BOCA RATON, Fla. (February 13, 2020) — The Miami FC continued their regular season preparations on Thursday, playing to a scoreless draw against Major League Soccer’s New York City FC. The match was played on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
The preseason friendly consisted of two 30-minute halves, in which both teams created plenty of chances, but neither was able to get on the scoresheet.
Goalkeeper Mark Pais was crucial in the first half, keeping NYCFC off the scoreboard. Pais was forced to make back-to-back saves after NYCFC broke through the backline and had two clear chances in front of goal.
Moments later, it was Miami FC who would have their clearest chance of the first half. Forward Miguel Gonzalez received a through ball from defender Marco Franco and found himself one-on-one with the keeper. Miami FC’s forward tried to play the ball past the keeper but was fould just feet outside the box, earning a free kick. The ensuing free kick would be blasted just wide by forward Romario Williams.
The second half was dominated by Miami, with Gonzalez once again finding himeself in the epicenter of the attack.
A great buildup on the right side found Franco making a dashing run into NYCFC’s box. Upon reaching the endline, Franco sloted a pass back into the heart of the box, finding Gonzalez. The Mexican midfielder was able to fire a shot before NYCFC defenders approached him, but his attempt would be denied by the crossbar.
Shortly after, midfielder Tomas Granitto would have his chance to get Miami on the scoresheet, but this time NYCFC’s goalkeeper was able to get a hand on it and make the save.
Miami FC’s preseason continues when they face Orlando City B on Saturday, February 22 at Florida International University.
Miami FC lineup: GK Mark Pais (Brian Sylvestre 31′); D Marco Franco, Lance Rozeboom (Hassan Ndam 42′), Lawrence Olum (Jalen Markey 42′), Othello Bah (Janos Löbe 42′); M Tomas Granitto, Harrison Heath, Brian James; F Miguel Gonzalez, Romario Williams (Mohamed Thiaw 42′), Sebastián Velásquez (Prince Saydee 38′)
