Memphis 901 Football Club’s inaugural season has come to an end with the new franchise missing out on the United Soccer League (USL) playoffs last Saturday, but despite inconsistent on-field success the team had a successful impact on Memphis with a growing fanbase expecting a playoff push next season.
Already eliminated from the playoff hunt, Memphis wanted to finish their season on a high last Saturday night. With the Memphis Tigers football game less than twenty minutes away, loyal fans still came out to give one last cheer until next season. Unfortunately, the season did not finish the way 901 FC would have hoped, losing 2-1 to Louisville City (17-8-9). The loss left Memphis in 15th place on the USL table with a 9-18-7 record.
901 FC coach Tim Mulqueen said it will take more than skill and talent alone to get over the playoff hump.
“Nothing is guaranteed,” Mulqueen said. “The eastern conference is very difficult, so besides improving it’s going to be hard work as well. The aim is to get to the playoffs every year. We will grow from this and I know our fans will be really happy with the product we put out next year.”
In 2018, the 901 FC made its home in Memphis as the newest team to join the USL, a Division-2 professional soccer league directly under the Division-1 MLS. This season marked the first time Memphis was home to a professional soccer team since the Memphis Jackals (or Storm) from 1986-1994.
The Memphis sporting landscape has been dominated by basketball and football, but after this season it is hard to question the immense passion for soccer in this city. Wayne Garber, one of the core members of 901 FC fan club called Bluff City Mafia, said unconditional support can be an advantage for a new and growing team.
“We’re going to love and support these guys no matter what,” Garber said. “As long as we see them constantly trying to get better and doing the right things, we’re going to keep rolling with them.”
Bluff City Mafia prides itself on always giving the most electrifying fan experience from the first to the final whistle. Bluff City Mafia members sing and chant for all 90 minutes of the game, jumping in unison and shooting blue smoke into the air when their team scores a goal. Bluff City Mafia’s energy demonstrates 901 FC has already established an incredible fanbase in just one season.
Excitement surrounding the new franchise sparked when Marc Gasol, former Memphis Grizzlies legend, and DeAngelo Williams, former star running back for the Memphis Tigers, posted pictures on social media in 901 FC gear. For many Memphians, this was the first time they saw the new, innovative and splashy 901 FC logo.
901 FC’s first home game against Tampa Bay at AutoZone Park sold out with an announced attendance of 8,062. To leave a great first impression, organizations need something for fans to remember their experience by. At Grizzlies games, fans wave their yellow “growl towels,” and at Tiger football games Tom the Tiger always makes a friendly appearance. 901 FC came up with the tradition of a pre-game guitar smash. Local celebrities like Ja Morant and Penny Hardaway have come out to participate in the creative tradition, which many fans now look forward to.
Jochen Graf, veteran forward for 901 FC, decided to retire after the last game of the season and said he will miss playing professionally and living in a city that embodies his personality.
“This is a city that I identified with right away,” Graf said. “It has grit, hard work and down-to-earth people. I enjoyed myself a lot and I am going to miss Memphis, but I’m also excited for what’s next.”
901 FC’s inaugural season has laid the foundation to form a great support network for the team, and the young franchise now has the opportunity to be the latest team to bounce back from an unsuccessful inaugural year to be a legitimate contender next season. The USL is no stranger to that narrative, as there have been plenty of teams to defy previous expectations after a struggling first season.
Oklahoma City Energy FC debuted in the USL in 2014, finishing not too dissimilarly to Memphis with a 9-5-14 record and 10th place finish. Next season, they had an overall record of 13-8-7 finishing first in the Western Conference and advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
Another example is San Antonio, who joined the league in 2016 finishing with a record of 10-8-12 and 10th place in the West. In 2017, they shot up the table boasting the second best record with a 17-11-4 season.
Last season, Fresno FC made their USL debut finishing 12th in the West and having a 9-12-13 season. Later this season, Fresno will be hoping to have a strong playoff push in the West after finishing third with a 16-9-8 season.
Marcus Epps, 901 FC midfielder, said 901 FC still has a young team that has the opportunity to grow as a franchise in the same way teams like OKC and San Antonio did in their second year.
“There’s so much talent and so much energy in the city, fans and the staff,” Epps said. “You can tell that this is just going to be something great, and every player believes that. It’s just a matter of time before things get rolling, and I do believe that is the case here for this organization.”
Marc Burch goes for a long ball pass from midfield. Memphis 901 FC finished their inaugural season with a 9-7-18 record.
Head Coach Tim Mulqueen and President Craig Unger embrace after the final match of the inaugural season for Memphis 901 FC.
Tim Mulqueen shows appreciation to the 901 FC fans after their final game of the season against Louisville City FC.
Cam Lindley boxes out an opposing defender.
Smoke bombs are activated the final whistle by the Bluff City Mafia.
