Draft:Miami Clásico
| Other names | Miami derby Vice City derby |
|---|---|
| Location | Greater Miami |
| First meeting | IMT 2–1 MIA Exhibition (April 19, 2021) |
| Latest meeting | IMT 2–2 MIA USOC (Apr 26, 2023) |
| Next meeting | TBD |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 5 |
| Most wins | Inter Miami, 3 |
| All-time series | IMT 3–0–2 MIA |
The Miami Clásico[1] or the Miami derby is a crosstown rivalry between Inter Miami and Miami FC, the two professional soccer clubs in the Miami metropolitan area. Currently, Inter Miami play in Major League Soccer, the top tier of soccer in the United States, while Miami FC play in USL Championship, the second tier of soccer in the United States. Inter plays their home matches at DRV PNK Stadium in nearby Fort Lauderdale, and Miami FC plays their home matches at Riccardo Silva Stadium in the city limits of Miami.
The clubs first met on April 19, 2021, where Inter Miami took a 2–1 victory over Miami FC in a scrimmage. On April 19, 2022, the clubs first met in a competitive fixture, with Miami FC hosting Inter in a 2022 U.S. Open Cup match. Ecuadorian international, Leonardo Campana, scored the winning goal for Inter. In 2023, the two clubs met again in the Open Cup, where the match was tied after 120 minutes. Inter won the match on penalty kicks.
Since the two clubs have begun playing against each other, the media has dubbed the matches an terse and thrilling,[2][3] the matches have brought in some of the largest crowds for Miami FC attendance.[4][5]
Background[edit]
Early Miami soccer history[edit]
Prior to the arrival of the two pro clubs in Miami, the Metro metropolitan area was home to several professional soccer clubs. Some of the most notable include the Miami Fusion, which played in Major League Soccer from 1998 until 2001, as well the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who played from 2006 until 2016 in the second iteration of the NASL, in the American Soccer League from 1988 until 1994 and the original NASL from 1977 to 1983. From 1972 to 1976, the Miami Toros played in the original NASL.
Foundations of Miami FC and Inter Miami[edit]
Both current clubs, Miami FC and Inter Miami CF, were established during the mid-2010s. Miami FC was unveiled as the 12th franchise in the North American Soccer League on May 20, 2015. Co-owned by Riccardo Silva and Paolo Maldini, the team emerged a year after David Beckham's announcement of his plans to launch an MLS team in Miami. Alessandro Nesta was appointed as the first coach, and Italian sportswear company Macron became their kit supplier. In 2018, Miami FC introduced "The Miami FC 2" in the NPSL, led by head coach Paul Dalglish. They achieved remarkable success, winning the Sunshine Conference, the NPSL South Region, and the NPSL National Championship.
Meanwhile, on January 29, 2018, the Miami Beckham United group secured the 25th MLS franchise, Inter Miami CF, scheduled to debut in the 2020 season. Diego Alonso became the inaugural head coach, and Paul McDonough joined as the sporting director. Inter Miami CF faced initial challenges but secured their first franchise victory in August 2020. In 2023, Phil Neville took over as the new head coach, and the team made headlines when Lionel Messi joined as a Designated Player. Additionally, Miami FC expanded by joining NISA and winning multiple championships. Furthermore, on December 11, 2019, Ottawa Fury FC sold its franchise rights to the Miami FC ownership group, allowing the club to compete in the USL Championship starting from the 2020 season.
First competitive matches[edit]
Miami FC and Inter Miami CF are two professional soccer clubs based in Miami, Florida, that played their first competitive match in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup in April 2022. The match took place at Ricardo Silva Stadium, the home ground of Miami FC. Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 1–0 win over Miami FC, with the sole goal scored by Leonardo Campana.
The encounter attracted significant attention, and the stadium saw a record-breaking attendance of 11,158 spectators. The vibrant atmosphere and passionate support from fans added to the significance of the match for both clubs and the city of Miami.
In the following year, the two teams met again in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, resulting in a thrilling 2–2 draw. The game was closely contested, with both sides displaying skill and determination. Inter Miami CF eventually secured a win in the penalty shootout, leaving fans and players with mixed emotions.
These encounters between Miami FC and Inter Miami CF marked important milestones in their respective journeys, garnering interest from soccer enthusiasts and contributing to the growth of the sport in Miami.
Results[edit]
Home team is listed on the left, away team is listed on the right. Home team's score is listed first.
Inter Miami win Miami FC win Draw
| Date | Venue | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Attendance | IMCF scorers | MFC scorers | Overall Record | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 19, 2021 | DRV PNK Stadium | Inter Miami | 2–1 | Miami FC | Friendly | 0 | — | — | IMCF 1–0–0 | |
| February 27, 2022 | DRV PNK Stadium | Inter Miami | 1–0 | Miami FC | Friendly | 0 | Ruiz | — | IMCF 2–0–0 | |
| April 19, 2022 | Riccardo Silva Stadium | Miami FC | 0–1 | Inter Miami | 2022 U.S. Open Cup | 11,158 | Campana | — | IMCF 3–0–0 | |
| February 25, 2023 | DRV PNK Stadium | Inter Miami | 2–2 | Miami FC | Friendly | 0 | — | — | IMCF 3–0–1 | |
| April 26, 2023 | Riccardo Silva Stadium | Miami FC | 2–2 | Inter Miami | 2023 U.S. Open Cup | 12,099 | Borgelin, Sailor | Sorto, Yedlin (o.g.) | IMCF 3–0–2 |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Miami Clásico: Miami FC vs Inter Miami CF Ends in Thrilling Penalty Shootout". Miami FC. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ "Miami Clásico will feature Miami FC vs. Inter Miami CF on game airing on TV33, Pluto and CBS News Miami apps". CBS. CBS Miami. April 17, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ "Miami Clásico Rematch Set: Miami FC to Take on Inter Miami CF in Highly Anticipated Matchup". miamifc.com. April 7, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ Olmo, Brian (April 30, 2023). "Miami Clásico shatters attendance record, brings soccer fans across city to FIU". panthernow.com. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ "The Battle for Miami: Miami FC and Inter Miami Set to Clash in the Highly-Anticipated Clásico at FIU Stadium". Our Sports Central. April 25, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.