USOC: Miami FC and Orlando City set to battle for Florida crown

Miami FC of the NASL is set for a first ever meeting against Orlando City SC of MLS. The Open Cup showdown will determine the last Florida team to move on.

Orlando City Stadium is about to host its first ever Florida Derby as the NASL leaders, Miami FC, come to town for US Open Cup play. After a strong start to the season, winning six of their first seven, Orlando City has slowed down, only winning once in their last eight matches. They will look to get back on track against their NASL foes. Miami FC has had a strong start of their own, as they lead the NASL in goals for, goals against, and wins. Their league best 24 points are five ahead of their closest competitor. Miami is arguably the top Division 2 side left in the Open Cup and will look to prove themselves against their North Florida neighbors. Here’s what we’ll be looking for.

Miami FC

Current Record: 7-1-3

Last Time Out: 1-0 win at FC Edmonton

How They Got Here: 2-0 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Player To Watch: Dylan Mares. Mares came to Miami after helping Indy Eleven win the 2016 NASL Spring Season and make it to the NASL Championship, where they lost to the New York Cosmos. The midfielder has played a vital role with Miami FC this season. Against Tampa Bay, Mares came off the bench and played a key part in both of Miami’s goals. The Indiana native has started all 11 of Miami FC’s NASL contests this year and is only behind Kwadwo Poku in chances created with 25, to go along with his three goals an assist. Mares’ play will be vital as Miami FC goes on the road and attempts to upset the Lions.

Why They Win: Miami FC is very well-rounded and arguably the most impressive stat they have is their 5-0-1 road record. That unbeaten road record will be put to the test as they head to Orlando City Stadium. If OCSC decides to play their reserves in this match, it could prove costly, as Miami FC rosters a field of professional talent. Former NYCFC attacker Poku leads the NASL in chances created, and will be a major threat to the Orlando City back line. If Miami can get their attack rolling and creating chances, don’t be surprised if they overpower their MLS opponents.

Why They Won’t: While Miami has dominated this season, their preseason matches against MLS competition did little to build up Open Cup confidence, as they lost to Toronto FC 6-1 and the Chicago Fire 5-2. Miami has improved heavily since then, having only allowed one goal in their last five matches, but their defense still could find themselves overwhelmed by the Orlando City attack. To this point, Miami has yet to face an attack like they will on Wednesday, especially considering that Orlando City B also plays Wednesday night, meaning Orlando will be unable to rest all of their main attacking pieces. As OCSC look to get back on track for MLS play, they may come out in full force against the NASL side.

Predicted Starting XI:

Orlando City

Current Record: 7-5-3

Last Time Out: 0-0 draw against the Chicago Fire

Player To Watch: Giles Barnes. The English-Jamaican attacker was acquired in February from Vancouver, and immediately was thrown into the lineup, replacing an injured Kaká. Barnes played a major part in Orlando’s strong start but has gone back to a reserve role since the Brazilian legend returned. Look for Barnes to try to bring back his early season form in what should be a full 90 for him in place of Kaká.

Why They Win: While Orlando has struggled offensively, they have only allowed one goal in their last three matches after being embarrassed 3-0 against NYCFC at home. They’ve only scored two goals over those same four games, but if they can get their attack back to their early form, they could get things back on track against Miami. If they find the back of the net early, look for a concentrated team effort to keep the pacey Miami attack at bay.

Why They Won’t: Having Orlando City B play the same night as Orlando City really limits the availability of OCSC players. While Miami would likely handle OCB head to head, Orlando City may still try to rest many of their regular starters for an important Eastern Conference match on Saturday against Montreal. If the Orlando City reserves aren’t careful, they could find themselves responsible for an early Open Cup exit.

Predicted Started XI:

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Prediction

This one should be fun, as Miami looks to prove themselves against their MLS neighbors. With Orlando City likely opting to look ahead to this weekend, a first choice Miami side could spoil their midweek match.

Orlando City 0 – Miami FC 1

When: Wednesday, June 14, 2017. 7:30 pm EST

Where: Orlando City Stadium. Orlando, FL

How To Watch: USSoccer.com