Miami FC Falls in Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
June 16, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, FL. June 16, 2009 - Miami FC hosted the USL - 1 leaders, the Charleston Battery, at Tropical Park on Tuesday, June 16th. Although the Blues created plenty of opportunities, it wasn't enough to advance to the next round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The team returns to USL action playing two games in Cleveland against the Cleveland City Stars on Thursday, June 18th and Saturday, June 20th.
During the first half, Miami FC showed off some of its new found offense with Paulo Jr. firing a violent free kick that went straight into the chest of Battery goalkeeper, Dusty Hudock. Nine minutes later, Battery forward, Tyler Hemming, turned on a ball, unleashing a shot that skimmed the bottom of the left post. Towards the end of the first half, Diego Serna had the best opportunity for the Blues. Alen Marcina juked inside the 18 yard box, turned and left a ball for Diego Serna. Serna got a good shot off, but it was barely off target.
The second half proved to be more of the same; Miami controlling the tempo of the game, and Charleston maintaining defensive discipline. Miami was close to getting on the scoreboard in the 52nd minute, when Walter Ramirez gained some ground on the left flank and crossed the ball in the box. Edwin Miranda got the rebound, giving him an opportunity to score, but his shot sailed wide right.
Thirteen minutes later, Cristiano Dias brought down Chris Williams inside the box. Referee Carols Sandoval, awarded the Battery a penalty kick. Tyler Hemming delivered a well placed shot on the upper left hand corner, sealing the victory for the visiting team.
"We played well but unfortunately we couldn't come away with the victory. Charleston came in with a good game plan and executed what they do best. We are now focusing our energy towards USL action when we visit the City Stars this weekend," said Head Coach Zinho.
To watch this and all away games for free, please log on to www.usllive.com
Notes...
Matt Bobo and Dan Antoniuk were booked for Charleston... Cristiano Dias, Zach Kirby and Edwin Miranda were issued yellows for Miami... The ex-Cuban national, Yeniel Bermudez, did not play; He defected in February 2008 in Tampa during Olympic Qualifiers
USL First Division Stories from June 16, 2009
- Miami FC Falls in Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Timbers Advance to Host MLS' Seattle in Third Round of U.S Open - Portland Timbers
- Aztex Overcome Injuries, Altercation to Win 2-0 Against El Paso Patriots - Austin Aztex
- Thunder Host Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer June 30 - Minnesota Thunder
- City Stars Fall 2-1 In Overtime In U.S. Open Cup Second Round - Cleveland City Stars
- Charles and Gbeke Receive Two-Match Suspension - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Date For Timbers' Possible U.s. Open Cup Match Against Mls' Seattle Changed - Portland Timbers
- Preview: U.S. Open Cup 2nd Round - Austin Aztex FC vs. El Paso Patriots - Austin Aztex
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
