Miami, FL (August 2nd, 2017)- FC Cincinnati defeated Miami FC by the score of 1-0. The win locks down their place in the semi-final of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
FC Cincinnati Continues Cinderella Run, Advances to USOC Semifinals
A cinderella story was bound to continue, no matter who advanced in this match. Both Miami FC and FC Cincinnati play in the lower divisions of the US Soccer setup, and their only chance to play MLS opponents comes in this tournament. Both teams have knocked off MLS opposition on the way, with Miami FC defeating Atlanta United, and FC Cincinnati defeating Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew.
Miami FC features some names familiar to MLS followers, mainly Kwadwo Poku. Poku has been a revelation for Miami FC and was the clear way forward for them in tonight’s match. But as has been the case all tournament, FC Cincinnati’s defense wasn’t letting anything bye.
Mitch Hildebrandt made headlines earlier in the tournament when he put on a ridiculous goalkeeping display in FC Cincinnati’s upset win over Chicago Fire, including saving all penalties. Hildebrandt continued his incredible run, putting together yet another clean sheet and making three big saves en route to victory.
The winning goal for Cincy came on a well worked play down the left hand side of Miami’s defense. Justin Hoyte beat his man at the top of the eighteen yard box and sent a beautiful square ball to the near post. Djiby Fall got in front of his defender and got a deft touch to the ball. The shot trickled passed Daniel Vega and in.
Miami FC would get one great chance in the dying minutes of the match, as Poku got space inside the box to unleash a shot, but Hildebrandt got a hand to it, and the follow up header was pushed well wide. The clean sheet today makes it 510 minutes in the Open Cup without a goal surrendered for Cincy.
FC Cincinnati will host New York Red Bulls in the US Open Cup Semifinals on Tuesday, August 15th at 8pm ET. The other semi-final will take place next Wednesday, August 9th, between Sporting KC and San Jose Earthquakes, kicking off at 7:30 ET.
