Miami FC News Release - www.miamifc.com
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
MIAMI, FL -- Miami looked to make history tonight and they did just that. A lone strike from Brazilian ace Alex Afonso in the 40th minute led to Miami FC’s first-ever 3rd round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup berth. Tonight they knocked out the Atlanta Silverbacks 1-0 at Tropical Park Stadium. They will now face MLS’ FC Dallas on July 1st.
In their short three-year history they have never made it past the second round.
Zinho’s decision to rest players last Sunday paid off as his squad put on another defensive class against a feisty Atlanta team. Atlanta midfielder Rodrigo Rios initiated the battle with a 6th minute shot atop the crossbar.
Sean Cameron’s commanding first half performance saw him unleash two lethal strikes in the 12th and 38th minute that just missed the target.
It wasn’t until the 40th minute when the Silverbacks gave Afonso too much space going forward. The Brazilian smashed in a long-range cracker into the top left corner, leaving keeper Ryan McIntosh no chance.
Miami could have doubled their lead on numerous occasions in the second half. The Silverbacks pressured incessantly but couldn’t break the Blues backline led by Eric Brunner and Avery John. The Blues were without injured Cristiano Dias, but make no mistake that Brunner had an impeccable night. With captain John Pulido dropping back in front of the defense, Miami frustrated the Atlanta forwards all night.
Sean Fraser squandered a chance in an one-on-one encounter with McIntosh in the 60th minute right before making room for Eric Vasquez. Josh Saunders saved twice from David Hayes in the span of 5 minutes.
As qualification seemed certain, the Blues felt their drop when Atlanta hit the crossbar, but the call was ruled offside. Miami FC then turned up the heat with Afonso who disposed of two markers and forced a fine save from McIntosh.
Jarryd Goldberg managed to quell key counterattacks from Macoumba Kandji as the last ten minutes approached.
As full time approached, both teams were relentless. Silverbacks pushed for the equalizer and the Blues pushed to send the match out of reach. In the 90th minute, Josh Saunders pulled off, yet again, another crucial save, denying Jason McLaughlin from close range. The Atlanta midfielder latched on to a pass in the area and blasted away for Saunders to punch out for a corner.
Miami reacted with quick counter offensive with Afonso who played Vasquez in full speed. Vasquez did everything right but his finishing deceived him.
Miami’s next home match at Tropical Park is on the 4th of July against the Puerto Rico Islanders and there will be a fireworks show courtesy of JOMA and WSI to celebrate Independence Day. The game will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting www.miamifc.com or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI. Watch all other USL games live on USL Live!
