Miami FC finally shook the Open Cup monkey off their back, earning their first win in three tries with a 4-2 victory over the PDL’s Bradenton Academics.

Zak Boggs started the scoring for Bradenton with a goal in the 18th minute, which was answered by Sean Cameron for Miami just seven minutes later. After the break, an own goal by Eddie Gutierrez put the PDL club back on top. Leo Inacio drew Miami level again in the 58th minute, and the Blues never looked back.

Even after Miami was reduced to 10 men with Cristiano Dias’ red card in the 69th minute, Miami had control of the match. Alex Afonso scored the final two goals to send Miami to a second round meeting with fellow First Division side Atlanta Silverbacks.

Though Miami has played since 2005, they have lost their opening game each year. In 2006, Miami lost to USASA side Dallas Roma (the first time a USL-1 team had lost to a USASA club), and last season they fell to the El Paso Patriots of the PDL.