In a game reminiscent to a cup final, the two Miami clubs put on the best match in the 2019 NPSL season. Miami FC hosted their cross-town rival at Barry University on Saturday night. United seemingly had the match in the bag come half-time despite FC taking the early lead. The second half was a remarkable display of soccer by both teams but with the Orange and Blue getting the last laugh.
Miami United are looking like a club that could have made a long run in the U.S. Open Cup had they only had a chance to enter the tournament. Not having dropped a match since their season opener against cross-town rival Miami FC, United have won their last four matches by an impressive margin. Unfortunately for the pink and black, their cross town rivals are outgunning them against the same set of opponents.
Few would equate the dynamics of college football with soccer. Somehow, the Magic City Clasico and the NPSL on a shortened schedule shares the chaos, uncertainty, and euphoria of NCAA football. Every game is a must win and the lack of an official “pre-season” means clubs are often thrown straight into the deep end. The University of Miami often had to deal with their season hanging in the balance with Florida State University being their first opponent throughout the 2000’s. For the winner, the path has been cleared for the rest of the campaign. For the loser, panic attacks and prayers hoping to salvage a damaged season. This is what the Magic City Clasico has become.
FC Miami City came into this match already eliminated from competing for the Southeast Division title. Coming into this match with a 5-6-0 record, FCMC were sitting ten points back of the table leaders with just two matches left to play. In a home finale against IMG academy, the city boys just couldn’t muster enough to provide one last home victory.