MIAMI, (Wednesday, April 6) – The Miami Football Club progressed to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup third round after a 3-0 win against Miami United FC at FIU Soccer Stadium on Wednesday, April 6. Not only did Miami FC seal a spot in the next round of the tournament, but it overtook Miami United in the all-time record (3-2-2).
Manager Anthony Pulis’ starting 11 featured Miami FC debutant Aedan Stanley and right-winger Adonijah Reid, left-winger Lamar Walker and center-back Ben Ofeimu, who earned their first start of the season. Goalkeeper Connor Sparrow returned to the starting lineup after sitting out for three games with a leg injury.
MFC got on the scoreboard in the 11th-minute, with striker Kyle Murphy tucking in a penalty past former Miami FC goalkeeper John Turcios-Castillo. Sparrow kept the Orange and Blue one goal ahead with a save nine minutes later.
MFC knocked on United’s door in the 25th-minute. Walker, who drew the penalty earlier in the game, missed a chip attempt after a silky back-heel pass from Reid. Nonetheless, the Canadian grabbed his first goal of the season six minutes after. The 21-year-old banged a volley from the top of the 18-yard-box into the back of the net to make it 2-0 in favor of Miami FC.
Miami FC led the score 2-0 at halftime. Three substitutes came onto the pitch to start the second half. Center-back Callum Chapman-Page came on for Ofeimu, Reggae Boy Devon “Speedy” Williams made way for Ghanaian midfielder Dennis Dowouna and left-back Othello Bah came on for Stanley.
Reid came close to scoring his second goal of the night, but his shot missed the frame by inches.
Winger Pierre Da Silva entered the game for attacking midfielder Florian Valot in the 63rd-minute, and Chapman-Page came off with an injury in the 74th-minute for striker Romeo Parkes.
It only took eight minutes for Parkes to get his name on the scoresheet. Walker squared a ball across the goal to his fellow Jamaican, who tapped the ball into the goal. Parkes now has back-to-back goals as a substitute.
Miami FC won the contest 3-0, advancing it to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. MFC will know its next opponent on Friday, April 8.
Next up for Miami FC
Miami FC resumes USL Championship play against Florida rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Rowdies are undefeated so far this season, posting a 2-3-0 (W-T-L) record. Tampa Bay is coming off back-to-back draws, a one-all draw against Hartford Athletic, and a goalless draw against Western Conference foe Oakland Roots. The match will stream live on ESPN+.
