On a crisp night at FIU Soccer Stadium, Miami FC and Naples United squared off in the first round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Miami FC, the home side, took control of the match and eventually sealed a dominant victory, 4-1, though both teams struggled to find attacking rhythm early on. Francisco Bonfiglio led Miami FC with a first half brace.
With the win, Miami FC advances to the Second Round after falling in the opening match last year to South Georgia Tormenta FC, 4-2. Miami improves to 9-6-1 all-time in the tournament.
First Half: A Slow Start and a Breakthrough
The match kicked off at 7:03 p.m., with Miami FC donning their all-orange kits, while Naples United, the amateurs from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) lined up in royal blue. Miami set up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, while Naples opted for a 4-4-2, looking to maintain defensive structure against their more experienced opponents.
The opening 15 minutes saw Miami FC dominate possession, yet neither team could establish a clear attacking threat. Miami’s first real opportunity came in the 15th minute, when a set piece led to a chance inside the box, only for the ball to deflect off Daltyn Knutson’s back, denying them a clean shot on goal.
The best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 22nd minute, when Miami FC broke through for a one-on-one opportunity, but failed to convert. Meanwhile, Naples United struggled to create much offensively, their first real look at goal coming in the 35th minute off a free kick, after Daltyn Knutson conceded a foul just outside the box.
With pressure mounting, Miami FC finally found the breakthrough in the 41st minute. A perfectly placed cross from the right side met the head of Francisco Bonfiglio, who directed it past the keeper to the left side of the goal, giving Miami a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, during the stoppage time, Bonfiglio got his brace and increased Miami FC’s lead to 2-0 going into the break.
Second Half: Miami Pulls Away
Naples United made a couple of substitutions at halftime, and their adjustments paid off with a few promising attacks early in the second half. However, Miami FC remained in control and continued to push forward.
As Miami built their lead to 3-0 with a timely goal by Allen Gavilanes, they shifted tactics moving to a three-man backline to manage the game and solidify their dominance. It took only a few minutes for Miami FC to secure their 4th goal of the night, by way of Tobias Zarate, virtually ending all hope for a Naples United comeback.
In the closing moments of the games, Naples United forward Jorge Moreno was able to get one back for the visitors to avoid the shutout.
A notable storyline of the night was the presence of Juan Sebastián Verón’s son, Deian Veron, who wore the #11 jersey for Miami FC, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
In the end, Miami FC’s experience and tactical discipline proved too much for Naples United, as they secured a convincing 4-1 victory to advance in the U.S. Open Cup.
Final Thoughts
Despite a slow start, Miami FC asserted themselves as the superior side, finding key goals at the right moments to take control. Naples United showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge needed to capitalize on their chances. With this win, Miami FC moves on to the next round, looking to continue their cup run.
“Happy, above all, for the team, and also on a personal level because I was able to help the team win,” said Francisco Bonfiglio after the game. “It was important to win today. It’s a cup match, it’s a single-elimination game, and if we lose, we’re out. Also, it’s the team’s first victory of the year, so a lot to look forward too.”