NASL Miami FC

RECAP | the Miami FC Shuts out FC Edmonton Again, Winning 2-0

Published on April 30, 2017 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


MIAMI (April 29, 2017) - The Miami FC hosted FC Edmonton at Riccardo Silva Stadium, Saturday night, in the final match of a three-match homestand. The Orange and Blue controlled the match from the first whistle, taking out the Eddies 2-0.

"Today Edmonton came here to defend and we still scored twice," said Head Coach Alessandro Nesta. "But, I still think we need to do better when we get in front of the goal if we want to win a championship."

The Miami FC came out of the gates with purpose and dominated the first half, controlling 64% of the possession.

The first great chance for the Orange and Blue came in the 16th minute. Midfielder Michael Lahoud took a few touches at the top of the box before unleashing a hellacious strike with his right foot. The ball was destined for the upper 90, but instead it took a hard bounce of the crossbar.

The Orange and Blue continued to pepper the Eddies' goal, finally breaking through in the 35th minute. Midfielder Kwadwo Poku received the ball at the top of the box from forward Vincenzo Rennella and proceeded to dribble past two Edmonton defenders, burying the chance in the back of the net.

Midfielder Dylan Mares closed out the first half in near spectacular fashion. Mares cut in from the left flank and took a few deft touches before launching a great shot far post. Unfortunately, Eddies keeper Chris Konopka went full stretch to make the save.

The parried shot then fell to the feet of captain Jonathan Borrajo, who centered the ball well and just missed a waiting Poku.

The onslaught continued in the second half, as the Miami FC did not let off the gas till the final whistle.

Midfielder Ariel Martínez joined in on the action in the 52nd minute, bringing his trademarked no-holds-barred attacking style to the match.

In less than 10 minutes, Martínez nearly scored twice, with his strike in the 61st minute curling just wide of the near post.

Two minutes later, the Orange and Blue doubled its lead.

Stéfano Pinho and Mares combined for a perfect give-and-go in the Edmonton box, setting up Pinho for an easy finish.

The Miami FC's attacking pressure did not wain up two goals, with Martínez finding the post in the 66th minute.

Edmonton's only true chance of the match came in the 77th minute. Midfielder Sainey Nyassi worked his way deep into the Miami FC box, but his shot would ricochet off the crossbar.

The squad would create a few more chances to close out the match, eventually walking away with a 2-0 victory.

This is Miami's fourth-consecutive shutout victory over FC Edmonton.

"It is going to be a very different match for us in Puerto Rico next week," added Nesta. "They pressure high up the field and they have a very smart coach."

The Miami FC hits the road next weekend to take on Puerto Rico FC, before returning home to host Indy Eleven on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets now at MiamiFC.com/Tickets.

Quick Hits

Starting Xl

GK - Vega

DEF - Baggio, Trafford, Freeman, Borrajo (c)

MID - Ryan, Mares, Lahoud, Poku

FWD - Pinho, Rennella

Goals

35' - Poku (MIA)

64' - Pinho (MIA)

Bookings

14' - Pinho (MIA) | Yellow

60' - Zebie (FCE) | Yellow

77' - Nyassi (FCE) | Yellow

82' - Diakité (FCE) | Yellow

87' - Shiels (FCE) | Yellow

Stats

Possession: 67%

Shots: 20

Passes: 633

Pass Accuracy: 90%

Clearances: 14

Tackles: 13

About The Miami FC

The Miami FC is Miami's only professional soccer team and began playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016. Co-owned by international entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini, the club will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and host international tournaments and friendly matches.

In partnership with The Miami Foundation and the Play for Change Foundation, Miami FC's mission is to connect with Miami's communities through the global language of soccer, strengthening their ties by promoting social-driven initiatives and charitable work through soccer.

Check out the Miami FC Statistics

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 30, 2017


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.

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