Miami FC vs. Indy Eleven – Aug. 12th, 2017

Enough is enough, damn it! The skid must end at some point, this seems like as good a time as any. The article following the last game mentioned the need not to panic. Who was that very rational individual with such perspective? Oh, it was me. Well, listen to me. The slump feels bad, but it isn’t the end of the world. This is one of those things that seems worse than it is. It’s just the first two games of the NASL fall season, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup loss makes it ache a bit more. However, Miami FC’s turnaround must begin and a home game against the Indy Eleven before three straight on the road is a pretty opportune time. The team that plowed through the spring is in there somewhere, let’s bring those savage motherfuckers out!

It was a heartbreaking loss against North Carolina FC as a late game rally by Miami to tie the match was spoiled by a last-minute opposition header. The regular starters were not all part of last week’s game when the starting whistle blew, Head Coach Alessandro Nesta decided a little rest was in order. This week, not so much. However, the league’s leading scorer in goals (before the match, that is) and assists – Vincenzo Rennella with 10 and 5, respectively – would not play against Indy due to some injury issues. Not like the scoring has been the problem, though. A porous and somewhat less-than-enthused defense allowed three goals at the New York Cosmos before conceding another three last week to North Carolina. No matter! Excuses will not be made. The winning must get done!

“The times they are a-changin'” – Bob Dylan and Nesta (probably). Well, changing back to the old times. The times when we use to whoop on the squad who dared line up opposite. Much like the poor customer service representative who receives all the rage without being at fault, Indy was not the reason Miami started the fall poorly, but they would sure as hell pay for it. The boys in blue and orange were pissed, and maybe the venting session didn’t begin until the second half, but when it did, IT WAS FUCKING ON!

Make that two for @stefano_pinho! He now leads the @naslofficial! #UseYourNoggin pic.twitter.com/yFKP390Ubb

— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 13, 2017

It didn’t take too long, into the second half that is. In the 47th minute, a Jaime Chavez cross found Stefano Pinho’s head to break  the tie. In the 59th, Dylan Mares decided to display a little video game talent by going on a one-man run. While full-speed ahead towards the box, a cut right, a cut left, back to the right and a rocket past Indy GK Jon Busch nearly went through the net. GOLAZO! Miami was on a roll, and they also weren’t done, neither was Pinho. Using his head again, a diving Pinho notched his second from a deep Hunter Freeman cross. Those two headers were responsible for goals number 10 and 11 on the NASL season for Pinho, pushing him past his teammate Rennella for league-leading status.

Miami’s back, y’all! All right, let’s not overreact. The same perspective used to prevent a freak-out when losing must be applied here. One good game does not a return to prominence make. This is a good sign, no doubt. But three straight matches on the road at North Carolina, Jacksonville Armada, and Puerto Rico FC could very well be the most important stretch of the fall season, particularly because of the timing. Stay tuned!

Miami wins! The slump buster worked! First win of the fall season. Feels good! @TheMiamiFC 3 – @IndyEleven 1! #MIAvIND #VamosMiami pic.twitter.com/BMRUzZcpv2

— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) August 13, 2017

For a complete photo gallery of this game, please CLICK HERE.

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