Still finish second in Sunshine Conference, play Naples United FC July 14 in first round play-0ffs
Miami Dutch Lions FC missed a unique chance to win the NPSL Sunshine Conference last night. After a 4-0 win vs Storm FC last weekend, both teams were tied for first place with 19 points and a win would have secured the title in the inaugural season. Despite two second half goals the Lions lost 3-2 vs Miami United FC.
The game started well for the Lions, after immediate press Max Busch found himself in the box in the 2nd minute and dribbled towards goal from the left side, unfortunately his shot hit the post. Miami United created a chance as well in the 5th minute when the ball was served into the box from the right but the shot went just wide. Miami United FC took the lead in the 25th minute when another ball was served in and the tall forward headed the ball into the right corner for a 1-0 lead for Miami United FC. The Lions struggled to get into the final third and could not really create any chances. It was Miami United FC that extended the lead in the 35th minute on a shot in the corner. This was also the score at halftime.
In the second half the Lions possessed the ball more and in the 67th minute Riki Soto put the Lions back in the game when scored the 2-1. Thijs Middeldorp scored the equalizer right after but his goal was called offsides by the linesman. The Lions pushed for the equalizer but on a counterattack Miami United FC scored 3-1 in the 80th minute. The Lions did not give up and a header from Lars van der Vlugt in the 85th minute was saved by the goalkeeper. Two minutes later Juan Valiente did score 3-2 from inside the box setting up a 1-2 with Thijs Middeldorp and placing the ball perfectly in the right low corner with his left foot, but could not push for another goal despite 5 minutes of stoppage time.
The full game can be seen here.
The loss means that the Lions finish second in the Sunshine Conference with a 6-1-3 record. The second place also means they play number 3 Naples United FC on Wednesday July 14 at home at Monsignor High School. The winner of that game plays the winner of Miami United vs Boca Raton on Saturday July 17. The winner of the play-offs automatically goes to the regional final a week later.