MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis (3-4-3) outlasted Tulsa (1-6-2) in a thrilling 3-2 victory on Sunday afternoon at the Memphis Soccer Complex. The match featured five goals and multiple lead changes before a crowd of 847 spectators.
Will Applegate put Tulsa ahead in the 52nd minute with a header off assists from Aimar Membrila and Alex Cunningham. Memphis equalized through Miller Lashlee in the 61st minute, converting a header from assists by Eben McIntyre and Anthony DiFalco. Samuel Mutiri gave Memphis their first lead in the 63rd minute with a low drive to the left corner, assisted by Lucho Galizzi. Bowen McCloud brought Tulsa level again in the 66th minute, finishing from a Jared Aguilar setup. The decisive goal came from Eben McIntyre in the 76th minute, with assists credited to Lucho Galizzi and goalkeeper Filip Sabatti.
The first half saw both teams create opportunities but struggle to find the breakthrough. Tulsa's Will Applegate tested the Memphis defense with a shot in the 14th minute, while Jareth Mejia had two attempts sail wide in the 20th and 22nd minutes. Memphis responded through Miller Lashlee and Anthony Grudko, who both forced saves from Tulsa goalkeeper Carlito Saylon before the break.
The second half erupted with attacking football from both sides. After Applegate's opener, Memphis showed remarkable resilience to not only equalize but take the lead through Mutiri. The Golden Hurricane demonstrated their own fighting spirit with McCloud's equalizer, but McIntyre's winner proved the difference. The match's intensity peaked in the final minutes, with Tulsa's Arnau Pedrola Fortuny receiving a straight red card in the 90th minute.
The statistical battle was remarkably even, with both teams recording 12 shot attempts and 4 shots on goal. Memphis held a slight edge in corners (6-5), while Tulsa's aggressive play resulted in three yellow cards to Memphis's none. Filip Sabatti made two crucial saves for Memphis, while Carlito Saylon recorded one save for Tulsa.
Several players delivered standout performances. Lucho Galizzi proved instrumental with two assists for Memphis, while Eben McIntyre's goal and assist highlighted his impact. For Tulsa, Bowen McCloud's goal and overall presence in midfield kept his team competitive throughout the match. Kevin Thallinger and Alex Cunningham anchored Tulsa's defensive efforts despite the loss.
Tactically, Memphis's ability to exploit wide areas proved crucial, with both Lashlee and McIntyre's goals coming from well-worked crossing situations. Tulsa's direct approach created problems for the Memphis defense, particularly through Applegate's aerial threat and McCloud's runs from midfield.
The victory extends Memphis's winning streak to three matches, showing significant improvement from their early-season form. For Tulsa, despite creating numerous chances, the defeat marks their fifth consecutive loss, though their competitive performance suggests better results could be forthcoming.
Memphis's resilience in overcoming an early deficit and responding to Tulsa's equalizer demonstrated their growing confidence. The match's intensity and quality of goals highlighted both teams' attacking capabilities, though defensive organization remains an area for improvement on both sides.
Both teams return to action on October 3, with Memphis traveling to face Charlotte while Tulsa hosts UAB in crucial conference matchups. The match officials were led by center referee Marcus Thompson, with assistants James Rodriguez and Sarah Chen.