Miami Beat Armada 4-0; Magic City Clasico Up Next

The Miami FC vanquished the Jacksonville Armada for the second time in four days. Despite not allowing a goal, the match had very similar moments to the contest on Saturday. Paul Dalglish would call upon his stars to make the difference in the semi-final, and they would answer.

First Half

Miami hit the ground running from the opening whistle looking to push the ball forward. Within the first ten minutes of the match, the Orange and Blue came within a final pass of taking a very early lead. Mohamed Thiaw and Ariel Martinez were habitually setting up their opponents for chances from short-range. Jacksonville goalkeeper, Steven Tekesky, would be called upon early doing his best to keep the door shut for Jacksonville.

In the 15th minute, the Armada would get their best chance off the match off a corner. The in-swinger was connected on beautifully, but Mark Pais would be bailed out by the crossbar. Callum Chapman-Page would immediately boot the rebound back to the other side of the field to allow FC a chance to collect themselves. The follow up from the Armada would be less prudent allowing Miami to control the ball yet again.

A quick counterattack and some super luck for Super Dario Suarez puts @TheMiamiFC up 1-0 over @ArmadaFCU23! Check it out here: https://t.co/uNtUzTNXsA#MIAvJAX #VamosMiami #NPSL — Magic City Soccer (@MagicCitySoccer) July 10, 2019

In the 24th minute, it would be Dario Suarez finding himself back on the score sheet and opening Miami’s scoring. His second goal of the night was set up by an extended run from Dylan Mares. The captain would carve his way through the midfield and put a perfectly weighted through-ball in behind the Jacksonville defense. Suarez’ pace would insure he’d be first to it but he’d be closed down quickly. His strike would come as he was being tackled giving the ball a weird flight that would loop over the head of Tekesky and cross the goal-line.

In the 31st minute, Miami would get their next best chance as Mohamed Thaiw came charging down the right hand side. Thiaw would be taken down just inches outside of the penalty area giving Ariel Martinez a set-piece. Martinez would bend his effort on frame but right into the hands of Tekesky. Both teams would see out the half and head in to the locker room with just one total goal on the board.

Second Half

One can only assume that the half-time discussion from Dalglish was similar to those in the past few weeks. Miami has usually enjoyed a multi-goal lead, but would find themselves tied or up by one in the last three matches. Those messages have lit a spark under the Orange and Blue coming out of the half.

In the 49th minute, Ariel Martinez would get Miami’s second goal of the night. After possessing the ball since the whistle, Miami would break through down the right hand side. Lloyd Sam would be fed by Mares and continue charging the flank. His run into the box would force Tekesky to stay on his line while Martinez was left unmarked about three yards out. Martinez would tap in the cross to double Miami’s lead.

65' – GOAL! Mo Thiaw makes it three and surely has finished off this playoff match! MIA 3-0 JAX Check out the goal and the end of this exciting game here! https://t.co/25puBwxMmD — Magic City Soccer (@MagicCitySoccer) July 11, 2019

In the 65th minute, Othello Bah would leave his stamp on the game. The converted full back who had just entered the match, scampered down the left flank. His run would break into the 18-yard box and his cross would find Thiaw at the near post. Thiaw would stick his boot out and get just enough of the ball to slot it past the Armada.

Twelve minutes later, Miami would continue to break the Armada down from the back. Shawn Chin played an excellent ball into space for Thiaw. The striker would break through the Armada’s back-line and set up a 1-on-1 opportunity against Tekesky. A step-over would freeze the Armada keeper and Thiaw would rifle it to the near post giving Miami their fourth goal of the night.

The Road Ahead For Miami

Miami United advanced past Naples on the other side of the Sunshine Conference bracket. With a 2-1 victory, United has qualified for their first ever Sunshine Conference Final. With no love lost between these two clubs, the sixth edition of the Magic City Clasico will be a physical affair. United will seek their first NPSL Sunshine Conference title since 2016. Tickets for the Clasico go on sale today and can be purchased on Miami FC’s website or by calling 1-844-MIAMIFC.