Two goals in the second half were enough for Miami defeating Hartford Athletic 2-0.
Miami started the first half with great intensity and speed, controlling the possession and applying constant pressure on Hartford’s defense. In the 12th minute, Beverly Makangila played a pass in his own end that was intercepted by Miami’s Joaquin Rivas. At the top of the box with no one around Rivas took a left footed shot that beat goalkeeper Marvyn Dorchin but hit the crossbar. The ball was then recycled out of the box, eventually landing at the feet of Christian Sorto who immediately let a shot go and also hit the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Maimi was awarded a corner kick which was dangerously whipped in and met by the head of Michael Salazar who once again would hit the post for Miami FC.
The Green and Blue failed to find a rhythm in the first 20 minutes but were able to create quality chances towards the end of the first half. In the 33rd minute, Conor McGlynn sent a long looping ball to a streaking Kyle Edwards. Miami goalkeeper Jake McGuire came out to meet Edwards and was able to make his body big, blocking the shot. This resulted in an Athletic corner that was taken brilliantly by Kembo Kibato, and met by the head of Robin Lapert, who directed the ball towards goal. McGuire again was able to make the save, keeping the score level at 0-0 heading into halftime.
At the start of the second half, Hartford were able to continue their positivity and had their best chance of the match just three minutes in. Andre Lewis was able to get a shot off in the box, but it was blocked by a defender only to land at the feet of Beverly Makangila. The midfielder rifled a shot to the lower corner but was stopped by the outstretched hand of McGuire.
In the 65th minute, Miami would strike first. Aedan Stanley found space outside the box and sent in a whipping cross that was hit on the volley and directed in by Florian Valot. Hartford responded with a chance of their own when Prince Saydee stepped up to take a free kick in the 76th minute. Saydee showed perfect technique, curling the ball over the wall and beating everyone but the post. Minutes later in the 78th minute, Joaquin Rivas was able to double Miami’s lead with a low driven shot from outside the box beating Dorchin. The score remained 2-0 through the final whistle giving Miami the victory.
Hartford will return home next Wednesday, October 4th, to play Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. The game is a restart of the postponed match on September 9th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.
FAST STATS
Shots (On-Target): Hartford 3 Miami 4
Corners: Hartford 3 Miami 2
Fouls: Hartford 22 Miami 16
Offsides: Hartford 1 Miami 1
Possession: Hartford 48.7% Miami 51.3%
Passing Accuracy: Hartford 84.8% Miami 85.2%
Saves: Hartford 2 Miami 3
SCORING SUMMARY:
Miami: 65’ – Florian Valot
Miami: 78’ – Joaquin Rivas
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY:
26’ – Kyle Edwards (Yellow)
28’ – Boluwatife Akinyode (Miami) (Yellow)
69’- Danny Barrera (Yellow)
71’- Conor McGlynn (Yellow)
HARTFORD ATHLETIC STARTING LINEUP
0 (GK) Marvyn Dorchin, 22 (D) Robin Lapert, 28 (M) Conor McGlynn, 2 (D) Modesto Méndez (Hodge, 62’), 19 (D) Luke Merrill (Torres, 80’), 16 (D) Matt Sheldon (Lewis, 45’), 21 (M) Kembo Kibato (Dobruna, 80’), 6 (M) Beverly Makangila, 10 (M) Danny Barrera, 7 (F) Prince Saydee, 17 (F) Kyle Edwards (Amoh, 62’).
MIAMI FC STARTING LINEUP
1 (GK) Jake McGuire, 22 (D) Ben Ofeimu, 21 (M) Boluwatife Akinyode (Dowouna, 84’), 8 (M) Gabriel Cabral, 4 (D) Paco Craig, 3 (D) Aedan Stanley, 10 (M) Florian Valot, 17 (F) Michael Salazar (Murphy, 55’), 99 (F) Christian Sorto (Repetto, 84’), 14 (M) Ryan Telfer, 11 (F) Joaquín Rivas.
