Miami United Beat Kalonji Pro-Profile to Claim Southeast Regional Final
UPSL Premier – Southeast Regional Final | Peachtree City, GA | Saturday, Jan. 17 | Kickoff: 3:00 PM | 50°F, Cloudy with Light Rain
Georgia-side Kalonji Pro-Profile’s run in the UPSL Southeast Region came to an end Saturday afternoon as Miami United FC edged past the Georgia side 1-0 in the Regional Final, booking their place in the National Quarterfinals.
Played under cool temperatures, light rain, and a heavy sense of occasion, the match carried added weight for Kalonji Pro-Profile, who entered the final as Georgia’s lone representative. Miami United, finalists at this stage a year ago, arrived with experience and confidence, and ultimately relied on their control of possession and game management to see out the result.
The opening half was tense and evenly contested. Kalonji were handed an early opportunity from the penalty spot, but the Miami goalkeeper Franco Acerbi produced a double save to keep the match scoreless. The miss set the tone for a half defined by narrow margins, with chances appearing at both ends but no clear breakthrough.
Miami enjoyed more of the ball through the first 45 minutes, frequently building from the back and stretching Kalonji wide, while KSA relied on defensive discipline and moments of physicality to disrupt the rhythm. Kalonji’s goalkeeper was called into action several times and delivered a composed performance to ensure the sides entered halftime level.
After the break, Kalonji Pro-Profile emerged with renewed energy and pressed higher up the field. However, Miami remained patient, resetting through their back line and continuing to dictate tempo. As the second half wore on, Miami’s comfort in possession began to tell.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Sony Norde found space and finished clinically to give Miami United the lead. From there, Miami managed the match expertly, limiting Kalonji’s ability to settle the ball and build sustained attacks.
While the scoreline remained close, Miami’s control in the latter stages reflected their experience at this level. Kalonji struggled to regain momentum, often forced into direct play that Miami defended comfortably.
Despite the disappointment, Kalonji Pro-Profile’s run to the Southeast Regional Final stands as a significant achievement. The Lawrenceville-based side once again carried Georgia’s banner deep into the postseason, reinforcing the growing strength and visibility of the state’s soccer community.
Miami United advance to the UPSL National Quarterfinals, while Kalonji exit with their heads held high after another strong regional campaign.