On a breezy evening in Pembroke Pines, Fla., Miami United triumphed over Club de Lyon (NISA) with a dominant 2-0 win in the Second Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Although a bit shaky than the home team would have liked, United pulled off the upset in a drama-filled game at UPSL Stadium at Broward College South campus.
With the win, Miami United makes history. United, a member of the United States Soccer League, becomes the first team from the United States Specialty Soccer Association (USSSA) to reach the Third Round of the US Open Cup.
After a nervy back and forth from both teams in the opening 20 minutes star ex Atletico Nacional John Pajoy from Colombia found the back of the net after a good pressure from Alejo Fernandez against defender Andrew Anyafo who could not parry the ball correctly allowed Fernandez to whip in a cross for a 1-0 lead. It was Pajoy’s second goal in as many Open Cup games this year. He scored the lone goal in Miami’s 1-0 upset win over Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro) in Round 1. By then, Club de Lyon lost momentum and could not break under Miami’s attacking spell after the goal.
United had many chances to extend the lead as fullback Serrano even tried a few shots on goal and Pajoy hit the woodwork just before halftime. Martinez could barely get a whiff of the ball from then as Club de Lyon sat further and further back and could not get past their own half.
During halftime, Miami head coach Claudio Frean pleaded with his team to not become complacent and close the game out in the second half.
“We’re alright guys. Relax, relax,” Frean shouted. “We cannot get crazy here.”
These words of encouragement were enough for Miami to attack the same way they did after they scored the first goal. Finally, after a string of chances, Serrano, after some passing exchanges with Insua the number 10 set him up down the flank to make a run that allowed him to make another low cross where Fernandez had an easy tap-in with no defender seemingly marking him.
From then on, it was smooth sailing until minute 71 where the match began to get heated.
Club de Lyon’s Malik Thom received a long pass in behind the defense and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. United defender Frank Fraggetti attempted to track him down and mis-timed a tackle and knocked Thom down in the box and the referee called for a penalty kick. Fraggetti received a second yellow card for thet foul and was sent off.
The bench was infuriated with the call and many were protesting from the staff with the referee threatening to expel multiple staff members from Miami United’s side.
Club de Lyon had a chance to cut the lead in half from the penalty spot, and spending the remaining 20 minutes with a man advantage. Juan Martinez stepped up to take the penalty, but he not only had his attempt saved, but when the rebound came back to him, Miami goalkeeper Cristian Blanco saved that one too as the crowd and the team cheered as if they had won a final.
“Vamos Carajo!” was heard shouted from the bench.
After that missed opportunity, despite being a man up, Club de Lyon’s players seemed deflated and had no way to break Miami’s concentrated defense. Even with fresh legs and substitutions, it proved to be too late after Blanco’s heroics shut them down from a comeback.
Once full time was called, Miami United players cheered Ole Ole Ole as fans jumped into the stadium to join in on the fun. The home advantage was respected and it was full of emotions from start to finish but not without its complications that will definitely have Claudio Frean looking for improvements going into the Third Round.
“It was a tough match, they are a great rival,” admitted Pajoy after the match. “I think the team was able to handle that stress and thank God the goals came and we were able to get the win, step by step.”
About 200 spectators attended to watch as Miami’s new project of building a competitive team for the US Open Cup continues to make waves. United, who is competing in its sixth tournament, will try to match it’s best run in 2018 where the reached the Fourth Round.
Miami United needed to keep the momentum after their win over Chattanooga and tonight over Club De Lyon, as an early elimination would raise questions surrounding Claudio Frean and his team. And this has proven to be a good start on all accounts.
Club De Lyon by contrast had more experience on their roster in this tournament so many felt the pros from NISA were the favorites. Juan Martinez the team’s 38-year-old captain, caused problems for Miami’s defenders through various parts in the game, but the Argentinian international just could not get going during the game and will be exiting the tournament early.