Miami, Fla. (Saturday, May 14) – The Miami Football Club fell to Western Conference powerhouse San Antonio FC 2-0 at FIU Stadium. Despite the loss, Miami FC remain sixth in the Eastern Conference table.
Starting XI vs. San Antonio FC
Head coach Anthony Pulis changed the formation from his usual 4-2-3-1 to a 4-2-2-2. The Englishman also made some changes to his starting XI, introducing defender Luca Antonelli in the left center-back position and forward Lamar Walker on the right wing.
Forwards Kyle Murphy and Romeo Parkes started up top for the first time this season, and attacking midfielder Florian Valot played a more defensive role next to Jamaica’s Devon “Speedy” Williams in the middle of the pitch.
First Half Breakdown
The Orange and Blue kicked off the match on the front foot, creating a couple of chances in the opening half-hour.
Valot beat two players and set himself up nicely for a shot at the top of the 18-yard-box in the 14th minute. However, the shot drifted wide left of the goal.
The second chance arrived in the 21st minute, with Valot playing a through-ball into space for Walker to chase. Nevertheless, the Reggae Boy was denied by goalkeeper Jordan Farr.
San Antonio winger Deshane Beckford bagged a goal in the 42nd minute to give the visitors a lead just before halftime.
Miami FC dominated possession with 55 percent at the half. However, San Antonio FC was more direct in attack, leading in shots with eight to Miami’s five.
Second Half Breakdown
MFC goalkeeper Connor Sparrow made a straightforward save in the 62nd minute.
Miami held onto the ball throughout the half but struggled to crack through the visitor’s defense.
In added time, San Antonio countered MFC and the play ended in a penalty. San Antonio Center-back Mitchell Taintor bagged a goal from the spot.
Miami FC 0-0 San Antonio: match notes
Da Silva made his 100th USL Championship appearance off the bench. The 23-year-old entered the match as a substitute at halftime.
Up next for Miami FC
Miami FC host Detroit City at FIU Stadium on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
Detroit is enjoying a successful first year in the USL Championship. Le Rouge sits in third place in the Eastern Conference, six points above Miami FC. However, their away record stands at two wins and two losses.
Miami fútbol fans can purchase tickets here.
