unable to as Memphis hit the front.

Legion FC hit back early in the second half, however, as halftime substitute Jaden Servania was brought down just inside the top-right corner of the penalty area by Memphis’ Jean-Christophe Koffi. Lapa stepped up to the spot and fired low into the left corner as Howard dove the opposite way.

Memphis had a chance to regain the lead nine minutes after the break on a long-range strike by Baxter toward the left corner that was saved by Van Oekel, but with 17 minutes to go the hosts were reduced to 10 men as Dan Metzger was sent off for his second yellow card of the contest.

Chances proved few and far between for both sides in the closing stages as both defenses held firm, though. Birmingham had a late chance to grab all three points with the final play of the night, but after Jonathan Dean sent a pass to Lapa in the right side of the penalty area, the Brazilian’s shot flashed just wide of the left post as honors ended even.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Keanu Marsh-Brown, Memphis 901 FC – Marsh-Brown showed off inventiveness in his finish for the hosts and completed 10 of 14 passes while winning 3 of 4 tackles in a solid display overall.