Irvine, Calif. (Sunday, July 16) – The Miami Football Club became the first USL Championship club to reach double digits in clean sheets this season. The side claimed its tenth shutout in a goalless draw against Western Conference foe Orange County SC.
The result left the Orange and Blue in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, with 28 points and a 7-7-7 record. Regarding goal differential, the club’s 22 goals for cancel out it’s 22 against.
Starting XI vs. OCSC
Head coach Anthony Pulis made changes to his starting eleven ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Jake McGuire, who was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, started in goal, and center-backs Ben Ofeimu and Callum Chapman-Page stood in the middle of the four-man back line. Center-back Paco Craig and goalkeeper Connor Sparrow were rested.
Midfielder Richard Ballard started his first game of the season after making consecutive substitute appearances against Pittsburgh and Charleston. Defenders Aedan Stanley and Chapman-Page, midfielder Joaquín Rivas and striker Kyle Murphy returned to the starting lineup.
Match Breakdown: OCSC 0-0 Miami FC
Orange County SC held onto most of the possession in the first half but never really troubled Miami’s defense. The backline dealt with Orange County’s attacks well throughout the half.
McGuire was called into action in the 35th minute, during an OCSC free-kick. The 27-year-old dove left and caught the shot with ease.
It was not until the second half that Miami had clear chances in front of the goal.
Right-back Mark Segbers and Ballard combined for a close chance in the 55th minute. Segbers Ballard in a wide position on the right flank, and the 28-year-old cut the ball back to his teammate. Unfortunately for Segbers, his shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Attacking midfielder Florian Valot and forward Christian Sorto gave Miami the attacking spark it needed from the bench. The two came into the match in the 66 minutes, and the Frenchman made his presence known instantly.
Valot played a one-time through ball to Murphy, who chased after the ball and cut in to take a shot. However, his strike went wide.
Sorto and Valot linked up in the 69th minute to create another chance, but the former Cincinnati FC member hit the ball over the bar.
OGSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler showcased impeccable technique to deny a left-footed shot from distance produced by Sorto. The Salvadoran took the ball to his side and ripped a shot to the top corner of the goal, but Shutler was able to get a fingertip to it.
Up Next for Miami FC
Miami FC returns to South Florida for the week before traveling again. Pulis and his players head north to face off against Loudoun United on Saturday, July 23, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The Eastern Conference adversaries drew one-all at FIU Stadium on March 26, the second game of the season.
