MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Speedy Williams scored the only goal of the game as Miami FC took a 1-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls II on Friday night at MSU Soccer Park in the first meeting between the two clubs in the USL Championship.

Making its first trip to face New York, Miami threatened early when former Red Bulls II player Janos Loebe made a positive run down the left before finding Pierre Da Silva for a near-post shot that went high over the crossbar. Another Red Bulls II alum would give Miami the lead in the 15th minute as Richie Ballard’s shot was blocked, only for the ball to rebound to Speedy Williams for a rifled shot that kissed the underside of the crossbar on its way into the net.

Williams almost doubled Miami’s lead in the 34th minute as Jamaican international teammate Lamar Walker beat his man on the right and cut back a low cross for Williams as he drove to the near post, but the effort went just off target. Billy Forbes then had a one-on-one chance six minutes later for the visitors, but Red Bulls II goalkeeper AJ Marcucci made a big save to keep it a one-goal game at the break.

Marcucci came up clutch again for the hosts 20 minutes into the second half as Forbes once again got sent in behind the Red Bulls II defense by Da Silva, only for Marcucci to parry his shot to the right corner away. The Red Bulls II almost made Miami pay for their missed chances with three minutes to go as Wikelman Carmona fired a curling shot just over the crossbar, but while the visitors were denied again by Marcucci as they looked to ice the game in stoppage time, Williams’ finish was enough to earn Miami its second win of the season.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Bolu Akinyode, Miami FC – Akinyode put in a stellar display in the center of midfield for the visitors, completing 47 of 54 passes while making eight interceptions and 16 recoveries to help Miami control the game and earn all three points

Scoring Summary
MIA – Speedy Williams 15’

Full Box Score