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Match Preview: U.S. Open Cup 2nd Round vs Miami United FC

April 5, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Miami FC News Release


Miami, Fla. - The Miami Football Club hosts Miami United FC in the second round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. The seventh edition of the Magic City Clásico will take place at FIU Soccer Stadium on Wednesday, April 6, at 7 p.m. ET.

Rivalry bragging rights and a ticket to the U.S. Open Cup third round are on the line for Miami FC. The winner will take the helm of the all-time record of the Magic City Clásico and most likely meet Major League Soccer's Inter Miami CF in the third round of the competition.

Miami FC looks to snap a three-game winless run in USL Championship play. The Orange and Blue are coming off a contested 2-1 home loss against Colorado Springs Switchbacks, the last USL Championship team with a flawless record (4-0-0) this season.

Miami FC U.S. Open Cup history

Miami FC participated in four previous editions of the U.S. Open Cup, including a Cinderella run ending in the quarterfinals in 2017. MFC defeated South Florida Surf in the second round, rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round, Orlando City SC in the fourth round and Atlanta United in the round of 16.

Striker Kwadwo Poku's late game-winning goal against Atlanta United was the apex of Miami FC's journey to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals in 2017. The 3-2 win at Riccardo Silva Stadium, now FIU Stadium, sent waves around the nation. Poku's last-second game-winner took the then North American Soccer League (NASL) side managed by Italy's Alessandro Nesta to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. There, Miami lost to Cincinnati FC 1-0.

Miami FC crashed out of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup at the hands of Miami United after a 3-1 loss. United went on to reach the tournament's fourth round, where it fell to Orlando City SC 3-0.

2021: Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2020: Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2019: First Round

2018: Second Round

2017: Quarterfinals

2016: Third Round

Miami FC and Miami United head-to-head

The all-time record between Miami FC and Miami United stands at an even 2-2-2.

The first three clashes between the clubs unfolded in 2018 when both sides competed in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Miami FC's first encounter with Miami United also happened to be the team's inaugural match in the NPSL on April 15, 2018. The contest ended in a one-all draw thanks to a 90th-minute goal from MFC forward Jaime Chavez. The second edition of the rivalry match also ended in a 1-1 draw. And as previously mentioned, Miami United knocked out Miami FC from the U.S. Open Cup in the third and final match between the rivals in 2018.

Miami FC turned things around in 2019, winning two of its three matches against Miami United. The Orange and Blue defeated Miami United 2-0 at home, then lost 2-0 away and claimed a 3-2 victory at the end of the year to tie the record at 2-2-2.

The two Miami clubs will now skirmish to stay alive in the 107th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and gain leverage in their all-time record against each other.

Up Next for Miami FC

Miami FC resumes USL Championship play against Florida rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fl.

The Rowdies are undefeated so far this season, posting a 3-2-0 record. Tampa Bay is coming off back-to-back draws, a one-all draw against Hartford Athletic, and a goalless draw against Wester Conference foe Oakland Roots. Click here to buy tickers for the game.

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