Albuquerque, NM. (Saturday, Aug. 6) – The Miami Football Club took down New Mexico United 3-0 at Isotopes Park in their first-ever clash. Forward Kyle Murphy led the team with his first brace wearing Miami FC colors.
Starting XI vs. New Mexico United
Head coach Anthony Pulis lined up with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Left-back Aedan Stanley and right-back Mark Segbers joined center-backs Callum Chapman-Page and Paco Craig in the back line. Midfielders Bolu Akinyode and Devon “Speedy” Williams played behind attacking midfielder Florian Valot and wingers Joaquín Rivas and Richard Ballard. Murphy led Miami’s lines at the No. 9 position.
Game Breakdown: New Mexico United 0-3 Miami FC
The fixture kicked off at 9:21 p.m. ET instead of its intended start time at 9 p.m. due to lightning in the area. An uneventful first 30 minutes of the game followed the delay.
Rivas kicked a free-kick over the bar in the 28th minute. Murphy beat his mark with a turn and unleashed a shot at goal three minutes later. However, goalkeeper Alexandros Tambakis made the save.
Murphy had his revenge in added time, finishing a cross sent by Rivas. The goal was Murphy’s fourth of the season, and the assist was Rivas’ first wearing Orange and Blue.
The late goal separated Miami FC from the hosts by one goal at the half.
Murphy doubled Miami’s lead inside the first five minutes of the second half. Moreover, the 29-year-old notched his 50th USL Championship goal. On the other hand, Valot dished out his sixth assist of the year.
Forward Romeo Parkes was subbed on in the 77th minute and scored against his former club two minutes after. The goal was a gift from the Black and Yellow and Parkes’ fifth of the season.
Miami FC edged closer to sixth-place Detroit City, with only one point separating the two.
Up Next for Miami FC
Miami FC returns to FIU Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 10, to face off against FC Tulsa for a second time this season. The last time the two teams clashed was on June 4, with the fixture ending in a goalless draw.
MFC fans can buy tickets for the game HERE.
