Memphis 901 FC can finally achieve their season goal as they will host a first round playoff game.

The Beale Street Boys defeated New Mexico United 3-2 to earn their third straight top-four finish. Memphis took third place after Colorado Springs scored a late winner against Sacramento Republic.

New Mexico had secured the top spot in the Western Conference for weeks, but remained winless in its last four games. They wanted to build momentum for the playoffs in front of their home crowd. Instead, it was Memphis who immediately put a goal in the net in the second minute.

Bruno Lapa broke through on the right wing and delivered a precise pass to Jon Bakero at the near post. The mid-season signing chose the perfect time to score his first goal for the club, but the first half was full of back and forth.

New Mexico’s equalizer came in the 22nd minute, a goal also created from the right wing. Will Seymour received a long ball across the goal line, dribbled past Akeem Ward and assisted Greg Hurst in the six-yard box.

Samuel Careaga didn’t let the stalemate last long. He responded two minutes later with a determined attack up the field. His shot from deep with his left foot was too much for the goalkeeper.

New Mexico had the edge in the possession battle for the rest of the half, but couldn’t get much out of it. There were only five total shots between the two teams, but every shot on goal resulted in a goal.

The second half was initially similar until Memphis managed to break through. A rocket from Lucas Turci gave Memphis a much-needed insurance goal.