MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Miami FC jumped out to an early lead and held on late to take a 2-1 victory against Memphis 901 FC on Saturday night at AutoZone Park to bring to an end a five-game undefeated streak for the hosts.
Miami got out to an ideal start with a pair of goals in the opening 11 minutes, the first by former 901 FC forward Kyle Murphy after seven minutes as Florian Valot slid a pass in from the right after stealing possession off a throw-in to set up a low shot to the left corner of the net. Four minutes later, Pierre Da Silva poked home a finish from close range after Joshua Perez’s cross from the right was partially blocked at the top of the six-yard area.
Memphis tried to pull its way back into the game before halftime and both Aaron Molloy and Phillip Goodrum had efforts saved by Miami’s Connor Sparrow before Laurent Kissiedou fired a shot wide of the right post shortly before the break. The hosts continued to press into the second half, and on the hour-mark Chris Allan hit the crossbar from 14 yards with an effort toward the top-left corner of the net. Molloy then threatened off a free kick with 18 minutes to go as he curled a shot toward the top-left corner that Sparrow tipped over the crossbar.
901 FC pulled a goal back in the 76th minute as after the ball was poked away from Luiz Fernando just inside the penalty area it came directly to Kissiedou, who fired low into the bottom-left corner of the net for his first goal of the season. As Memphis tried to push forward for an equalizer, Miami’s Romeo Parkes twice had chances to ice the game only to be denied on both occasions by 901 FC goalkeeper Trey Muse, but the visitors withstood the late pressure to hold on for victory on the road.
USLChampionship.com Player of the Match
Florian Valot, Miami FC – Valot provided the assist on the opening goal for the visitors and had a solid game overall with one shot and three key passes while completing 23 of 30 passes overall.
Scoring Summary
MIA – Kyle Murphy (Florian Valot) 7’
MIA – Pierre Da Silva 11’
MEM – Laurent Kissiedou 76’