Cincinnati II Edge Past Inter Miami B in Tight MLS Next Pro Contest

June 29, 2026 – Cincinnati II secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Miami B at a lively home venue on Monday night, as both sides battled through a tense MLS Next Pro encounter. The single goal proved enough to hand the hosts all three points and move them up the early-season standings.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, the match carried a playoff-like intensity. Cincinnati II, known for their organized defensive shape, pressed high from the front and disrupted Miami B’s rhythm in midfield. Inter Miami B, meanwhile, looked to build through wide areas and exploit the pace of their wingers, but the home backline held firm. The game’s decisive moment arrived just before the half-hour mark.

Key Moment: First-Half Strike Settles the Contest

In the 28th minute, Cincinnati II midfield engine Ethan Zavaleta collected a loose ball 25 yards from goal. With defenders backing off, he unleashed a curling effort that bent away from the diving Miami goalkeeper and nestled inside the far post. It was a goal worthy of deciding any match, and the home side made sure to protect it for the remaining 62 minutes.

Tactical Story: Discipline Over Flair

Cincinnati II’s game plan was clear: absorb pressure and hit on the counter. They finished with just 42% possession but recorded eight shots on target from limited chances. Inter Miami B controlled possession (58%) and created a handful of half-chances, but they struggled to break through a compact defensive block. The visitors’ best opportunity came in the 73rd minute when a corner kick found an unmarked forward, but his header sailed just over the bar.

Standout Performers

• Ethan Zavaleta (Cincinnati II) – Scored the winner and completed 89% of his passes in the final third.
• Leo Hernández (Cincinnati II) – Made seven clearances and two critical interceptions to preserve the clean sheet.
• Diego Rivas (Inter Miami B) – Worked tirelessly on the left wing, completing 5 dribbles and delivering dangerous crosses that went unfinished.

Season Impact

The victory lifts Cincinnati II into the top half of the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference table, while Inter Miami B remain in mid-table territory. For the winners, this result continues a promising run of form that has seen them concede only once in their last three outings. Their next test comes against Columbus Crew 2, while Miami B will look to regroup against New York City FC II.

As the MLS Next Pro season develops, matches like this underline the growing competitiveness of the league. Cincinnati II’s blend of resilience and opportunistic finishing could make them a dark horse in the playoff race.