MIAMI (September 16, 2020) — The Miami FC saw their playoff hopes vanish on Wednesday night as they lost 4-0 to Birmingham Legion at Riccardo Silva Stadium. Three first-half goals put the away side up in the first half, with Miami FC chasing the result for the remainder of the match.
Miami FC found the first chance of the night as the game reached the 20th minute, with a perfect cross by midfielder Vincent Bezecourt finding defender Hassan Ndam. The Cameroon-born defender sent a powerful header towards the goal but it went inches over the bar.
With both teams fighting for possession, Birmingham Legion would be the one who would strike first. Forward JJ Williams sent a cross into the heart of the box in the 38th minute, finding a wide open Neco Brett. The forward took a touch and put his finish past a diving Mark Pais.
Birmingham sealed the match several minutes later with a brace from defender Alex Crognale. The first goal came off a perfectly executed corner kick, with the defender sending his header to Pais’ far post, leaving him no chance to make a stop. Moments later, Crognale would extend the lead to 3-0 as he capitalized on a rebound produced after a Pais save.
Just over ten minutes into the second half, a defensive mistake by Pais would gift Brett his second of the night. Miami FC was unable to produce much after that goal, despite holding most possession of the ball. Miami FC did have one clear chance despite being down 4-0, as forward Mohamed Thiaw headed a ball off the crossbar minutes after the fourth goal, with the ensuing rebound being shot over the bar by midfielder Brian James.
With this result, entering the USL Championship Playoffs is no longer an option for Miami.
Miami FC will now travel to Charleston on Sunday to face the Battery. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
