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The Miami FC vs Birmingham Legion
The struggles continue this season for The Miami FC as they were eliminated midweek against South Georgia Tormenta FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. For many Miami fans it felt like an embarrassing defeat at home to a team that should have been a victory. The team also has not won a league match since the opener against Colorado. Miami would welcome the Birmingham Legion to FIU Stadium at the weekend.
For the second straight match Miami would be without starting goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi due to injury. The first half of the match did not provide much excitement as both teams defensively would hold its ground. The Legion entered this match sitting 4th in the Eastern Conference as Miami sits dead last in 12th place. This is not what Miami fans expected entering this season with a brand new coach but there is still lots of time in the season.
After 20 minutes it was Birmingham that started to see more possession of the ball and put pressure on that Miami defense. They would earn a free kick in the 23rd minute but goalkeeper Ndiaye who's been great in goal replacing Gagliardi would come up with a save. Both teams would head to the dressing room all knotted at 0-0. This would be seen as a positive for Miami setting them up to go for the victory in the second half.
The 63rd minute would be the defining moment of the match with a massive defensive mistake by Miami. Ndiaye tried to control the ball with his feet outside of the box when he would slip and giving the easy opportunity to the Legion. Stefano Pinho was right there to clean up the mistake and easily pass the ball into the back of the net giving the visitors the 1-0 lead.
A match that seemed to be heading to a draw with Miami and Birmingham splitting the points turned into a nightmare with a mistake at the back. Miami had chances to equalize through Frank Lopez but would not be able to capitalize. The Legion would go on to defeat Miami 1-0 and get the full points while Miami continues to search for victory.
Next up for The Miami FC is a home match welcoming San Antonio FC to FIU Stadium at the weekend.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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