
Miami FC ends Herons’ Open Cup run
Inter Miami II outplayed its older, more experienced foe most of match Tuesday but couldn’t find the net in a 1-0 loss.
Miami FC won the latest iteration of the Magic City Derby on Tuesday, ending Inter Miami II’s first foray into the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Miami FC striker Francisco Bonfiglio celebrates after the USL Championship side edged Inter Miami II, the Herons’ MLS Next Pro affiliate, 1-0 in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Bonfiglio scored the match’s only goal in the second half. Photo: Miami FC
Bonfiglio provides game-winner
Francisco Bonfiglio’s goal in the 84th-minute was the only score the visitors needed, advancing to the Open Cup’s third round for the third time in four years — Miami FC lost third-round matches to Inter Miami’s senior team in 2022 and 2023.
The Herons played a disciplined match, keeping their shape, holding possession and controlling pace in the first half. But Miami FC’s experience and physicality helped keep Inter Miami II from finishing in the final third.
Bonfiglio tipped the ball into the net after a nice corner from Deian Verón, and Miami FC weathered the Herons’ attack until the whistle.
The win was Miami’s second of the season; the side opened its Open Cup with an 4-1 first-round win against Naples United (with Bonfiglio scoring twice). But Miami FC has struggled in league play, dropping its first four matches of its USL Championship season.
“I told the guys that they deserved this win, especially with the challenging start to the season we have had,” first-year Miami FC coach Gaston Maddoni told Daniel Solana, writing for thecup.us, after the match.
Miami FC won’t play again until April 12, when they play at San Antonio FC in a USL Championship match.
The Open Cup’s third round will be played April 15-16.
Inter Miami II players celebrate after the young Herons’ 4-2 win against Miami United FC in the Open Cup’s first round. Photo: InterMiamiCF.com
Inter II hopes to build on experience
Inter Miami II may have been defeated, but they didn’t lose. MLS Next Pro is a developmental league operated by Major League Soccer; most players are in their teens or early 20s. The Herons turned in two solid performances against older, more physically mature, more experienced players in the team’s first-ever national cup competition.
The experience should give the squad confidence as it continues its league season. Inter Miami II currently is 1-1-1 in MLS Next Pro competitions, good enough for four points and eighth place in 15-team Group A.
The Herons’ next match is at Atlanta United 2 at 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday.
About the U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dates back to 1913 , when it began as the National Challenge Cup. The annual tournament is open to professional and amateur clubs from across the U.S., providing an opportunity for lower-division teams to compete against top-tier competition.