Inter Miami CF advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in Club history after defeating Birmingham Legion FC 0-1 on the road at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. on Wednesday night in the Quarterfinals of the competition. Attacking midfielder Nicolás Stefanelli scored the team’s goal on the night.
Lineup Notes
Drake Callender started in goal; captain DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvtsov, Kamal Miller and Franco Negri started in defense; David Ruiz and Ian Fray anchored the midfield with Corentin Jean, Benjamin Cremaschi and Stefanelli in front of them; Josef Martínez led the attack as striker.
Match Action
The first half presented an even matchup with both sides in search of the opener. Inter Miami generated several dangerous opportunities in attack, in particular with a free kick effort from Negri that was saved by the goalkeeper in the 22 minute, but the match went into the half scoreless.
Inter Miami started the second half on the front foot in search of the opener and was rewarded in the 56th minute; Jean sent the ball into the box from the right wing for Stefanelli, who sent the ball to the back of the net with a first-time right-footed finish to beat the keeper and put the team 0-1 up on the scoreboard. The goal was the second for Stefanelli in the last two games in the competition.
Inter Miami continued to pressure its rival throughout the remaining minutes in search of extending its lead, while Callender racked up a couple of crucial saves to keep the hosts scoreless.
The team was able to hold onto its 0-1 and advance to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time and is now two wins away from winning the first trophy in Club history.
Inter Miami will now take on FC Cincinnati in the Semifinals on Aug. 23. The draw to determine the host and venue for the semifinals will take place tomorrow, Thursday, June 8 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Post-Match Reaction
“This win is very important, not just for us as a team, but for the whole organization. We made history today - it’s the first time that the team makes semifinals,” said interim head coach Javier Morales. “We’re very happy and proud of the players and everyone around the team because this is not just about one player or the coach, this is about everyone. Inter Miami made history today making it to the semifinals.”
Next Match
Next, Inter Miami will visit the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium this Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET in MLS regular season action.
Stats
Possession:
BHM - 41.4%
MIA - 58.6%
Shots:
BHM -11
MIA - 10
Saves:
BHM - 6
MIA - 4
Corners:
BHM - 7
MIA - 3
Fouls:
BHM - 17
MIA - 10
