Memphis 901 FC has acquired attacking midfielder Rodrigo da Costa via transfer from fellow USL Championship club FC Tulsa, with the Brazilian having recorded 36 goals and 25 assists in the league previously in his career. | Photo courtesy Victor Schwanke
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Monday the club had acquired attacking midfielder Rodrigo da Costa via transfer from fellow USL Championship club FC Tulsa. In a corresponding transaction, Memphis transferred forward Phillip Goodrum to FC Tulsa. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.
The Brazilian has recorded 36 goals and 25 assists in 126 USL Championship appearances across the regular season and playoffs in his Championship career. So far this season, da Costa has notched three goals and an assist in 10 appearances while ranking second in the Championship with 30 chances created, a mark only surpassed by new teammate Aaron Molloy (34).
“We are delighted to welcome Rodrigo and his wife Chelsea to the Memphis 901 family,” said 901 FC Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “We are getting a top performer and someone that can help us right away. We would like to thank Phil for his dedication to Memphis 901 FC, he was fantastic for us last season and we wish him well as he moves forward.”
With more than 10,000 career minutes in five seasons in the Championship, da Costa holds Tulsa’s all-time franchise records with 36 goals and 26 assists making starts in multiple positions from center forward to winger. Da Costa recorded nine goals and four assists in 2022 while appearing in all but one match for FC Tulsa with 30 starts.
“I am delighted we are able to add Rodrigo to our group,” said Memphis Head Coach Stephen Glass. “His proven ability and consistent high level of performance will be a huge boost for us as we look to build on our recent performances.”
Da Costa joins fellow Brazilian internationals Bruno Lapa (2 goals, 3 assists) and Luiz Fernando (4 goals, 2 assists) in the Memphis lineup, where he is set to join Molloy, Jeremy Kelly, Laurent Kissiedou and young standout Nighte Pickering as 901 FC looks for a third consecutive trip to the USL Championship Playoffs.