In soccer officiating parlance, the acronym DOGSO refers to denying (an) obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Memphis 901 FC was denied one such opportunity early in the first half against visiting Tampa Bay. And that led to several more obvious opportunities in what was ultimately a rousing 4-1 victory over the Rowdies before a Saturday afternoon crowd of 2,384 at AutoZone Park.

901 FC drops its fifth straight game

“The boys were good,” said Memphis coach Stephen Glass after watching his team pick up its second straight victory in the league and third in four matches across all competitions.

The last league victory came a week ago, when Memphis put three past Birmingham. It was more of the same against the Rowdies.

Memphis outshot the visitors 21-10 and put 10 of their chances on target. If not for a couple of outstanding saves from Tampa Bay goalkeeper Jordan Farr, it could have been worse.

And while Memphis’ play more than merited the impressive result, DOGSO had a part to play. Tampa defender Forrest Lasso was shown a red card for the infraction in the 11th minute of play, forcing the Rowdies to play a man down the rest of the way.

Memphis probably didn’t need the help but they certainly benefited from it. Marlon Santos in particular.

901 FC drops its fifth straight game

The Brazilian notched his first goal of the season in the 19th minute, connecting on a long-range screamer from about 25 yards out that should figure in the USL Championship’s goal of the week voting. His second came in the 50th minute; Bruno Lapa’s rocket blasted off the crossbar, hit Tampa’s Farr in the back and fell right into the path of Santos, who was Marlon on the spot.

“He’s probably one of the most confident lads I know,” said Glass of the 28-year-old, who is in his first season with the club. “It’s a positive thing when your forward is scoring goals and competing. We weren’t (just) fortunate to score four goals by any means and I think that’s the positive we take out of it.”

That both of Santos’ goals came — directly or indirectly — from long range is also worth noting. Memphis has done well from distance so far this season and will need to keep its shooting boots polished and ready for a tough stretch of games, starting with Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup match against MLS club FC Dallas. 

“You tell people to get in position to score goals and it doesn’t happen, you get criticized,” said Glass. “But when the players execute the way they did, that’s fantastic. I’m glad they enjoyed a great day and now we prepare for Dallas.

“We’re really happy; the boys have worked ever so hard when they weren’t getting any rewards. But when it comes, you’ve also got to keep it level, keep working and doing the things that win you games.”

Orange County hands 901 FC its third straight defeat

Luiz Fernando got Memphis’ second goal, just four minutes after Santos’ opener. Dylan Borczak rounded things off with a well-placed finish in the 64th minute. Tampa’s goal came courtesy of Manuel Arteaga deep into first-half stoppage time.

The Dallas match will be the first of three straight road contests for Memphis, tying for the longest such stretch of the season. The team returns to AutoZone Park on May 25 to host Pittsburgh.