MIAMI – FL – The Miami FC opened its sixth season at home against Red Bulls II, Saturday night. With a few hiccups, Miami dominated the match from the jump, picking up a goal in each half and picking up a clean sheet in the first match of the season.
The first opportunity for Miami FC came just 3 minutes in as Miami worked a short corner and a solid shot from the top of the box for Pierre Da Silva, but it was blocked.
The breakthrough for Miami FC came in the 11th minute as Mark Segbers found space down the left flank and sent in a perfect cross far-post that was finished by Joshua Perez with a flying header.
Que golazo to kick off Season 6!!! 🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/SPknZcz6jx
— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) March 13, 2022
More inside-out play by Miami in the 23rd minute freed up Kyle Murphy for a run deep in the box where he was met up by two Red Bull defenders and knocked down, but no penalty was given, a theme in the first half.
As time was running out in the first half, the ball found Da Silva right in front of goal but his shot was well stopped by the Red Bulls keeper, keeping the score at 1-0.
It was smooth sailing in the first half for Miami as the veteran squad dominated the youngsters of Red Bulls II and went into the locker rooms up 1-0.
Red Bulls II came out the gate hot in the second half and were able to put some pressure on Miami FC. New York’s best chance came in the 53rd minute as John Murphy found himself all alone in the box but whiffed on his shot attempt, ending the danger for Miami.
The pressure would not subside as the Miami FC continued to be pinned in their own half unable to find a release valve. Luckily, keeper Connor Sparrow and the defense were on their game, maintaining the 1-0 advantage.
It looked like Miami’s lead was going to double in the 65th minute as a well-placed cross eventually found its way to Luca Antonelli who poked it home, but a late offside flag was raised and erased the goal.
Miami FC wrestled back control of the match in the 73rd minute as Segbers went on a fantastic solo run and slotted home his own rebound to put his team up 2-0.
73' I @urMARKgetSEGgo PUTS MIAMI FC UP 2-0 AND HITS THE GRITTY!
Thats G and an A on the night! #VAMOSMIAMI pic.twitter.com/0RtPqArZio
— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) March 13, 2022
Red Bulls nearly responded seconds later as another ball fell to New York’s Murphy whose long-distance effort just missed the near post.
The heroics of Segbers would prove to be enough for Miami FC to walk away from the season opener with three points.
Postgame
Postgame with Coach Pulis and @Joshua_Perez26 after @TheMiamiFC open the 2022 season with a 2-0 win over Red Bull NY2. @USLChampionship #Futbol305 #VamosMiami pic.twitter.com/d0QjOV0m28
— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) March 13, 2022
Next up for Miami is a trip to Louisville this Saturday, March 19th to take on Louisville City FC. They return home to host Loudoun United FC on Saturday, March 26th.
Photo | Edwin Garcia
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