Miami United heads to Chattanooga to renew rivalry in US Open Cup First Round
A rivalry renewed
In 2015 and 2016 Miami United and Chattanooga FC played two classic matches in the NPSL Playoffs in Regional Finals. Matches that Chattanooga won on route to making the NPSL National Championship game both seasons.
The two clubs, both of whom were slated to be founding members of NISA in 2017 but have taken different paths since that fell through will meet again on Tuesday in the US Open Cup First Round at Finley Stadium.
2016 playoff clash
Miami United who left NPSL in 2022 have qualified for the last two US Open Cup’s the hard way by going through regional qualifying. For all of Chattanooga FC’s excellence through the years, it is actually Miami United who defeated two professional teams on route to hosting an MLS team in a previous USOC - in 2018 when Miami United defeated Miami FC and Jacksonville Armada before falling at home to MLS’ Orlando City SC.
Miami United has been eliminated the last two seasons in the early rounds of the Open Cup by Miami FC (2022) and in an epic penalty shootout by Jacksonville last season. The club continues to compete at the highest level in regional competitions - leaving NPSL has not impacted the quality of player they sign but has taken away the automatic qualifying spot for US Open Cup for winning the Sunshine Conference that they regularly took advantage of prior to 2022.
This year’s Miami United FC team is led by Robertino Insua who is the son of Ruben Dario Insua current coach of San Lorenzo and onetime Argentine International.
Make no mistake about it - Miami United has been an elite side regardless of what league they play in. Going back to 2013 they’ve had success in each and every competition they’ve participated in.
The match in Chattanooga is on Tuesday, and we’ll be tracking it and Miami United’s progression in the US Open Cup here at BT90.
Robertino Insua
Thanks for these storylines! Which leagues are the two teams now in? One is in NISA while the other is still in NPSL? I could Google it, but y'know, lazy......