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The Miami FC takes down Loudoun United
It's been an incredible turnaround to the season for The Miami FC and now they have one of the biggest challenges so far this season. Sitting just outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, Miami plays host to the number one team in the conference in Loudoun United. A victory over United would place Miami in a playoff spot. The last three matches in league play for Miami have been a 2-1 victory over San Antonio, a 2-1 victory over North Carolina, and a 1-1 draw against Monterey Bay.
The team continued showing their new style of play which has worked as of late pressing the opponents. Former Miami man Valot did not have much time or space to do anything with the ball. The counter attack and getting behind enemy defensive lines has been a focus. The focus for the team as well has been setting up an early lead and then controlling the rhythm of the match.
The first goal of the match arrived in the fourth minute with Melano running down the midfield dragging defenders towards the ball. This created space for Bonfiglio who got behind the defense and would finish the attack with ease making it 1-0. It wouldn't last for the entire first half as a challenge in the box by Mercado prompted the referee to point to the spot. United would score the penalty equalizing the match 1-1 in the 25th minute.
Miami got punched in the mouth and would punch right back to reclaim the lead in the first half. Blanco dragged his defender to the left opening up the space for the attack in the box. Blanco would cut across and send in a cross that found the head of Melano in the 34th minute to take the lead 2-1.
In the second half Miami's defense did a great job of locking down the number one team in the conference. The South Florida side would only allow three shots on target with Hamid making saves on two of those. Miami would earn a penalty in the second half but would have the shot saved keeping the match within reach for United. Tobias Zarate picked up a red card with Miami going down to 10 men were able to hold on for the three points jumping into the seventh spot in the conference.
Up next for The Miami FC is a home match welcoming Birmingham Legion to Pitbull Stadium.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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