MIAMI (May 29, 2021) -- The Miami FC defeated Charlotte Independence 2-1 on Saturday evening in Miami. A late winner by forward Adonijah Reid gave the home side the three points to keep climbing in the standings.

Miami dominated in the first 45 minutes of play, keeping Charlotte to no shots on target. The first chance of the night came from forward Billy Forbes in the 8th minute, with the Turks & Caicos international firing his shot over the bar.

Just before the 30th minute, Forbes would set up Miami's first goal with a lobbed pass to McFarlane. The Jamaican entered the box and fired a shot, which deflected off a Charlotte defender and hit the back of the net.

Right before the end of the half, midfielder Bolu Akinyode had a chance of his own. After receiving a pass from "Speedy" Williams, Akinyode one-timed a curling effort, only to see it go inches wide of the right post.

The second half began just how the first 45 left off, with Miami FC pushing to extend the lead. 

In the 54th minute, McFarlane had a chance to double the lead after receiving a great through ball by Williams, but his shot was denied by goalkeeper Brandon Miller. 

After the clear chance, Charlotte found the equalizer in the 57th minute off a fantastic free kick from midfielder Jake Areman. His curling effort left Miami FC goalkeeper Connor Sparrow with no chance at making the save.

Second-half substitute Pierre Da Silva came inches away from making it 2-1 in the 72nd minute. His free kick from over 25 yards out smashed off Charlotte's post, hit off the back of Miller's head and traveled the length of the goal line and out of danger.

Just two minutes later, Miami FC broke through Charlotte's back line and took the lead. A long ball from Williams forced Miller off his line and a defensive mistake by Charlotte. Da Silva played the ball back to an Reid, who chipped Miller from distance to score his first goal of the season.

Miami FC will now host RGV Toros this upcoming Sunday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m.