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Gameday Report: First-Half Goals Lift Memphis Past Roots SC

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 03/19/22, 9:04PM EDT

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Brilliant Molloy free kick puts 901 FC on way to 2-1 victory at AutoZone Park

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Aaron Molloy and Patrick Seagrist each scored in the first half as Memphis 901 FC took a 2-1 victory against Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night at AutoZone Park after holding off a late rally from the visitors.

Oakland had the first good chance in the seventh minute when Óttar Karlsson’s turning shot from the top of the six-yard area was turned wide by 901 FC goalkeeper Trey Muse, but the hosts took the lead six minutes later as 2021 USL League One MVP finalist Molloy produced an outstanding free kick from 25 yards into the top-left corner of the net. Memphis through it had struck again in the 33rd minute, only for Phillip Goodrum’s finish to be ruled offside as he tried to get in behind the Roots SC defense, but a second goal arrived for the hosts eight minutes later when Seagrist put home a diving header off a chipped cross from the right by Jeremy Kelly.

Roots SC tried to hit back early in the second half as Juan Carlos Azocar clipped the outside of the left post with a low shot from the top of the penalty area. Karlsson also forced a second good save from Muse as the visitors looked to cut into the deficit, while Memphis’ Goodrum hit the left post on a counterattack just past the hour-mark. Oakland pulled a goal back with nine minutes to go as Dariusz Formella scored his first goal for the club, battling past a pair of defenders after receiving a pass inside the penalty area before stabbing home, and then had a late chance to equalize when Jesus Enriquez’s curling shot from 25 yards went just wide of the left post. Memphis held firm to close out the game, however, and earn the side’s first win of the season.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Jeremy Kelly, Memphis 901 FC – Kelly notched a beautiful assist on Patrick Seagrist’s goal and defensively won 10 of 15 duels and 5 of 6 tackles to see 901 FC home to victory.

Scoring Summary
MEM
– Aaron Molloy 13’
MEM – Patrick Seagrist (Jeremy Kelly) 41’
OAK – Dariusz Formella 81’

Full Box Score

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