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Gameday Report: Memphis strikes early, defeats Rowdies for first time

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 04/27/22, 10:14PM EDT

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Hosts take fourth win in last five outings with 3-1 win at AutoZone Park

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC scored the fastest goal in its history and its first victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a 3-1 win on Wednesday night at AutoZone Park that saw Phillip Goodrum, Derek Dodson and Chris Allan all find the net for the hosts as they took their fourth win in the last five league outings.

Memphis made a flying start, scoring the 13th-fastest in the USL Championship’s regular season as Jeremy Kelly linked with Dodson on the left side to set up Goodrum for a finish after just 20 seconds had expired. The Rowdies hit back quickly, however, as Lewis Hilton curled home a beautiful free kick into the top-left corner of the net to level just over two minutes later to level the game after a breathless start.

The hosts had their own chance from a set piece in the 10th minute as Aaron Molloy’s effort from outside the left edge of the box was punched away by Rowdies goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena, but Tampa Bay began to come into the game further as the half went on with Sebastian Guenzatti denied by Memphis’ Trey Muse 10 minutes before the break. After being held without a shot for 25 minutes, though, 901 FC regained the lead moments before the halftime whistle as Molloy’s free kick from the left was met by Derek Dodson, who headed powerfully into the net from just outside the six-yard area.

The Rowdies’ hopes of a comeback took a hit in the 58th minute when they were reduced to 10 after Steevan Dos Santos was sent off for his second yellow card of the game. Despite being down a player, the visitors pushed effectively for an equalizer, and almost struck with 19 minutes to go when Leo Fernandes’ free kick found Kyle Greig for a header that was parried away by Muse. But Memphis put the game away with five minutes to go on a counterattack as Molloy sprung Luiz Fernando down the right before he found Laurent Kissiedou for a pass across the penalty area that found Allan to finish.

Tampa Bay had a late chance to pull back a goal in stoppage time when Greig again got on the end of a cross by Conner Antley only for Muse to hold on and make the save at the second attempt. Second later, the final whistle blew, sealing 901 FC’s win.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Aaron Molloy, Memphis 901 FC – Molloy notched the attack on Derek Dodson’s game-winning goal and began the move that resulted in Memphis’ third late on while ending the night completing 41 of 47 passes and winning 9 of 10 duels.

Scoring Summary
MEM
– Phillip Goodrum (Jeremy Kelly) 1’
TBR – Lewis Hilton 3’
MEM – Derek Dodson (Aaron Molloy) 45+3’
MEM – Chris Allan (Laurent Kissiedou) 85’

Full Box Score

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