Hartford, Conn. (August 21, 2021) – The Miami Football Club took down Hartford Athletic 2-0 for a second time this year. Striker Kyle Murphy and attacking midfielder Florian Valot scored the goals that separated the two sides after 90 minutes of play at Trinity Health Stadium.
Miami FC is undefeated in its previous four matches on the road. Moreover, the side leads the Eastern Conference in points on the road (27) and ranks second overall in the league behind San Antonio.
The Orange and Blue lead the league in clean sheets alongside Louisville City FC (13). Also, goalkeeper Connor Sparrow ranks first in shutouts in a three-way tie with Louisville’s Kyle Morton and Birmingham Legion FC’s Matt Van Oekel.
Starting XI vs. Hartford Athletic
Head coach Anthony Pulis rotated wingers and the striker once again. Outside forwards Richard Ballard and Joaquín Rivas were introduced to the mix, along with Murphy in the No. 9 position.
Match Breakdown: Hartford Athletic 0-2 Miami FC
Hartford Athletic was off to a solid start, getting a couple of shots in the opening two minutes. However, the clearest chance of the first half arrived in the third minute in Miami’s favor.
Hartford goalkeeper Yannik Oettl committed a mistake off his line. Ballard proceeded to drive the ball up the field and made a cut-back pass toward Murphy and Valot. The Frenchman let the ball roll by him for Murphy to strike, but center-back Walid Yacoubou recovered in time to block Murphy’s attempt at goal.
Midfielder Bolu Akinyode scored a goal in the 30th minute, but the play was deemed offsides by the referee shortly after.
Right-back Mark Segbers was taken down inside the box in the 43rd minute, leaving the referee no other option but to call a penalty kick. Murphy stepped up to the spot and tucked his shot in to give the Orange and Blue the lead just before the half.
Miami and Hartford went back and forth for the majority of the match. However, it was the visiting side that was able to rise above with a second goal.
Left-back Aedan Stanley passed a ball back to the top of the box into Valot’s path. The attacking midfielder took two touches; one to set himself up and the other to put the ball in the top corner.
Miami went on to defeat Hartford 2-0, the same scoreline of their previous fixture at FIU Stadium in April.
Up Next for Miami FC
The Orange and Blue return to Miami on Aug. 27. They will face current Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City at FIU Stadium. Buy tickets HERE.
