MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Kyle Murphy’s 14th goal of the season served as the only goal of the game as Memphis 901 FC took a 1-0 victory against Indy Eleven to move level on points with fourth-placed OKC Energy FC in the USL Championship’s Central Division on Wednesday night at AutoZone Park.

Both teams opened the game positively, but Indy had the first good chances of the game as in the sixth minute a knock-down header by Manuel Arteaga set up a shot by Nicky Law from 12 yards that went over the crossbar, while soon after the Argentine forward played a pass for Ayoze, who delivered a low drive from 20 yards that was saved by 901 FC goalkeeper Cody Cropper.

The hosts took the lead in the 31st minute in bizarre circumstances, however, as goalkeeper Jordan Farr came to the edge of his penalty area to try and clear a ball over the top and inadvertently sent the ball into Memphis forward Kyle Murphy, from where the ball caromed toward goal and into the open net for his 14th goal of the season.

Memphis went close to doubling its lead in more conventional fashion in the final minute of the half as Mark Segbers played Trinidad and Tobago international Dre Fortune into the right side of the penalty area for a near-post shot that was parried away by Farr. The hosts then tested Farr again early in the second half as Alan Winn cut in for a shot from the left side of the penalty area to the far post that the goalkeeper comfortably handled.

Indy provided little spark in the attacking third as the second half progressed, however, as its attempts to find a path through the 901 FC defense were thwarted. The Boys in Blue were held without an official shot on goal after the halftime break, and in stoppage time Memphis almost added to its lead as Laurent Kissiedou sent his finish wide of the left post from the top of the penalty area. An insurance goal wouldn’t be needed for the hosts, though, as the side’s defense held firm until the final whistle to secure a crucial three points and its second consecutive victory.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Niall Logue, Memphis 901 FC – Logue put in a strong performance on the Memphis back line, recording six clearances and four recoveries while winning 3 of 4 duels in a shutout performance.

Scoring Summary
MEM – Kyle Murphy 31’

Full Box Score