MIAMI FC-LATEST NEWS

[Intru]

United Soccer Leagues (USL)

Thats the actual website for the league, if you want score you can also go here,

USLFans.com -- For the Fans, By the Fans

[Frank Cunha]

MIAMI FC TAKES ON THE VANCOUVER WHITECAPS, AND LOSES 1-0



Miami, June 22, 2007 - Miami FC (4-8-2) played today its 14th game of the season against USL defending champions Vancouver Whitecaps (7-2-3), at 8 pm, at Tropical Park Stadium. This was Miami’s 10th home game of the current season.



This was the fifth match-up between both teams. Miami FC had a 0-3-1 record against its Canadian rivals. Last year, Vancouver won its two playoffs games (4-1 and 2-0) against Miami FC and ended up winning the championship.



Miami FC was coming from a tough tie (1-1) against the Minnesota Thunder last Saturday, playing at James Griffin Stadium, in Minnesota.



Midfielder/Assistant Coach Zinho returned to action after a brief trip to Brazil.



First shot on goal of the game was taken by Stephane Guillaume. He teed off a shot right in front of the goal in the 13th minute, but it was denied by the keeper.



Vancouver almost scored in the 20th minute when a ball sailed over goalkeeper Pat Hannigan’s outstretched arms. The Whitecaps, however, were unable to get a shot off because of Miami FC’s excellent defensive recovery.



Zinho took a shot in the 27th minute that missed wide left, but it sparked a flurry of opportunities.



Midfielder Eric Vasquez took three shots in six minutes as the momentum of the game shifted in favor of Miami FC. The first shot was taken in the 28th minute when Vasquez secured a ball off his chest and hammered it directly at the keeper. His next two shots were back-to-back in the 33rd and 34th minute. Unfortunately he was unable to convert any of the opportunities.



The last chance of the half came in the 45th minute when a Zinho corner kick rebounded to a wide open Stephane whose ball sailed over the goal. Miami FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps entered the half tied 0-0.



The second half began with Luchi Gonzalez almost scoring against Vancouver. His shot coming in the 50th minute was pulled in by the Whitecap’s goalie.





Miami FC’s ability to put pressure on the Vancouver defense forced the Whitecaps to foul Zinho at the top of the box. Zinho’s free kick went over the goal by a couple of yards keeping the game scoreless through 62 minutes.



An attacking Miami FC continued to create chances in the second half. Stephane centered a pass to Zhino who put his head on the ball directly at the goalie in the 68th minute. Four minutes later Vasquez took a shot that missed just left of the goal.





Vancouver created a great opportunity to score when the ball bounced around the front of the Miami FC goal, and then Whitecap forward Testo headed the ball within a few inches of the top of the net.



The Whitecaps forward Sabrango was able to break the tie with a late goal in the 87th minute putting Vancouver up 1-0. Miami FC had one last opportunity in the 90th minute coming off the leg of Gonzalez whose shot hit the side of the net.





After today’s match, Miami FC will hit the road for almost a month, playing four games away before returning home to play the Carolina RailHawks, on July 20th.



The Whitecaps will visit Puerto Rico Islanders (Sunday), Charleston Battery (June 30), Carolina RailHawks (July 3), and Atlanta Silverbacks (July 7) before concluding their travels with a second away game at Seattle Sounders on July 12.




NEXT GAMES
• Thursday, June 28 – Miami FC @ Seattle – Qwest Field – 10 pm ET (USLlive.com)
• Saturday, June 30 – Miami FC @ Portland Timbers – PGE Park – 10 pm ET(USLlive.com)

[Marcelo]

Ah,We lose again.Thanks anyways Frank.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC Returns Home After

Two Straight Victories on the Road





Miami, July18, 2007 - Miami FC (6-10-2) returns to Tropical Park Stadium after a month-long road trip. The team has won two straight, including a huge 2-1 comeback victory over last year’s defending USL champion Vancouver Whitecaps. Play starts at 8 pm on Friday against the Carolina RailHawks (4-5-7) and continues Sunday against the California Victory (3-10-5) at 6 pm.



Miami FC is in good spirits after their last two performances and ready to make a run at the playoffs with only ten games remaining this season. Keep an eye on Sergio Van Kanten who was named to USL’s Team of the Week for his assist last weekend. Midfielder Zinho, who has being playing like a 20-year-old, despite having turned 40 last month, also made USL’s Team of the Week for his performance against the California Victory on July 4th.



WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

· Miami FC is heading back home after a four-game road trip to the West coast where they went 2-2.

· Miami FC won its last game 2-1 against the defending champion Vancouver Whitecaps. Zinho scored early in the second half off a free kick near the outside of the box, and Sergio Van Kanten assisted the go-ahead goal for Miami that came off the foot of a sliding Sean Fraser.

· Miami FC welcomes its newest addition to the team, midfielder Miguel Guante. He played 80 minutes and had one shot in Miami FC’s latest victory. Guante’s previously played for FC Dallas and the University of Portland.

