Miami, Fla. (Saturday, April 16) – The Miami Football Club took down Eastern Conference foe Hartford Athletic 2-0 at FIU Stadium on Saturday night. The win makes it three consecutive victories for Miami FC in all competitions as it heads into its U.S. Open Cup third-round tie against Inter Miami CF on Tuesday, April 19.
Head coach Anthony Pulis brought back his usual 4-2-3-1 formation after going with a five at the back lineup in Miami’s 1-0 away win against Tampa Bay Rowdies last weekend.
Forward Kyle Murphy returned to the lineup, making his 150th USL Championship regular-season appearance. Also, midfielder Bolu Akinyode returned to the lineup to play beside Devon “Speedy” Williams in the middle of the park.
First half breakdown
Winger Josh Perez and Murphy combined to create the first dangerous chance of the meeting in the 13th minute. Perez set up the 29-year-old forward, who hit a low-driven shot across the goal. However, goalkeeper Jimmy Slayton got low and to his left to push the ball out for a corner kick.
The early chance was a sign of better things to come for Murphy, who chased and controlled a long ball sent by captain Paco Craig, dribbled past the keeper and slotted it into the back of the net in the 16th minute.
MFC goalkeeper Connor Sparrow kept his goal untouched in the first half, making a Save of the Week worthy block in the 31st minute. Sparrow catapulted himself toward the right top corner of his goal to keep out a powerful shot attempt from defender Ashkanov Apollon.
Miami FC led at halftime by minimal difference. Hartford Athletic dominated the possession stats, with 55 percent to Miami’s 45. However, the Orange and Blue were more dangerous in attack, posting six shots – three on target – to Hartford’s two shots – one on goal.
Second half breakdown
Pulis made modifications ahead of the second half. He subbed Craig out for defender Junior Palacios in the half. Despite notching his first assist of the season in the first half, the English center-back came off with a knock. Also, Pulis changed the formation to a five-back, moving left-back Aedan Stanley to a center-back position to the left of Benjamin Ofeimu and Palacios. Right-back Mark Segbers remained in his position, and winger Pierre Da Silva filled in as a left-back.
Miami’s second substitution of the night came in the 61st minute, with left-back Othello Bah coming on for Stanley. The 22-year-old also left the pitch after receiving a knock.
In the 66th minute, Da Silva made space for himself inside the box and smacked a shot at the keeper’s near post. Unfortunately for the winger, his shot hit the upright.
Reggae Boyz Lamar Walker and Romeo Parkes came in for Murphy and Perez in the 69th minute.
Sparrow made another clutch save in the 73rd minute, parrying a headed shot from center-back Modou Jadama.
Jamaican substitutes Walker and Parkes combined for a goal in the 86th minute to double Miami’s lead. Walker passed the ball to Parkes, who controlled it and put his laces through. His attempt glided past Slayton and into the goal.
The final score was 2-0, with Miami FC picking up the three points at FIU Stadium.
Reggae Boyz partnership
Parkes and Walker have been clinical from the bench this season. The Jamaicans combined for a goal for the second time this season. Walker assisted Parkes in the U.S. Open Cup third-round game against Miami United. The two also came in as substitutes in that outing.
Parkes scored back-to-back league goals at home and has found the back of the net three times in his last four appearances in all competitions. All his goals have come in substitute appearances.
Up next for Miami FC
Miami FC will host Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF at FIU Stadium for the first edition of the Miami Clásico on Tuesday, April 19. The two sides meet in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Like Miami FC, Inter Miami enter the match in good form. The Herons defeated Supporters’ Shield winners New England Revolution at Ft. Lauderdale 3-2 last weekend and picked up three points on the road against Seattle hours after Miami FC’s 2-0 win against Hartford. Buy tickets for the Miami Clásico against inter Miami here.
