Vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies at FIU Stadium
Saturday, June 11
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+
Tickets: Click Here
Miami, Fla. (Friday, June 10) – The Miami Football Club host in-state rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies at FIU Stadium Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The Orange and Blue aim to defeat the Rowdies twice in a single season for the first time in the Florida Derby’s history.
Miami FC enters the fixture on the back of a five-game unbeaten streak, tying four of the five matches. The South Florida side looks to win its first home game since April 16, when it took down Hartford Athletic 2-0.
Miami FC 1-1 Indy Eleven: Breakdown
Head coach Anthony Pulis’ side endured a two-hour-and-34-minute rain delay after just 14 minutes of play. The match resumed at 9:57 p.m. ET, the same time Miami FC’s encounter against Pittsburgh Riverhounds kicked off two weekends ago.
Nonetheless, Salvadoran Christian Sorto scored his first goal of the season 20 seconds after the referee resumed the match. Reggae Boy Lamar Walker delivered a cross from the right flank at the top of the six-yard line, and Sorto poked the ball into the goal. Walker notched his third assist in league play this year.
Miami FC cult hero Stefano Pinho, now an Indy Eleven player, scored an equalizer in the 56th minute.
A clutch save from Connor Sparrow in the final minutes of the contest secured one point at home for the home side.
The Orange and Blue sit eighth in the USL Championship Eastern Conference table tied in points (21) with the Boys in Blue.
Last Time Out Against Tampa Bay Rowdies
Miami FC traveled north to face off against rival Tampa Bay Rowdies on April 9. At the time, Miami was looking for its second league win and its first-ever victory at Al Lang Stadium. And, that’s exactly what they found.
Winger Pierre da Silva scored the single goal of the night in the 51st minute and MFC remained composed defensively for the remainder of the game. Effectively, the South Florida side came on top in this year’s first edition of the Florida Derby. Moreover, Miami has been the only team to sneak out of Al Lang Stadium with a clean sheet this season.
About Tampa Bay Rowdies
The Tampa Bay Rowdies sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, just five points shy of leaders Memphis 901 with 23 points in the course of 14 matches. The Rowdies have been dominant at home, but weaker on the road. The side’s away record is 2W-1L-4D.
Tampa Bay also arrives at this game in a five-game unbeaten streak, winning four of the five matches. The Bay Rowdies shut down Louisville City at home on June 5, winning the game 1-0.
Head coach Anthony Pulis talked about how matching the Rowdies’ intensity will be key for his side.
“We’re coming up against an aggressive, direct and physical team,” said pulis. “We got the positive result last time and I’m sure there is probably going to be some extra motivation on their part. We have to be ready. i expect everybody – Miami FC players – to be right on the front foot.”
Teacher Appreciation Night
Miami FC will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Night at FIU Stadium Saturday. Teachers receive a complimentary ticket and a discount on extra tickets.
Fill out the online form to redeem your complimentary ticket to the game against in-state rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies. Don’t forget to purchase your additional tickets at a discounted price and enter “Teachers” when prompted.
Up Next for Miami FC
The squad will have 14 days of rest and preparation until its next league fixture. MFC will take on LA Galaxy II at FIU Stadium on Saturday, June 25.
