Miami, FL. (April 27, 2024)
Miami FC shook off an early deficit after goals from Luisinho and newcomer Michael Lawrence to earn a gigantic three points over San Antonio FC Saturday night in Miami.
Miami was determined to start fast after early season struggles and take the game to San Antonio. The hosts started applying pressure early and it almost paid off in the 3rd minute.
After some early possession a Cabral corner found Cardona’s head, but the header was just saved off the line. Miami did not relent and continued its early pressure.
That resulted in another close opportunity in the 9th minute after Miami earned a free kick by Cabral that just missed the far corner off a curling shot.
The dominance in possession unfortunately turned into an unlucky deficit after San Antonio found the first goal of the match despite being under constant pressure from the Miami attack.
The visitors took advantage of a counter in the 11th minute and San Antonio found themselves leading 1-0 off a Haakenson volley taken out of air from a SAFC cross that surprised Galiardi who was unable to get his hands on the shot as it floated into the back of the net.
Although Miami found itself down, the hosts did not relent and continued the majority of possession, which lead to another close chance this time by Allen Gavilanes whose 21st minute strike was just pushed wide by the SAFC keeper.
Finally, in the 25th minute, the host’s pressure paid off. Frank Lopez found himself with the ball and made two brilliant moves around the defenders and raced to the line before sending a cross across the goal to a sprinting Luisinho who made no doubt a buried his chance into the back of the net.
Miami continued its pressure and found its second and eventual game winner by a hometown hero.
In 45th minute Nova alum and Miami local product, Michael Lawrence made his debut count after taking the pass from Lopez taking two men on to beat SAFC keeper with a shot off the far post and into the back of the net. Lawrence was just recently signed to a contract with Miami and made an impressive performance after coming in for the injured Luisinho.
Miami started the second half much like the first with early pressure, and almost found their 3rd goal shortly into the second half after Frank Lopez continued his impressive play in the evening sprinting down the left side beating two defenders and firing a shot to the far post that went just inches wide.
That was the last strong chance Miami had while the hosts slowed down the play more for the remainder of the half.
San Antonio was able to gain a bit more possession but was unable to apply any real chances on goal as Miami claimed an important victory to wrap up the month of April.
Miami will travel to Pittsburgh next weekend for their next match before returning back home to face Indy Eleven on May 12th. Tickets for the May 12th match are on sale now at www.miamifc.com.
