Miami FC faces it's first "must get a result match" of the season
Tonight's match vs Birmingham Legion is the first time on MFC's 2024 USL Championship schedule, not getting a point would not be acceptable
As I discussed on Thursday, Miami’s FC elimination from the US Open Cup on Wednesday was the club’s fourth straight loss, but again showed us this playing squad does have potential.
But as we discussed in the video bouts of indiscipline and concentration errors which are common with young squads continue to plague this side. Having scored multiple goals in three straight matches, Miami FC has also lost all three of those matches.
Tonight against Tom Soehn’s Birmingham Legion FC squad, Miami faces a side that’s also struggled this season after lots of changes to the playing squad in the off season. Simply put, the Legion cut back on its budget in terms of players, now leaving Soehn, one of the most experienced coaches in American soccer with a less-talented squad than in previous seasons.
The Legion have never missed the USL playoffs in their history, but this season has started unevenly. Soehn experimented with playing 3-at-back early with wing-backs pushing forward and pressing high. It seemed to work initially but was undone in a 5-0 hammering at Louisville.
Now playing a traditional four-man backline, the Legion have won two of the last three in all competitions but remaining unconvincing on the eye.
Simply put, for Miami FC this is an opportunity. We can continue to make excuses, but this is the first match on the schedule this season where I absolutely believe MFC needs to get at least a point. It’s not just because of the losing streak, but Birmingham don’t have quite the firepower the sides Miami FC have faced thus far have. With San Antonio coming to town next week and a trip to Pittsburgh the week after, getting something tonight is critical.
Here’s what I want to see from Miami FC tonight:
More discipline in terms of flying into tackles and retaliating after incidents.
Consistent efforts to move the ball quickly in attack. The movement the 135 minutes off-the-ball has been better partly because of the insertion of Roberto Molina who was acquired from Indy Eleven nine days ago, into the team.
The three-at-back Antonio Nocerino has experimented with in the last two matches has been worthwhile. Jordan Ayimbila has gotten forward and supplemented the attack and Nicolas Cardona is both comfortable on the ball and with putting dangerous balls into the area.
Miami FC HAS TO MARK ON SET PIECES BETTER. While the last two matches have yielded some frustrating open play goals, the key moments in matches continue to be when MFC cannot defend set pieces or crosses that are lofted into dangerous zones.
If Luisinho who had a break out match in Wednesday’s loss to Tormenta FC can continue his development. If he does, it gives Nocerino even more options on the attacking end.
Kickoff is tonight at 7pm at FIU Soccer Stadium. Match will be teleivised on My33 in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale TV market and ESPN+ nationally.
I would like to think Legion has figured a couple of things out. But personnel continues to be a challenge. One of the struggles has been that they can't keep a consistent lineup healthy. That may continue tonight, as our captain (Kavita - CB) is nursing a sore knee. We also lost our first choice striker late in the Phoenix game. Finally, our second GK, who is truly a 1-B choice, has something going on. Which is why we have a GK loaded in just yesterday.
In short, I agree. Miami has a chance here.
Birmingham is better recently. They’ll win.