Saturday evening marked the beginning of the newest rivalry in Miamian soccer. Established WPSL club FC Surge made the short trip to Milander Park in Hialeah to take on Miami United FC Women, who are in their debut WPSL season.
Coming into the game table-topping Surge were on a five match unbeaten run, four of those were wins, and held a goal difference of +10. So it was a big challenge for United who had so far played four games recording a win, a loss and two draws.
However Surge could not put out a full strength team. Starting center back Christina Chang was serving a ban after being red carded in her team’s 1-0 win over Sunrise Prime midweek. Full back Hunter Koziara was moved into the center of defense to partner Amanda Martin. The forward line saw changes too. Livewire goalscorer Chrissy Gratz was playing with an ankle injury that forced her out of the side midweek so her minutes were limited. Pacy right winger Sarah Medina was unavailable. Bri Austin led the line with Nicole Haimes coming into the lineup starting on the left and Bianca Mandrini on the right.
Miami United came out of their corner swinging and one of their standout players, Idelys Vazquez, got a shot on target in the first minute which Surge goalkeeper Jade Mallea had covered. The home team had a good start to the game but it wasn’t long until the Surge central midfielders began to take charge. The trio of Chama Silva, Christine Kindt and Sophia Sharos started to get Surge’s trademark passing game going. But United’s defense was impressive and held firm for the first 45. 0-0 at half time.
With a decent crowd adding to the atmosphere you could sense that these two teams were raising their game. It was a good quality game of soccer with a bit of an edge to it. The competition on the field was pretty fierce without getting too aggressive.
Miami United again almost caught Surge napping at the start of the second half. Striker Savannah Jackson almost beating Mallea to a through ball. The Surge keeper got there just in time. Surge responded instantly. From a throw in Nicole Haimes picked up the ball, escaped the attention of her marker and sent an accurate cross over for an unmarked Bri Austin to tuck home.
Video courtesy Topsite Agency/Miami United
It would be the only goal of the game and the second game-winner in a week by Austin. Miami United battled well to try to get back into contention but were just beaten out of the midfield battle by Surge. There were a few fouls late in the game as the frustration started to show a little but this direct approach almost got them an equalizer. A rare mixup between Martin and Koziara allowed in Miami United’s Yulie Lopez who had Mallea beaten but her shot hit the bar. A goalmouth scramble ensued. Mallea and her defenders got the ball away.
Video courtesy Topsite Agency/Miami United
A narrow victory for Surge but huge credit to Miami United who pushed their opponents the whole way and they will be encouraged by their performance against an experienced side. There will be a chance for revenge on Sunday 27th June when the teams meet again at FC Surge’s home ground, Scheck Hillel School in Aventura. Kick off is 4:30pm, we will be livestreaming on Eleven Sports. Fans are welcome at the game, free admission.
