Memphis 901FC fell 1-0 in extra time Saturday against Orange County SC, eliminating them from the USL Championship Playoffs.
A Lucas Turci red card forced 901FC to play down a man for nearly 40 minutes, before conceding a goal in the 116th minute.
For the third consecutive season, the season has ended in a home playoff game for the Beale Street Boys.
To get a home playoff game, 901FC ended their regular season with a 3-2 victory away against the No. 1 seed in the western conference, New Mexico United, to finish in third place in the Western Conference.
Damen Jones, a member of the Bluff City Mafia, a 901FC fan club, said he was happy with the season, but it could have been better.
“We could have easily gotten first,” said Jones.
He believes the team slumped after the first few games, which is shown by their 4-game losing streak after going toe to toe with professional MLS clubs.
He also stated that some of the players regressed in the season, but defender Lucas Turci was the best player for 901FC.
Jones was thankful 901FC got a home playoff game.
“I'm happy for a home playoff game,” said Jones, “I didn’t think we would beat New Mexico to win a home playoff game.”
Another fan, Sarah Weas, had a different perspective on the club. She went to every 901FC home game this season.
“Season was amazing, almost couldn’t ask for better,” said Weas.
She also was happy about winning a home playoff game and had stayed firm in her belief that 901FC would beat New Mexico United and win a home playoff game.
She had a unique perspective on who was the best player for the club this season, believing it was midfielder Bruno Lapa.
Ultimately, in a game that felt eerily similar to last season’s playoff defeat, Memphis was unable to find the back of the net against Orange County.
Memphis 901FC will begin its seventh season in the USL Championship next spring.
