After an improved performance against Charleston, Miami FC went one better in Charlotte. A creditable defensive display saw the Orange and Blue record their first clean sheet of the season in a 0-0 draw with the Independence.
While the scoreboard might have read 0-0 at the end of the game there was no shortage of action on the pitch. It was a classic case of the entertaining scoreless tie.
A fit-again Prince Saydee got the start on the left wing and Paul Dalglish switched back to a back four in defense. Hassan Ndam partnered by Lance Rozeboom in the middle with Löbe and Sam outside them.
Independence were looking for a win to take them to the top of Group G and made a positive start. Miami did a good job of restricting them to long range efforts and keeper Mark Pais made a confident start to the game with a couple of impressive saves early on.
11' – WHAT A SAVE BY PAIS! cc: @USLChampionship pic.twitter.com/70RhrAekxp
— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) September 23, 2020
Miami were playing on the counter and Prince was the main outlet. One silky run saw the Liberian shoot wide. Just after the 30 minute mark he latched on to a long Harrison Heath pass, sprinted forward and played a perfect ball to Granitto that the Miami #8 fired a fraction over.
35' – Another great chance for Miami, as Granitto gets a low cross played to him at the far post, but his shot is off target. pic.twitter.com/lw9FYYf4Uo
— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) September 23, 2020
Pais was beaten by the Charlotte attack both sides of half time but fortunately for FC the two goals were flagged for offside. The second half was dominated by the home side but Miami held firm. Former Florida Soccer Soldier Valentin Sabella came closest to breaking the deadlock, unleashing an incredible strike on Pais’s goal that thwacked against the post.
Backs to the wall, Miami did an awesome job of defending as a team. It was an organized and committed effort and when the final whistle came no one could deny that they deserved a point from the game. Confidence is boosted and the team return to Miami to play their three remaining games at home in Riccardo Silva Stadium.
Next up are Florida rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies. Kick off is 7:30pm on Saturday 26th September. Watch live on ESPN+.
