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Miami FC Faces Red Force FC in First Round of Open Cup

May 8, 2018 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


Miami FC in action
Miami FC in action
(Miami FC)

MIAMI - The Miami FC continues its 2018 Cup Run in the First Round, taking on APSL side Red Force FC at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9 at FIU Soccer Stadium.

Red Force Open Cup Struggles

Red Force FC hasn't had the same type of success in the Open Cup that it has had in league play over the past few years.

Red Force has played in the tournament three times: 2013, 2014 and 2017.

The 2014 version featured the team's sole Open Cup win, a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rovers.

Red Force was bounced by PDL teams in 2013 and 2017: Ocala Stampede in 2013 and South Florida Surf (with current Miami FC members Jeff Michaud and Manny Gonzalez) in 2017.

Miami FC: An Open Cup Powerhouse

Miami won its initial Open Cup match of the 2018 season on Sunday, beating FC Miami City 3-1 on the road.

Dating back to last season, Miami has now won five of its last six Open Cup matches.

Miami has also accumulated an impressive plus-seven goal differential in those matches.

Throughout that span, it has beaten two PDL teams, one USL team and two MLS teams. A splendid tournament resume to this point for the Orange and Blue.

Players With Cup Pedigree

The Miami FC will have a distinct advantage going into the match against their intracity foes: Open Cup experience and success.

Of the 26 players on the roster, 20 have taken part in Open Cup matches previously. And 14 have five or more appearances in Cup matches.

Jaime Chávez, Aly Hassan and Jeff Michaud have scored a combined 14 goals in 16 Open Cup appearances.

With so many players that have experienced success in the Open Cup previously, Miami can hang its hat on going into Sunday's matchup with a bit of an edge over its opponent.

Players to Watch

Darío Suárez might have been signed less than a week ago, but he has acclimated to the team with ease.

In the midst of a tight match on Sunday night, Suárez was subbed on at halftime and ended up providing the match-winning goal.

Suárez struck a brilliant half-volley with his left foot that projectiled into the top left corner of the net to give Miami a 2-1 lead.

His shiftiness in the open field and persistence in applying pressure on offense was a key reason Miami advanced to the First Round.

Suárez looks likely to be a fantastic pickup, but Kris Tyrpak has been Miami's best move of the season to this point.

Just one day after being officially added to the roster, Tyrpak started against Jacksonville Armada and earned Man of the Match honors for his flawless performance.

Tyrpak followed that up by improving on his stellar form in Sunday night's Open Cup match, carving out space and providing the assist on Miami's opening goal.

In just over a week, Tyrpak has proven to be an indispensable piece on Miami's front line.

Looking Ahead

The Orange and Blue will either keep its focus on the U.S. Open Cup or return to NPSL play, depending on the outcome of the match against Red Force FC.

If Miami FC were to win against Red Force, the Orange and Blue would face off against Miami United FC or FC Kendall on Wednesday, May 16.

If Miami FC doesn't win, an NPSL match would be played on the same day at Bobcat Field at St. Thomas University. That match would be against Boca Raton FC.

Tickets for all Miami FC matches are available now at MiamiFC.com and if you call 844-MIAMIFC!

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Miami FC in action
Miami FC in action
   



North American Soccer League Stories from May 8, 2018


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