The Miami FC won its second successive NPSL National Championship on Saturday night at Mitchel Athletic Complex with a 3-1 victory over the New York Cosmos. Two first-half goals from Dylan Mares gave the Orange and Blue a lead they never relinquished. A late Shawn Chin strike then ensured The Miami FC won its eighth trophy in their four-year history.

It was the sixth trophy Miami FC has won in two seasons under Coach Paul Dalglish. “I couldn’t be more proud of the boys taking the last step of the NPSL journey in winning this title again. It’s an honour to be the coach of such an outstanding team.”

Mares, who was named Man of the Match for the second successive year in the NPSL National Championship game, scored both his first-half goals after quick changes of possession. On the first goal, Mares played a quick one-two with Miguel González and slotted a shot home from inside the area. On his second goal, Mares took advantage of Tomás Granitto, winning the ball just outside the Cosmos area and then playing him into space.

“It’s hard to win something once, but to win it twice is unbelievable. We worked so hard to win this title again and tonight’s game was very difficult, against the best team we played all year,” Mares said.

Miami FC’s 2-1 halftime lead was almost doubled immediately after halftime when Lloyd Sam hit the post on a well-placed shot that beat Cosmos goalkeeper Paul Blanchette. The Cosmos had several chances to equalize but Miami FC Goalkeeper Mark Pais made several clutch saves.

In second-half stoppage time with the Cosmos pushing forward, Shawn Chin beat Blanchette who was well off his line from 40 yards out. Moments later the final whistle blew and Miami FC was confirmed as the first back-to-back National Championship winners in NPSL history.