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Memphis 901 FC 2022 Season Preview

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 03/03/22, 5:00PM EST

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2022 Outlook

After a bright ending to the 2020 season with Ben Pirmann as interim Head Coach, 901 FC took a major step forward after the former assistant’s permanent appointment to the position. In 2021, Memphis made its first postseason appearance and delivered some breathtaking moments at AutoZone Park. Forward Kyle Murphy became the first 20-goal scorer in club history, while Mark Segbers also earned Championship All-League honors after a stellar season at right back.

The big question now will be how the club addresses the departure of both players to Miami FC this offseason to remain in contention for a second postseason berth. The good news for 901 FC is there is a good contingent of returning players in the side, led by center backs Zach Carroll and Niall Logue, who joins Memphis on a permanent deal after his loan stint at the club last season from El Paso Locomotive FC. Veteran midfielder Leston Paul and bright attacking midfield Laurent Kissiedou are also back, while the side has added 2021 USL League One Most Valuable Player finalist Aaron Molloy on a transfer from Forward Madison FC.

Where the pressure may come is to find a way to replicate Murphy’s attacking prowess, though. 901 FC has brought in Phillip Goodrum, who notched four goals and two assists a season ago for Atlanta United 2, but at a scoring rate of 163.3 minutes a goal, certainly good enough if it can be carried over a full season. Also arriving is David Egbo on loan from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, while Derek Dodson brings Championship experience after most recently competing for Hartford Athletic. If it all comes together, Memphis should continue to be one of the more interesting sides to watch in the Eastern Conference.


Notable Arrivals

Aaron Molloy – A finalist for USL League One’s MVP award last season transfers from Forward Madison FC

Graham Smith – Versatile central defender brings experience from MLS and USL Championship

Devin Boyce – Playmaker earned League One All-League honors last season while helping Union Omaha to title

David Egbo – Whitecaps FC loanee notched five goals a season ago for Phoenix Rising FC


Notable Departures

Kyle Murphy – 20-goal scorer in 2021 season departed as free agent for Miami FC

Mark Segbers – Championship All-League selection joined Murphy in making move to Miami

Dominic Oduro – Consistent central midfielder made move to Charleston Battery

Brecc Evans – Defensive option headed to League One expansion side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC


Two To Watch


Niall Logue, Defender

Having spent the 2021 season on loan at 901 FC, Niall Logue made the permanent move this offseason from El Paso Locomotive FC for a second season in Memphis that will likely see him renew his partnership with veteran Zach Carroll. The 26-year-old Northern Ireland native was solid in his first season in the Championship after competing for USL League One side FC Tucson in 2020, recording 26 interceptions and 88 clearances in 21 appearances for Memphis while also sitting at a 55.3 percent duel success rate and a 61.9 percent tackle success rate. Raising those last two figures should the aim for Logue this season as Memphis tries to maintain its upward trajectory after the departure of some key figures this offseason.

Aaron Molloy, Midfielder

Republic of Ireland native Aaron Molloy will be hoping to have a transition to the Championship at least as successful as Niall Logue this year after his acquisition by 901 FC from USL League One’s Forward Madison. Certainly, Molloy’s on-field pedigree says he has the makings of a successful Championship player – as a defensive midfielder for the Flamingos in 2021, Molloy produced a +6.17 Goals Added Mark, comfortably the best at his position in the league and a key reason for his nomination as an MVP finalist. The passing ability and willingness to disrupt opponents Molloy will bring to Memphis should fit in well with some other notable returning pieces including Laurent Kissiedou and Leston Paul and give 901 FC another good piece to work with in the center of the park.


Coach


Ben Pirmann (2nd Season)

Appointed as Memphis 901 FC’s Head Coach after a successful interim stint late in the 2020 season, Ben Pirmann pushed the side to its best season in the Championship, earning a well-earned postseason berth in its third campaign. There will be some key areas to address if Memphis is to achieve similar success in 2022 after offseason departures but should 901 FC come through again it will further burnish Pirmann’s coaching credentials at this level.



Key Number


44.38 Appointed as Memphis 901 FC’s Head Coach after a successful interim stint late in the 2020 season, Ben Pirmann pushed the side to its best season in the Championship, earning a well-earned postseason berth in its third campaign. There will be some key areas to address if Memphis is to achieve similar success in 2022 after offseason departures but should 901 FC come through again it will further burnish Pirmann’s coaching credentials at this level.


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