Memphis 901 2-0 Miami United: Cup run ends for Miami United after valiant effort
Tampa Bay Rowdies are now the only Florida side left in the U.S. Open Cup
AutoZone Park was the site of the Third Round tie between USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC versus amateur side Miami United. Miami entered Memphis with a lot of confidence because they were tapped as a side that could give professional sides a challenge. Memphis’ run of form in the league
From the start, it was clear that Miami United came to play. Their first good opportunity of the evening came from a counter attack in the fifteenth minute. Marcos Bakale unfortunately just couldn’t get enough power generated on the shot and it became an easy save for 901 goalkeeper Tyler Deric. A few minutes later, Miami United thought they got the opening goal of the tie, but it ended up being ruled offside.
After these early warning shots, Memphis grew into the game and started to look dangerous. In these single-elimination games, you absolutely cannot let your guard down, especially when you’re an amateur side going against a professional side. In the 33rd minute, Miami United had a lapse in concentration which opened up multiple pockets of space. 901’s Emerson Hyndman saw the opportunity and flew a ball over to Nighte Pickering and well, left United’s keeper picking it out of the back of the net. Despite looking like the stronger team for the first 30 mins, Miami United found themselves one goal down.
Photo courtesy of Miami United
They nearly had the perfect response. A wonderful free kick chance taken by Jhon Pajoy was saved by Deric. A follow up shot from the rebound caused by the save presented United with another opportunity to level the game, but it was saved again.
The emotions from the first half started seeping onto the field, as Miami United had three bookings within a four minute window. The amateur side just couldn’t seem to hold their frustration. As the game got to the last quarter, it was clear Memphis took command of the field and Pickering got his second of the night & sealed the win for the 901.
While the game was practically over, there was still something up for grabs for Miami United. At that moment, they were tied on goals with El Farlolito and just needed a goal to secure the highest placed Amateur team prize. In a frantic last ditch effort for the $25,000, Miami made a great strike on goal which ended up striking the cross bar. That would turn out to be the last action of the game and with that, Miami United’s luck ran out.
Coach Stephen Glass had lots of respect for Miami United’s effort.
“We had to be at our best and we had to be strong on the ball. They were difficult to play against and resilient at the end. I think if we were not all those things tonight, we would have been out of the cup. No doubt about it. So again, full respect to Miami United and their staff. They were tough to beat and we’re glad that we did.”
Man of the Match, Nighte Pickering as well gave Miami United some well deserved flowers for their performance.
“We really needed a win today, especially in the cup. You have an NPSL team coming here and think it’s an easy write-off, but it’s going to be their world cup final when they come. They're going to be playing with a different intensity. It was a good win and hopefully we can get back on track in the USL too.”
It now seems Florida’s hope of claiming the cup again lies with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, as Miami FC also were eliminated from the competition.
Memphis has been a mystery so far this year. They just haven't figured out who they are up front yet, but maybe this will put them on the path. Pickering has the ability, if they've finally unlocked it.
Great to see all the new writers here!