Miami FC 0-1 Birmingham Legion FC: Despite another valiant effort, MFC losing skid reaches five
Another close call, but yet another match where an inexplicable defensive error was the difference
Miami FC lost its fifth straight match in all competitions with a 1-0 home loss to Birmingham Legion FC Saturday night. The loss was heartbreaking in several ways but most notably perhaps because for the first time in a month MFC looked stout defensively but were undone by a bizarre goalkeeping error. What should have been a simple clearance in minute 62 for Khadim Ndiaye ended up being a goal for Stefano Pinho on his return to South Florida. The Birmingham attacker, ironically is one of the leading all-time goal scorers in the history both Miami FC and the defunct Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
In the first half Miami FC played largely on the back foot, but defensively looked more organized and confident than in the last few weeks. Still Birmingham were the better team.
Outside of the Legion goal, Miami FC was the better side in the second half. In fact Miami FC looked so good after minute 60, particularly in moments where the electric Luisinho dazzled the near capacity crowd at FIU Soccer Stadium. But still, there was no breakthrough. Miami FC did have a goal from Frank Lopez waved off for offside - it looked close but I will admit I have yet to watch a replay as I am focused on watching other USL games in progress currently and catching up on Tampa Bay and Club de Lyon’s completed matches.
I will have a full video breakdown of the game and where Miami FC stands tomorrow on the Kingfisher after I watch the match again in its entirety.
But first tonight, some quick thoughts.
Danny Barbir has a level of quality and veteran nous that has largely been lacking in this squad prior to his arrival.
Daltyn Knutson looked much more comfortable playing on the right side of a three-man backline. Knutson’s distribution was the best we’ve seen from him all season.
As good as Miami FC’s attacking players have looked, I noticed once again tonight several bad decisions on the ball in attacking areas. Decisions either made a split second too late or not made at all, costing scoring opportunities. The most obvious of these was in minute 61, right before the Birmingham goal where Allen Gavilanes had Roberto Molino, unmarked, in space at the top of 18’ and yet choose to go it alone. I truthfully think this would have likely been a goal.
Birmingham choose to start 17-year old Fernando Delgado who they have on loan from Real Salt Lake . Miami FC really didn’t test Delgado early in the match, therefore let the youngster get comfortable. And as a result when called upon to make multiple big saves late, he did.
Rocco Genzano showed his versatility again tonight playing in the first half as a six, and then pushing to a hybrid right wingback/right midfield position in the second half. Genzano is one of the best young players in the USL Championship.
Gabriel Cabral whose catsotrophic first 45 against Tampa Bay was the biggest contributing factor to that Miami FC loss in my opinion bounced back today with a strong performance when he came on at halftime for the injured Samuel Biek. For his part, Biek has his best 45 minutes since the second match of the season against Sacramento.
Ultimately Miami FC continues to frustrate. You can tolerate losing if the quality isn’t there but what is happening in each and every match is a single error, usually a mental one or flukeish one is costing the team. After a while, it become a pattern and my concern now is how does this group which is so young mentally cope with all of these unfortunate events?
It wasn't always the prettiest game, but Legion will take the points and run. I thought Delgado looked pretty good, especially given his age. No doubt, MVO needed the rest. Crognale also got a rest. Frankly, the chemistry between him and Kavita has been off this season, and I think we're getting better results when they're not on the field together.
Miami FC is one of the best bad teams I have ever seen.
Every match they entertain and every one they lose.
Ndiaye slip was just embarrassing.