The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is in full swing as MLS clubs are poised to enter the single-elimination tournament in the fourth round.
Miami FC took on the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night with a trip to Orlando City Stadium and advancement into the fourth round on the line. The cross-state rivals took the field at FIU Stadium with everything to play for; US Open Cup matches cannot end as a draw, and the tournament is all about surviving and advancing for these two lower-division clubs.
The match was scoreless until the 73rd minute when Miami FC’s Vincenzo Renella broke the deadlock. Dylan Mares was fouled in the box by Tampa Bay’s Gregori Hristov, earning his side a crucial penalty kick which Renella converted. The go-ahead goal took the wind out of the Rowdies, and Miami FC doubled their lead ten minutes later. Miami FC forward Jamie Chavez struck a shot hard and low that trickled into the back of the net after Rowdies GK Akira Fitzgerald was only able to get a piece of the shot.
Final score: 2-0 as Miami FC advance to face the Lions in the fourth round on June 14th at 7:30pm in Orlando City Stadium. Tickets are available here.
The Lions will be hungry to advance further in the competition this year – and have the squad depth to do so.
Players like Victor “PC” Giro, Leo Perreira, Luis Gil, and Tony Rocha have all seen significant first team minutes for Orlando City during the 2017 campaign. With a crowded schedule and the Lions competing to maintain their MLS playoff position, Head Coach Jason Kreis will need the squad depth he has at his disposal to advance in the tournament.
