With Alex Afonso’s lone strike of the game in the 40th minute, Miami FC advanced past the Second Round of the US Open Cup for the first time with a 1-0 win over the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks.
In a rare switch, Miami FC head coach Zinho decided to rest players in advance of Tuesday’s Open Cup contest, instead of the other way around. The move paid off as Miami recorded another shutout, adding to the eight they had in league play to that point. Atlanta nearly took an early lead when a shot from Rodrigo Rios in the 6th minute struck the top of the crossbar. Just before halftime, Afonso unleashed a long range shot to the top left corner of the goal, giving goalkeeper Ryan McIntosh no chance at a save.
Both teams worked furiously to score an additional goal, each defense held just as firm. In the final minute, Miami goalkeeper Josh Saunders saved a close range shot from Jason McLaughlin, and Eric Vasquez nearly scored on a counter attack for Miami, but his shot was off the mark.
Miami moves on to face FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park next Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.