The Miami FC Open Up The 2021 USL Championship Season With A 2-1 Win | May 2nd, 2021

Miami, FL – The Miami FC can put the COVID-19 stricken year of 2020 behind them as they opened up the 2021 USL Championship season at their home pitch of Riccardo Silva Stadium welcoming Loudoun United FC. Miami quickly got on the board with two goals back-to-back in the sixth and seventh minutes. 

Pierre da Silva states “It’s a great feeling, this is what we live for this is what we train for. It’s always good to play at home and gain those three points.”

Opening Kick 2021

Miami FC quickly opened its scoring account on a beautifully delivered ball from Ariel Martinez finding the head of Paco Craig who directed it into the right corner making it 1-0. The dream start for Miami continued shortly after with a ball sent forward finding Pierre da Silva who takes a marvelous second touch past his defender taking a shot on goal that hits the woodwork past the line making it 2-0 in just the seventh minute. 

Things take a turn in the 14th minute in favor of Loudoun United FC as a clear path foul was committed right outside the 18-yard box which sees Miami defender Janos Lobe sent off. 

Head Coach Paul Dalglish commented on adjustments after the red card stating “We allowed them to have their ways because I feel confident in our center backs. We were really comfortable defending crosses and didn’t want anything to go through the middle.” 

.@TheMiamiFC ALWAYS rocks the freshest kits around! 🤑🤑🤑 https://t.co/8glwJTBYad

— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) May 2, 2021

After early action, the rest of the first half was quiet with United controlling possession. The end of the first half concludes with an almost amazing third goal for Miami by defender Luca Antonelli. After megging his defender he found himself in the 18-yard box and a clear shot on goal. No goal but Miami headed to the half with a 2-0 lead.

Second Half

The second half was all about Loudoun United FC. They had a stressful all-out attacking press which forced Miami goalkeeper Connor Sparrow into a couple of huge saves. The dangerous part of playing such a highly intense attacking press is facing the counter-attack. Miami FC had several opportunities on the counter specifically on the right flank through Lamar Walker and his speed. Unfortunately, they could not find the back of the net on these counters as they struggled to finish in the final third. 

United would indeed find the back of the net in the 83rd minute with a goal scored by Kairou Amoustapha. It would be too late for United to find an equalizer as Miami FC goes on to secure the first three points of the season 2-1.

Up Next

Miami FCstay home and welcome Hartford Athletic next Saturday, May 8th at 7:30 pm.