Last match was a tough one for Bethlehem Steel FC, as Malik Johnson and the Tampa Bay Rowdies had one of their best games of the season in a 6-1 road loss for the Steel. The Boys in Blue have one more match away from Talen Energy Stadium before returning for their last home match of 2019. Memphis 901 FC is the team that’s standing in the way this Saturday, September 28 down in Tennessee. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from AutoZone Park. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Strength
Form – Memphis 901 FC is in a heater of form right now, going 4-1-0 in its last five matches. The club’s only loss in this stretch has been a road match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies that ended 5-0 against. Memphis has picked up wins against three MLS-affiliated clubs in Atlanta United 2, Swope Park Rangers and Loudoun United FC and a stout 1-0 victory over Saint Louis FC. 12 points in five matches has them rocketing up the standings and their confidence is soaring. If their run of form continues, it could be a tough night for the Steel.
Weakness
Mid-Week Match – Memphis is sitting one point ahead of the Steel in the Eastern Conference standings, but they also have one game in hand. That gets knocked out of the way tonight with a tough match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Even though the match is in Memphis, the Riverhounds could be doing the Steel a huge favor with their physical style of play. With any luck Pittsburgh will wear Memphis 901 FC down in the match before they hit a short rest period for this weekend’s matchup.
Players to watch
Brandon Allen, F #29 – The brother of Philadelphia Union defender RJ Allen and a former Steel player himself, Brandon Allen has made a name for himself in Memphis. He joined the Tennessee side in late June of this year and has already become their leading scorer. Through 13 appearances for the Tennessee side, Allen has scored six goals and is a key piece in their successful run.
Cameron Lindley, M #27 – Lindley is Memphis’ creator in the midfield. He has provided a team-high five assists in 2019 through 20 appearances and has also created a total of 45 chances in the attack. He’s not 901 FC’s sole outlet in the midfield, but he is someone to watch out for.
Marcus Epps, M #11 – Epps is back again. The former Union draft pick already has two appearances and an assist against the Boys in Blue this season with New York Red Bulls II. He’s made eight appearances with Memphis after joining the side in early August on loan from MLS’ New York Red Bulls. He’s not a huge part of 901 FC’s stat sheet right now, but Steel and Union fans know that he can change all that in a hurry.
Injuries/Suspensions
None
The Boys in Blue travel to take on Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park on Saturday, September 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN+.
