Head Coach: Tim Mulqueen (1st season)

Home Venue: AutoZone Park

2018 Record: N/A

Projected 2019 Finish: 16th, Eastern Conference

TEAM OUTLOOK

Memphis 901 FC hasn’t made the big splash of a signing that some of its counterparts have, with captain Marc Burch maybe the most recognizable name on the club’s roster as it enters its first season in the Championship. What Head Coach Tim Mulqueen does have at his disposal, however, is a side that brings a wealth of experience in the league, which should allow it to turn into a cohesive unit as the year unfolds.

What’s certain is that Memphis is ready for 901 FC’s arrival. The club’s brand launch was a massive success as a sellout crowd of 8,957 packed AutoZone Park last September for an exhibition between Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids and the Championship’s Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The connection to the community that has already been established is going to stand the side in good stead, with the experience of former Charleston Battery executive Andrew Bell providing a steady hand at the helm as 901 FC’s Sporting Director.

On the field, players like former USL Cup-winner Dan Metzger and Caribbean internationals like Ewan Grandison (Jamaica) and Duane Muckette (Trinidad & Tobago) are going to be counted on to bring their qualities to the fire, with Bell also bringing aboard former Battery and Richmond Kickers forward Heviel Cordoves to lead the club’s attacking line. It may be a challenge to reach the postseason in the club’s first season, but there’s enough experience here to make life difficult for opponents across the Eastern Conference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

D - Marc Burch

Joining a USL Championship club for the first time as Memphis 901 FC’s captain for its inaugural season, Burch spent his first 13 seasons as a professional in Major League Soccer as he suited up for six different clubs, including most recently Minnesota United FC. The veteran defender accumulated 234 appearances in the top flight and won both the MLS Supporters Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with D.C. United. His experience will be a major plus for Head Coach Tim Mulqueen’s side as it looks to find a path to success in its first year.

F - Luca Uccello

A recent member of the Canada U-20 National Team, Luca Uccello joins 901 FC after spending the past four seasons in the Championship with Toronto FC II. The 21-year-old made 77 appearances for TFC II in that span but was unable to find a breakthrough season as he recorded just 10 goals over those four seasons. Finding a fresh start in Memphis could be the move that helps Uccello regain his footing, and he can certainly look to a former TFC II colleague for inspiration in the form of Mark-Anthony Kaye, who came into his own over two seasons with Louisville City FC before joining Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC for the 2018 campaign. There’s a long way to go for Uccello on that road, but there’s still time for the Markham, Ontario native to live up to his potential.