Miami FC delivered a memorable playoff performance on Friday, October 30, defeating the Tampa Bay Rowdies 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Al Lang Stadium to advance to the USL Championship Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Facing the top-seeded Rowdies on their home turf, Miami FC showed tremendous resilience, composure, and determination to keep its playoff journey alive.
The visitors struck first in the 34th minute when Bachir Ndiaye delivered a perfectly timed pass into the final third for Matías Romero, who finished with a first-time strike into the bottom corner to give Miami FC the lead.
Tampa Bay responded just before halftime, with MD Myers finding the equalizer in the 44th minute after Sebastian Cruz’s initial effort struck the post.
Both teams continued to battle throughout the second half, but neither could find a decisive goal, sending the match into extra time.
The drama intensified late in extra time when Tampa Bay was awarded a penalty. Eloy Room rose to the occasion, making a crucial save to deny Myers and keep Miami FC alive.
With the match still level after 120 minutes, the quarterfinal was decided by a penalty shootout.
Room once again proved decisive, saving two attempts during the shootout, while Miami FC’s penalty takers held their nerve. Riyon Tori converted the decisive kick before Room made one final save to seal a remarkable 5-4 shootout victory.
The win marks a significant milestone for Miami FC, as the club advances to its first Eastern Conference Semifinal since joining the USL Championship in 2020.
Miami FC now turns its attention to Louisville City FC, with the Conference Semifinal set for this Saturday at 7 PM at Lynn Family Stadium.
The journey continues. Vamos Miami!
