MIAMI (DA) — Jürgen Locadia scored, assisted and was later sent off as Miami FC beat FC Naples 4-1 on Wednesday to stay perfect through two matches in the Prinx Tires USL Cup.
The Curaçao forward set up Mason Tunbridge’s goal in the 12th minute, then scored Miami’s fourth goal in the 55th with a header from the center of the box to the top right corner. Tommy Musto assisted the goal with a cross after a set piece.
One minute later, Locadia and Naples substitute Hudson Gay were both shown red cards for violent conduct.
The result kept Miami in first place in Group 7 with six points from two matches. Miami has scored five goals and conceded one in the competition after opening the cup with a 1-0 road win over Sporting JAX.
Eloy Room returned in goal for Miami after not traveling for the cup opener. The Curaçao goalkeeper made key saves in each half, stopping Kevin O’Connor’s shot in the 40th minute and saving Dominick Bachstein’s header in the 53rd.
Miami struck quickly at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium. Arney Rocha opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a header from the center of the box after a cross from Matías Romero.
Locadia then created Miami’s second four minutes later, assisting Tunbridge for a left-footed finish from the right side of the box to the top left corner.
Bachir Ndiaye made it 3-0 in the 17th minute, scoring from the right side of the six-yard box after a corner. Naples cut the deficit in the 30th minute when Bachstein headed in Marc Torrellas’ assist.
Miami led 3-1 at halftime before Locadia restored the three-goal cushion early in the second half.
Miami finished with 52.5% possession, four corners and a 54.4% duels success rate. Naples had 47.5% possession, three corners and 10 interceptions.
The match was Miami’s second in Group 7, which also includes Tampa Bay Rowdies, FC Naples, Sporting JAX and Sarasota Paradise. Miami sits on top of the group with two wins from two matches.