The midfield has been The Miami FC’s best weapon this season. Not only can they provide extra bodies on defense in hectic situations, but they have been the key to allowing the forwards to counterattack quickly. Richie Ryan, Dylan Mares, and Michael Lahoud have all shined in the spring season playing different roles in the midfield. This unit has unlocked many of the answers against NASL and U.S. Open Cup opponents. Let’s take a look at the trio’s season so far and their best moments.
Richie Ryan: It’s really easy to overlook Ryan’s importance to this club by just looking at the scoresheet. Ryan has opened countless opportunities (17 chances created) for Miami to put a tally on the scoreboard. Ryan never seems to get the credit as the primary assist man but if we took a page out of the NHL stats sheet, “The King of Tipperary” might very well lead the league in assists. Let’s take a look at how his vision and beautiful passing created the two goals necessary to beat the Cosmos on June 24.
Dylan Mares: With five goals and four assists in all competitions, “Queso Blanco” has been the unanswerable question in Miami’s midfield for opponents. The South Florida Surf had no answers for his half-time substitution and he became the catalyst with fantastic passes (29/31) and work rate to force the Surf to scramble in defense. Almost every goal came off a prior Mares touch. The own goal was actually on a Dylan Mares shot that took a deflection and found its way in the back of the net. Mares’ lone goal on June 3rd would essentially put the nail in the Armada coffin for the spring table.
Michael Lahoud: Although he claims that he can’t score (shoot more Mike!), Lahoud provides a physicality and additional vision in the Miami midfield. Finishing the season with 3 assists and a 90.3% pass conversion rate, Lahoud has been the answer for most of Miami’s few problems this season. Filling in at right back and wearing the armband, his most important assist this season comes from Pinho’s first goal against Orlando.
