Heartbreak in the Second-half for Miami FC | May 8th, 2021

In a very close game that could have gone either way, Miami FC created their fair share of chances, but they weren’t calm, cool, or collected in front of goal. The stats tell the story of just how close it was. Miami had 49% possession, 12 shots with three on target. Meanwhile, Hartford had 51%, 11 shots, and four on target. All that leads to heartbreak as the Miami FC fell 1-0.

Push & Pull

Through 45 minutes, the matchup between Miami FC and Hartford Athletic remained goalless. Although the best chances for Miami were created by Christiano Francois down the left flank, the Haitian winger broke free from his defender on several occasions, but couldn’t capitalize. He did, however,  put two shots on goal and a dangerous ball across the face of Hartford’s keeper. 

Miami’s defensive shape had been solid as well. The midfield trio of Rozeboom, Williams, and Martinez limited the opposition from creating chances down the middle. Rather uneventful, the first half was a tug-of-war in the midfield with neither team willing to give an inch. 

Scoreless at the half. #VamosMiami pic.twitter.com/H4PQ7AGESJ

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) May 9, 2021

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Heartbreak

The second half began with a change on the attacking front for Miami FC. Lamar Walker was replaced by Billy Forbes, who took up the left-wing, shifting Francois to the right. It was an effective change, as the left-footed Forbes continuously found space and squared balls across the box, but it was to no avail. The Hartford defense remained meticulous throughout, clearing crosses and blocking close range shots. 

It was the team from Connecticut that found the breakthrough goal in this one. In the 59th minute, a beautiful long ball split open the Miami defense and allowed substitute Tabort Etaka Preston to take advantage of the space left behind. A backheel flick from team captain Danny Barrera set up the 22-year-old forward for his first goal in a Hartford Uniform. No stranger to the big moment, Preston represented the Cameroon national team in the 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Two is less than four

The only lopsided stats to be found are the 23 fouls Hartford committed compared to Miami’s 10. However, Hartford was only shown two yellow cards while Miami saw four.

HIGHLIGHTS pres. by @HelbizOfficial.

Recap of tonight's tough loss at home vs @HFDAthletic. pic.twitter.com/EWjVJxp3fO

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) May 9, 2021

Looking Ahead

Miami FC will travel to New York and face the 0-1-1 NY Red Bulls II on Friday, May 14th at 7 p.m.

📸 Credit: Mikey Berlfein