Miami FC 2 Crowned 2018 NPSL National Champions

August 5, 2018

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Miami FC 2 (Miami, FL) became the 2018 NPSL National Champions on Saturday night after defeating FC Motown (Morristown, NJ) 3-1 at Drew University’s Ranger Stadium in front of a sellout crowd of 2,143.

“We have done it the right way and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Miami FC 2 head coach Paul Dalglish said. “There’s not anything that these guys can’t overcome when we work together. We didn’t play great at times tonight, but the mentality was always great. That is what you need. You need players that want to win. Finals aren’t for playing. They’re for winning and we did that.”

Miami was the first to score thanks to a goal from midfielder Jonny Steele in the 33rd minute. FC Motown would bring the score even at 1-1 just three minutes later with a goal from midfielder Dilly Duka.

The teams would enter halftime with the same 1-1 scoreline. Things would change drastically in the 57th minute when FC Motown defender Chris Riordan was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.

A goal from Miami FC 2 midfielder Dylan Mares would come just two minutes later, giving the visitors the 2-1 lead. Miami would increase their lead to 3-1 in the 82nd minute when midfielder Jeff Michaud scored a goal of his own. There would be no change in the score as time ran out and Miami FC 2 claimed the 2018 NPSL National Championship with a 3-1 win.

With the win, Miami FC 2 midfielder Don Smart would earn his second NPSL National Championship. His first was the 2013 NPSL National Championship with RVA FC.

“It is a great feeling,” Smart said. “It’s great to be back in the league and win it again with a great group of guys. It’s been an unbelievable road and I am glad we got the job done.”