After advancing from its “play-in” game Sunday night, The Miami FC 2 and Red Force FC face off in the official first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Miami FC 2 is the host, and have chosen to play at the FIU Soccer Stadium instead of its usual home ground this season, Bobcat Field at St. Thomas University. You can watch the live stream of the match below!
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.
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.
It’s a celebration! Matt, Drew and Omar come together to record a live episode for the 50th episode of Magic City Soccer. We discuss lots of things, including The Miami FC 2 in the NPSL, U.S. Open Cup matchups, and USSF politics. Then we speak to Sebastian Abbot about his new book, “The Away Game,” which discusses Qatar’s search for the next great player in Africa. He will appear at Books and Books in Coral Gables on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Join us, won’t you? Thanks to our sponsor, Groundhopper, for helping to make Magic City Soccer happen!
It was an eventful week for Miami United FC. On Thursday, representatives from both the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County proclaimed April 27 as Miami United Day.
The team has been heavily focused on Miami-Dade County the last few weeks, after all, with the first two matches of the Magic City Clásico. Finally, on Sunday, the club will have the opportunity to look away from Dade and face some competition from outside the county. Naples United FC will be traveling across Alligator Alley and visiting Ted Hendricks Stadium.
The Miami FC 2 are hosting Jacksonville Armada in the first game against both teams since the loss of the NPSL.
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.
The Miami FC 2 bolstered its attack Friday, signing Kris Tyrpak from San Antonio FC of the United Soccer League.
Before San Antonio, Tyrpak played professionally for Swope Park Rangers (USL) in 2016, San Antonio Scorpions (North American Soccer League) in 2015 and Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) in 2014.
In 2012, 2013 and 2015 Tyrpak played for Austin Aztex of the Premier Development League, which might better explain the signing. It was in those seasons where Tyrpak played for Paul Dalglish, who now manages Miami FC 2.
Tyrpak was named as the USL PDL MVP after scoring nine goals in 14 games while also recording one assist as the Aztex won the USL PDL title in 2013.
The big story in Miami-Dade soccer was the action-packed conclusion of the Magic City Clásico, which ended in fireworks and a 1-1 draw. Drew and Matt break down the game, the schedule to come for both teams and take a look at the Fútbol Miami MLS situation. Join us, won’t you?
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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.