BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Francisco Bonfiglio scored his 14th goal of the season as Miami FC took a 3-2 victory against Birmingham Legion FC at Protective Stadium despite playing more than an hour down to 10 players as the visitors held off Legion’s efforts to overcome a two-goal deficit.

Miami took the lead in just the eighth minute as the visitors quickly capitalized after turning possession over in Birmingham’s half, with Allen Gavilanes’ cross setting up Bonfiglio for the opening goal. Legion hit back seven minutes later as AJ Paterson fired home from a free kick from 23 yards out to the bottom-right corner, but Miami quickly regained the lead in the 21st minute when Jonathan Ricketts headed home Sebastián Blanco’s free kick delivery.

The visitors were reduced to 10 players just over a minute later as goalkeeper Nicolás Campisi was sent off for denial of a goalscoring opportunity, but despite going down a player Miami added to its lead seven minutes before halftime when Tobías Zárate cleaned up after Diego Mercado’s initial shot had rung the crossbar.

Legion made it a one-goal game midway through the second half as Ronaldo Damus finished from close range off a low cross by Amir Daley, and the hosts went close to an equalizer with two minutes to play only for Miami substitute goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez to make an outstanding denial on Sebastián Saucedo, giving Miami its first away win since June.

Takeaways

Birmingham Legion FC: The hosts were undone again by their first-half performance, and have now conceded 27 goals in the opening half, second-most in the USL Championship.

Miami FC: The visitors moved level with Legion on points as they broke a 10-game road winless streak, earning their first victory away from home since June 7 against Rhode Island FC.

Key moment

Coming on for his first appearance since August 16, Felipe Rodriguez’s late save to deny Birmingham’s Sebastián Saucedo preserved all three points for the visitors.

Key stat

Francisco Bonfiglio’s 14th goal of the season also marked the ninth time this campaign he has scored the opening goal of the game, with six of Miami’s seven wins this season coming when they score first.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Diego Mercado, Miami FC – Mercado hit the crossbar with his lone shot of the game and was industrious in midfield as the visitors defended with 10 players, recording 10 recoveries and five interceptions while winning 8 of 13 duels.

Scoring Summary
MIA – Francisco Bonfiglio (Allen Gavilanes) 8’
BHM – AJ Paterson (Peter Lee Vassell) 15’
MIA – Jonathan Ricketts (Sebastián Blanco) 22’
MIA – Tobías Zárate 38’
BHM – Ronaldo Damus (Amir Daley) 67’