Miami FC Takes on Tampa Bay Rowdies in the First Round of USL Championship Playoffs
October 19, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Miami FC News Release
Miami, Fla. – The Miami Football Club will take on in-state rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies in the first round of the USL Championship Playoffs presented by Hisense. This Eastern Conference Quarterfinal fixture will occur at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburgh, Fla., on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Miami FC concluded its 2022 USL Championship regular season with a 1-0 triumph over Detroit City FC at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich. The club ended the campaign in sixth place, with 55 points and a 15-10-9 record.
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the USA and on Youtube internationally. Fans can tune in to Sirius XM FC and listen to all the action.
Peaking at the right time
Miami FC arrives at the postseason in form, posting a 9-2-4 record in its previous 15 matches. Over the course of the final 15 games of the regular season, Miami is undefeated (4-0-1) against playoffs sides. Victories against Detroit City FC, Louisville City FC, Memphis 901 FC and New Mexico United, along with a draw against Birmingham Legion FC, are a true testament to Miami FC’s ability to shut down the league’s finest.
Tough to break down
The Orange and Blue thrived on defensive stability, posing 17 clean sheets on the year. Only regular season title winners San Antonio FC managed as many shutouts as MFC. Goalkeeper Connor Sparrow claimed 12 clean sheets over 23 appearances, and Jake McGuire kept five teams at by across eleven games.
McGuire is expected to start against Tampa Bay Rowdies, having started Miami’s previous six matches. Core defenders Paco Craig, Callum Chapman-Page, Aedan Stanley and Mark Segbers are instrumental in the defensive equation. And, midfielders Bolu Akinyode and Devon “Speedy” Williams’ defensive work rates in midfield have not gone unnoticed.
Success on the road
Another strength that Miami FC possesses is its ability to win games on the road. Miami registered 33 of its 55 points in away matches, making it the third most effective team playing at opponents’ stadiums only behind Memphis 901 FC (34) and San Antonio FC (39).
Given that Miami finished sixth in the Eastern Conference, it is likely that the team will not host a playoff game this year. Nonetheless, head coach Anthony Pulis believes his side will carry on its good away form into the playoffs.
“I would say we have one of, if not the best road record in the whole league,” said Pulis after being asked how he feels about facing Tampa Bay on the road. “It doesn’t face us going on the road. I think this group has shown this year that we’re more than capable of going anywhere on the road and performing and getting the result.”
Keys in attack
Forward Kyle Murphy leads the team in goals. Murphy scored 10 goals across 33 appearances. Moreover, winger Joaquín Rivas arrives at the postseason in good form, bagging four goals and one assist in his last five appearances.
Forward Adonijah Reid has gained the reputation of an unsung hero, scoring stoppage-time goals against Detroit City FC and in the recent 1-0 home win against Memphis 901 FC. Usually coming off the bench, the Canadian averages a goal contribution every 89 minutes.
Attacking midfielder Florian Valot is a jack of all trades in attack, leading the team in assists (8) and scoring five goals. Additionally, the Frenchman leads the team in chances created (33).
1-1-0 vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2022
Miami FC defeated Tampa Bay Rowdies for the first time at Al Lang Stadium back in April. In fact, the Orange and blue dealt the Rowdies one of their only two defeats at home this season.
Miami FC hosted Tampa in South Florida in June. The visitors won that time out 2-1 at FIU Stadium.
Official Playoff Watch Party
Miami FC will hold a watch party event at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus. Fans and members of the community who share a passion for fúbol are invited to enjoy the team’s playoff match. The party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, an hour ahead of kickoff.
Expect great food, beverage and giveaways in one of the most emblematic soccer-themed bars in the 305.
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus – 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134 – Arrive at 6:30 p.m ET
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