MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced Thursday the club had signed two-time USL Championship title winner Oscar Jiménez ahead of the 2024 season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

The eight-year veteran defender joins 901 FC having spent the past seven seasons with fellow USL Championship club Louisville City FC. Jiménez made 192 appearances in the Championship’s regular season and playoffs for LouCity, logging 14,327 minutes of action as well as 34 assists and seven goals while helping the side win the league title in both 2017 and 2018. 

"By bringing in Oscar we are not only bringing a top full back, but a winner that knows what it takes to lift a trophy at this level." Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson Sewell said. “Oscar was clear that he wanted to be here in Memphis, and this has been key to our recruitment this offseason. We're happy to welcome Oscar to the 901 family and look forward to his veteran leadership leading us to a championship in 2024.”  

 A Mount Vernon, Washington native, Jiménez was voted to the Championship’s All-League First Team in 2019 after a career-season in which he recorded 13 assists in 35 appearances across the regular season and playoffs. This past campaign he recorded 32 appearances for the side, and has made 210 appearances overall in the league since his debut for FC Tulsa in 2015.

“Part of my decision to come to Memphis was because of the eagerness from Caleb and Stephen [Glass] to sign me,” Jiménez said. “They were adamant in wanting me on the team and it feels great that I can help them succeed. In recent years, Memphis has been very competitive at the top of the table for most of the season. What I see in my role is being as much of a leader as I can through my experience and through my play.”

Analysis

Memphis’ addition of Oscar Jiménez to its defensive line adds a player who has been one of the best set piece takers in the Championship in recent years, but also someone who has doubled down on his defensive solidity after challenges in one-on-one situations midway through his time at LouCity.

Jimenez’s 36 career assists across the Championship – five of which of which have come in postseason action – have come on 315 chances created, 31 of which came this past campaign. He also produced a 71.4 percent tackle success rate in the 2023 season across 1,748 minutes, while being beaten off the dribble only 21 times in 32 appearances. That should provide a solid option on the left side for 901 FC this campaign.