MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Thursday the club had signed forward Neco Brett to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Brett joins Memphis having most recently competed for Southern Harm rival Birmingham Legion FC, where he recorded 12 goals and four assist in 32 appearances during the 2023 Championship campaign. The Jamaican forward ranks second in the USL Championship’s regular season history with 81 goals in 199 regular season appearances, and third overall with 85 goals in 207 appearances across the regular season and playoffs.

"We are delighted to welcome Neco to Memphis,” Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “Neco is a proven goal scorer at this level and brings a wealth of experience. Throughout our discussions we learned a lot more about Neco, his desire to win a championship and what he brings in terms of mentality. We are getting a driven player looking for another big season and we are delighted it is with us.”

Brett began his professional career in Jamaica and played for the national Under-17 and Under-20 teams before playing college soccer at Robert Morris University from 2012-2015. He was selected in the second round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Portland Timbers FC, and has competed in the Championship previously for the Timbers 2, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and New Mexico United.

Analysis

Following the surprise retirement of Kyle Murphy on Thursday after having returned to Memphis in November, 901 FC’s addition of Neco Brett adds a forward that has been among the most consistent finishers in the Championship over the past six seasons. Brett’s 81 regular season goals have come at a strike rate of a goal every 177.6 minutes while also posting a shooting accuracy rate of 59.4 percent and a shot conversion rate of 27.7 percent.

Brett has notched four seasons with double-digit goals across the regular season and playoffs, and came close to a fifth in the abbreviated 2020 season when he notched nine goals at a career-best strike rate of a goal every 125.8 minutes. If he can bring that level of efficiency this season, he’ll certainly get a warm welcome from the Bluff City Mafia as 901 FC takes aim at maintaining its success with a re-tooled roster.