MATTHEWS, NC (September 23, 2020) — The Miami FC played to a scoreless draw on Wednesday night against Charlotte Independence at The Sportsplex at Matthews. The 0-0 draw earned Miami their first clean sheet of the 2020 USL Championship season.
The first half saw both teams generate several chances, but it was Charlotte who would come knocking first as forward Derek Gebhard has his one-on-one shot denied by goalkeeper Mark Pais in the 5th minute.
Moments later, forward Prince Saydee created a crafty individual run on the left flank, but the Liberian’s shot would go wide right, foreshadowing many of Miami’s chances that would be to come.
Pais would be called back to action in the 11th minute, this time making a phenomenal save on midfielder Brunallergene Etou. The midfielder hit a volley off a corner kick clearance and in the last moment, Pais extended his hand to send the shot out for a corner kick.
Miami’s goalkeeper continued his strong performance with another good save on Gebhard in the 16th minute. After the initial push by the home side, Miami was able to settle in the match and began applying the pressure in Charlotte’s half.
Chances by both midfielders Tomas Granitto and Vincent Bezecourt seemed like they would put Miami ahead on the scoresheet, but both of their shots were off target keeping the match scoreless at the half.
Miami FC struggled to create chances in the second half, but were able to focus on defending the clean sheet.
The visiting side was lucky to not concede in the 62nd minute as forward Valentin Sabella blasted a shot off the right post of Pais, who had no chance at the strike.
Miami FC closed the match with a save by Pais after forward Christian Chaney was not able to get power on a head just outside the six-yard box.
Miami FC will now host the Tampa Bay Rowdies, as they look to play spoiler in Group H, The match at Riccardo Silva Stadium will take place this Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m.
