Sports stats



NASL Miami FC

Unlucky Penalty Sees the Miami FC Fall to Rayo OKC, 1-0

October 9, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


RECAP | Unlucky Penalty Sees the Miami FC Fall to Rayo OKC, 1-0
RECAP | Unlucky Penalty Sees the Miami FC Fall to Rayo OKC, 1-0
(Miami FC)

MIAMI -? The Miami FC was at home Saturday night, hosting Rayo OKC.

"These three points were too important to drop," said Head Coach Alessandro Nesta. "We simply need to win games at home."

The Miami FC came out on fire in the first half and were unlucky to score multiple goals before halftime.

Just two minutes into the match, Blake Smith fired in a cross that needed saving as it was bound for the back of the net. Smith continued to provide delivery to the box, picking out Ariel Martinez in the 13th minute. Unfortunately, the Martinez header flashed past the near post.

Rayo OKC immediately responded with a chance of their own, but keeper Daniel Vega was there to stonewall a wide open Devon Sandoval.

Hunter Freeman came alive later in the half providing fantastic delivery to the attack. A corner kick in the 28th minute almost found the upper 90. Three minutes later, a cross found Rhett Bernstein, but his header was just off target.

Rayo was able to push back late in the first half, creating two chances just before halftime. Mason Trafford and Bernstein came up with back-to-back blocks in the 43rd minute.

Deep into extra time, Vega came up with a massive save on a free kick situation to send the teams to the locker rooms deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half was evenly matched, as both sides battled to control possession.

The Orange and Blue looked poised to take the lead early on, working four corner kicks in quick succession but could not convert on the opportunities.

The Miami FC continued to work scoring chances throughout the half, but the referee's quick whistle and an active offside flag, kept the Orange and Blue at bay.

In the 70th minute, a Rayo pass hit Bernstein in the chest and glanced his bicep. The referee deemed it a hand ball in box, granting OKC a penalty shot. Rayo's Michel stepped up to the spot and was able to squeeze the attempt just past an outstretched Vega, to give his side a 1-0.

Just a minute later, Dario Cvitanich found himself in front of goal, only to have his attempt saved. The rebound made its way to Enzo Rennella but the angle was too tight and his shot was also saved.

The Miami FC continued to push for an equalizer as time ticked away, looking to steal a point. A strong tackle by Richie Ryan earned him a red card in the 89th minute, another questionable call from the referee.

When the final whistle blew, the Miami FC lost to Rayo OKC, 1-0.

"Our next match is very important," added Nesta. "We have to score more goals. We have possession but we need better finishing."

Quick Hits

Starting Xl

GK - Vega

DEF - Freeman, Trafford, Bernstein, Borrajo (80' - Richards)

MID - Palacios, Smith, Ryan, Martinez (59' - Cvitanich)

FWD - Rennella, Chavez (69' - Poku)

Bookings

64' - Smith (yellow)

89' - Ryan (red)

Stats

Possession: 63%

Shots: 15

Passes: 385

Pass Accuracy: 80%

Clearances: 13

Tackles: 7

Check out the Miami FC Statistics




Images from this story

RECAP | Unlucky Penalty Sees the Miami FC Fall to Rayo OKC, 1-0
RECAP | Unlucky Penalty Sees the Miami FC Fall to Rayo OKC, 1-0
   



North American Soccer League Stories from October 9, 2016


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.

OurSports Central