MIAMI (September 26, 2020) — A match which started over two hours and a half after it’s slated kickoff time due to a lightning delay, saw Miami FC lose to the Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 at Riccardo Silva Stadium. A first-half goal by forward Sebastian Guenzatti lifted the away side to victory.
Goalkeeper Mark Pais was called upon twice in the first 20 minutes, as forward Kyle Murphy and Guenzatti both saw their attempt denied by the keeper. Pais first made a diving stop to his right on Murphy’s shot, with the second save coming from point blank after a great first touch by Guenzatti.
With the clock reaching the 26th minute, Miami FC would have their clearest chance of the night. A great build up by the home side found midfielder Tomas Granitto alone just outside the 6-yard box. The El Salvador international muffled his shot, and it went well wide of the goal.
Tampa Bay would score the lone goal of the match in the 37th minute. Defender Jordan Scarlett headed a corner kick back into the heart of the box, finding the Uruguayan in front of goal, who sent his header to Pais’ right to make it 1-0.
Despite controlling the Rowdies in the second half, Miami FC would be unable to create any danger in the final third to find the equalizer. The Rowdies missed two clear chances, especially forward Lucky Mkosana missing a chance in front of goal. This seemed to give Miami life with the clock winding down, but the home side could not reach the Rowdies goal to find the equalizer.
Up next, Miami FC will host Charleston Battery on Wednesday, September 30 at Riccardo Silva Stadium. They then will host ATL UTD 2 on Sunday, October 4 in the season finale.
