Miami FC 2 - 1 San Antonio FC: Losing skid ends with solid performance
A comprehensive victory for Miami FC
Miami FC returned to FIU Football Stadium on Saturday and were victorious with a 2-1 win over San Antonio FC. The win broke a five match losing skid for Miami FC in all competitions and was the first time San Antonio had lost a match when scoring the first goal in 65 contests dating back to 2020.
Miami FC appeared to have scored in minute two, but Frank Lopez was deemed offside.
San Antonio struck first in minute eleven on a great strike from Luke Haakenson though Daniel Gagliardi cheating toward the far post have the SAFC midfielder enough of an impetus to make the strike.
From that point forward Miami FC were the better side. Luisinho equalized proceedings in minute 24 and after he was injured in minute 33, his replacement Michael Lawrence playing his first match of the season (he was just signed Friday) scored the winning goal before halftime.
Despite a gaudy possession advantage, San Antonio didn’t threaten seriously often enough in the second half although their were some nervy moments late as SAFC drew two free kicks in dangerous positions - Miami FC’s set piece defending has been horrific for most of the season. But on both occasions the defense held.
Some thoughts:
Miami FC’s backline was very good today. But they were aided by a really poor performance from both of San Antonio’s strikers - Machop Chol and Juan Agudelo.
Mikey Lawrence scoring was not only surprising, but he proved to be in good shape for a player that wasn’t training with the team until this week and hasn’t played competitively in nine months. Check out the interview with him below.
Jorge Hernandez continues to be a standout for SAFC in this young season.
Antonio Nocerino used a double-pivot of Gabriel Cabral and Manuel Botta in midfield today. Botta continues to show his versatility. He can play two or three positions really well and as many as five decently well.
Rocco Genzano was again Miami FC’s best player. His linkup play was outstanding and his positioning sense out of possession has continued to improve as the season has worn on.
Miami FC has three injuries to be concerned about currently- Samuel Biek who missed the match and could have been useful late; Luisinho who scored a spectacular goal and was once again showing his one-on-one quality before being hurt and Frank Lopez who has shouldered a lot of minutes but went off injured in a match for the second time in this young season.
Apropos of nothing, this under-appreciated YT video ranks MIami FC's jersey as #1 of all MLS and USL jerseys!! And USL jerseys in general was ranked best in the world (watch to the end) : )))