SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Daltyn Knutson scored a late winner as Miami FC took a surprise 1-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC at Heart Health Park to conclude its regular season campaign, earning the club’s first win away at Sacramento in its history.

The visitors threatened first when Sebastián Blanco fired a shot from 20 yards that was parried wide by Sacramento’s Danny Vitiello, while Republic FC’s Cristian Parano went closer to putting his side ahead as he slid a finish past an advancing goalkeeper off a through-ball by Rodrigo López only for the effort to hit the left post and carom away to safety.

Sacramento forced an outstanding save by Miami goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez with 16 minutes to go, meanwhile, as his initial parry and a defensive clearance brought the ball to Michel Benitez, who fired a shot back from 25 yards toward the top-left corner that Rodriguez also turned away. With three minutes to play, though, Knutson put home the rebound off Jonathan Ricketts’ initial header to end Miami’s season on a high note.

Takeaways

Sacramento Republic FC: Having already secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, Republic FC put together a solid display that came undone late, a fate they’ll be aiming to avoid in their playoff opener next weekend.

Miami FC: Already out of the postseason picture, Miami ended the season in good style as the side won its third game out of the last four in the regular season to avoid finishing in last place in the Eastern Conference.

Key moment

Daltyn Knutson’s late winner was a positive moment for the center back as he scored for the fourth time this season for Miami in league play.

Key stat

Sacramento is winless in its last 10 games when it concedes first in USL Championship play, going 0-7-3 since rallying for victory on the opening day of the season against New Mexico United.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Daltyn Knutson, Miami FC – The 28-year-old spoiled Sacramento’s shutout bid with his late winner and was solid defensively, winning 6 of 9 duels and making seven clearances defensively.

Scoring Summary
MIA – Daltyn Knutson 87’