The Miami FC organization could not have asked for a better showing Wednesday night at FIU Soccer Stadium. Playing a goal kick away from the organization’s “home grounds”, Miami FC 2 laid out a statement match versus local qualifier Red Force FC. Miami will not sit idly by and allow this Open Cup tournament to go to waste.
The U.S. Open Cup is officially under the way with a pair of first-round matches taking place in Miami-Dade County. The Miami FC 2 and Miami United (both NPSL) will face off against a duo of local qualifiers in Red Force FC and FC Kendall. In matches that could easily become high scoring affairs, the firework alert is ringing loudly in Westchester and Hialeah. Before we breakdown the matches let’s take a look at how each club has gotten here.
The 105th edition of the Open Cup began today on a field that is normally reserved for high school competitions and high level amateur fixtures. In a setting unknown to the Miami FC organization, FC Miami City found comfort on their home pitch. Perhaps just a bit too much comfort.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The fans are a drinking, the balls are a curling, the strikers are score-ing, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. See what I did there? Perhaps I will leave the song writing to Andy Williams, but the U.S. Open Cup tournament is upon us. FC Miami City and The Miami FC 2 are raring to go.
So normally we try to keep our content as close to the Magic City as possible. Yet, there are times where really interesting stories resonate with us, and we think they will interest you. In CONCACAF, we are spoiled to have a domestic tournament take place within the region every two years. Europe and South America host their contests every four years. Perhaps the regional crown is less watered down when it’s hosted every four years but that’s neither here nor there.
The NPSL has proven to be a tough league to understand in the early stages of the 2018 season. Sure, we may have fond memories of the NASL and the whole “division two” thing, but it’s time to accept that those days are long gone. Miami versus Jacksonville was the showing that, no matter what competition these two clubs find themselves in, there is still very little love lost between both sides.
If you expected the #MagicCityClasico to produce your rough and tumble derby, it was a disappointment. If you are into the “bad blood” storyline and enjoy when the beautiful game is played with an edge, this will be the fixture for you. Miami FC 2 host their comrades in exile, Jacksonville Armada in a match where both teams seek validity.
Image Courtesy of The Miami FC 2
Act Two of the #MagicCityClasico did not go as planned for anyone involved. What should have been a coronation for one of these clubs ended in carnage and disappointment for everyone involved. However, the city showed up for the intense second match and Bobcat field was just as vibrant, if not more so, than Riccardo Silva Stadium.
Looking back at Act One of the #MagicCityClasico, I want to apologize for sounding like a complete idiot regarding the match preview. Miami FC 2 stumbled out of the gates and Miami United looked to be the team that was full of professional experience. Perhaps things will change Saturday as MFC 2 host United at St. Thomas University. Let’s take a look at what both teams need to do in Act Two in order to walk away with all of the points.
While it may not be El Clasico in 2018, Miami is rumored to host some major friendlies in the summer at Hard Rock Stadium. In a leaked set of games from the International Champions Cup 2018 schedule, it seems that Miami will be hosting two men’s matches in addition to the two women’s matches announced earlier in the month.