Atlanta United will play at Miami FC in the fifth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday.
The Five Stripes defeated Charleston 3-2 in the fourth round, while Miami FC defeated Orlando City 3-1.
Miami plays in the NASL and is coached by Italian legend Alessandro Nesta.
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals and will get to host the winner of Chicago vs. Cincinnati.
Atlanta United will face a challenge. Miami FC’s roster is filled with former MLS players and has a few players who should be familar to fans of the Silverbacks.
José Armando Rodríguez (@Jarm21), editor in chief of DEPORTE TOTAL USA, answered three questions about Miami FC ahead of Wednesday’s game.
1. How are former Silverbacks Tyler Ruthven, Kwadwo Poku and Jaime Chavez doing?
A: We haven’t seen much of Tyler since he has been injured for the most part of the season. He started training in full just a few weeks back. He might not even make it on the 18 on Wednesday.
Jaime Chavez has been on and off due to the great season that Stefano Pinho and Vincenzo Rennella are having. When he gets a chance to play he does good enough to start in any other NASL team. He could play a factor in the game on Wednesday coming off the bench, Rennella and Pinho have been really good but have played alot of minutes in the past few weeks.
Poku is a key part to the club on and off the field. He is a fan favorite and on the pitch he pretty much dictates the pace in which Miami plays. We have yet to see what Miami looks like without Poku on the field, so far when he is on and engaged in the game Miami is really good.
2. What is the matchup to watch?
A: Poku, Lahoud and Ryan have experience and pretty much lead the midfield for Miami, knowing what they can offer when playing at their best, I say we can find a pretty good matchup with ATL’s midfield. If we talk about a one on one I would have to go with Vincenzo Rennella he can matchup with any defender in Atlanta at the moment.
3. What is the key to Miami playing so well?
What is Miami doing so well? They are playing with confidence and they don’t make many mistakes when in front of goal. Nesta worked hard to implement a winning mentality and right now they believe they can win the cup. I do not expect Miami to go out on Wednesday and let Atlanta control the game.
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