With the USL Championship regular season coming to a close, the race for playoff spots in the groups intensified. Playing two games in the span of three days, Memphis 901 FC and North Carolina FC were in desperate need of points.
After winning on Thursday, Memphis was looking to get another 3 points in the pursuit of their playoff debut. North Carolina wanted to even out the doubleheader and continue their hunt for a return to the playoffs.
This tactical analysis will look at how Memphis’ inability to maintain their momentum cost them another victory, while North Carolina stuck to their game plan and kept their playoff hopes alive.
Lineups and formations
Former USMNT coach Dave Sarachan lined up the home team in a fluid and attacking 4-1-4-1. Alexander Tabakis started in goal, with Sam Brotherton and Conor Donovan as the centre backs. At left and right back were Akeem Ward and DJ Taylor. Operating as the single pivot was Pecka, and in front of him were Nazmi Albadawi and Ben Speas. The wingers were Hadji Berry and Celtic loanee Emanuel Perez, while Marios Lomis led the line at striker.
The visitors lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Jimmy Hague starting between the posts. The defenders from left to right Reese Buckmaster, MLS veteran and captain Marc Burch, Zach Carroll and Raul González. The double-pivot consisted of Leston Paul and FC Cincinnati loanee Tommy McCabe. The front four were Duane Muckett as the attacking midfielder, Matt Hundley and Rafael Mentzingen as the wingers and Cal Jennings as the striker.
Positioning
Both midfielders operated in a similar fashion. A defensive midfielder would split the centre backs, while the other two midfielders gave the team vertical options in the middle. As we can see in the average positions below, NCFC looked to use the width of the field while Memphis went for verticality. 
