Previewing The Match: The Miami FC v Charlotte Independence

The waters seem to be stabilizing for Miami FC under head coach Paul Dalglish. MFC has earned points in two straight matches and seem to have plugged the leak in their defense. While Miami should come into tonight’s match optimistic, Charlotte is no push over. In what should have been a celebratory homecoming for Independence forward Valentin Sabella, Miami must keep a close eye on the speedy if it wants to continue the point streak.

Charlotte currently sits in second place in Group G. Through six matches the Independence have earned points in five of them (2-3-1). Their most recent win against Memphis was their first win since the restart. More impressively, Charlotte rallied from a two goal deficit to sneak out a 3-2 win. Miami will have to watch out for the multi-pronged attack from the independence. Six different players have notched a goal for the Independence in 2020.

Keys To A Miami FC Victory

Miami’s attack was on full display Wednesday night against Atlanta. While only scoring twice, MFC threatened countless times the United frame. After two lackluster attacking performances against Tampa, it was encouraging to see Sebastian Velasquez and Romario Williams firing on all cylinders again. Williams is coming off a brace which raised his goal tally to four in Miami’s five contests so far. The dynamic duo must find the weakness in the Independence back-line and convert their early chances.

The orange and blue will have their hands full against the Charlotte attack. Miami’s defense has been better since converting Lance Rozeboom into a centerback and being paired alongside either Hassan Ndam or Brenton Griffiths. Whichever two get the starting nod in tonight’s match, they must work together to keep the Independence off the board early. Bryant Gammiero was beat twice in Wednesday’s contest against Atlanta (once on a penalty). As of now, the starting goalkeeping job is his to lose and Miami must have another strong performance from Gammiero. Luckily, Gammiero is no stranger to Independence forward Sabella as the two were both a part of the Florida Soccer Soldiers 2019 magical U.S. Open Cup run. 

Prediction

It is safe to say that my predictions have been pretty similar over the past four matches. Unfortunately for Miami, the equation has to be “keep it simple, stupid”. Miami hasn’t shown that they are yet a cohesive unit that can afford not to be on their best each and every night. That said, Williams will get his fifth goal of the season for Miami and Harrison Heath will be a force to be reckoned with in the midfield. No one would have guessed that MFC would be the last professional soccer team seeking their first win of the season. After tonight, they will no longer be seeking their first win.

The Miami FC 2 – 1 Charlotte Independence

The Betting Window

I apologize for being so horrendous at this as of late. If you have been fading my picks, you are 4-1! So congratulations for profiting of my misery. At the time of writing Miami are the betting line favorites with a win paying +115. Charlotte is paying +18 for a regulation win. On the spread, Miami is paying -105 on a split bet 0, -0.5 goal spread, while Charlotte is -130 on the inverse. Both teams to score is likely given the price offered by the books at -215. If you are looking for action tonight I think you land a winner on over 3 goals which is currently at -125, but given my record… take the under. Who knows!?