· Free Starbucks Raspberry Mocha Frappuccino Blended Coffee for all fans at July 20th game against the Carolina RailHawks.

· The first 100 fans entering the stadium at the July 20th and July 22nd games will receive a Miami FC sack pack filled with free tickets, noise makers, K-mart Passport, stickers, and wristbands.

· Free soccer clinic for kids provided by Miami FC players and members of the team’s coaching staff Sunday July 22nd from 3-5 pm before that evening’s match. The clinic will be held outside of Tropical Park Stadium at the English Gardens area, and will include training with professional soccer players, beverages, snacks, mini-games, drills, and giveaways.

· Free admission for kids under 18 in soccer club jerseys for both matches.

· Free Miller Lite beer on both games while supplies last.



CAROLINA RAILHAWKS

· This is Miami FC and Carolina’s first meeting this season.

· The RailHawks lost their last game at home against the Montreal Impact 1-0.

· Carolina is 2-3-2 on the road this season.

· They are led by midfielder Kupono Low who has four goals and an assist so far this season.

· Their goalkeeper Chris McClellan has seven shutouts and has allowed less than one goal per game.

· Miami FC and Carolina will meet again for the last time during the regular season on Saturday July 28th in Cary, North Carolina.



CALIFORNIA VICTORY

· Miami FC beat California 3-1 on Independence Day.

· This will be the last time these two teams meet outside the playoffs this season.

· California lost its last match 4-1 to the Portland Timbers, and they travel to Puerto Rico to play the Islanders on Friday before heading to Miami.

· California is 1-4-3 on the road.

· The Victory is led by Joshua Hansen who has four goals, and Yuri Morales who has three goals and two assist.



QUOTES



Midfielder Sergio Van Kanten: “I have been working very hard to get into the starting lineup. I am very happy to make the USL Team of the Week. The team and I are more confident heading into this weekend focused on getting six points and making a run at the playoffs.”



Head Coach Chiquinho DE ASSIS: “I always believed, even when we lost games so far this season, that we played good enough to win. Our troubles have come in the first fifteen minutes of games, and when we are trying to close out a team at the end of a game. We have had control of almost all of the games we’ve played. I’ve put all the responsibility on the coaching staff calling attention to these details. We have been stressing to the players that the games are 90 minutes and that they are physically ready, and because of this we will find an opportunity to tie or win. I think they proved they can do this last weekend against Vancouver.”



Miguel Guante: “I thought my first game went well even though I was a little nervous. I played well with Johnny Pulido in the middle of the field. We’ve played together before.”



Chiquinho on Guante: “Miguel is a good dynamic player whose talents can fit into the team’s tactical scheme.”

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC Wins Third Strait:

2-1 Against Carolina



Miami, July 20, 2007 – Miami FC, now with a 7-10-2 record, won its third straight game beating the Carolina RailHawks (4-6-7) at Tropical Park Stadium. The Blues took advantage of a Carolina team that lost a key player at the end of the first half scoring two quick goals, and then holding off the RailHawks for a 2-1 victory.



Miami FC had the first chance of the game coming off an Eric Vasquez corner kick in the 8th minute. His kick found the head of the lengthy Cristiano Dias whose shot went directly at the goalie.



Carolina seemed to shift the momentum in their favor midway through the second half when midfielder Santiago Fusiller took a shot on goal. Fusiller was unable to get his entire leg behind the ball making for an easy stop for keeper Pat Hannigan.



The RailHawks continued to put pressure on the Blues defense with a flurry of opportunities starting in the 30th minute. Carolina’s best chance came in the 33rd minute off a ball volley over the net by Fusiller. The RailHawks didn’t let the missed opportunities slow them down with more shots on goal coming in the 36th minute. Solid defense by Miami FC and heads up play by Hannigan shut the rally down.



Miami FC’s relentless defense frustrated the RailHawks into committing bad fouls. The worse of them came right before the half when Carolina’s midfielder Philip Kutsu tackled Dias from behind earning himself a red card and an ejection from the game.



Miami FC and Carolina entered the half tied at nil, but the Blues had the clear advantage up a man. Miami FC would take advantage of the extra man with poise and confidence as they entered the second half determined to put a ball in the back of the net.



On the 49th minute, Miami FC midfielder Sean Cameron unrelentingly forced his way down the left side of the field 50 yards before touching it to a passing Sean Fraser. Fraser tapped the ball back with a heel pass to Cameron who found only the opposing keeper between himself and the go-ahead goal. Cameron got his entire foot behind the ball kicking it past the right side of the goalie putting Miami FC up 1-0.



Miami FC continued to put pressure on the RailHawks with a second goal coming two minutes later off the foot of Zinho. Miami FC went up 2-0 after 51 minutes of play.



A few minutes later Cameron worked his way down the left sideline again to find a wide open Fraser directly in front of the goal. Fraser’s kick sailed just over the crossbar. This was just the beginning of a flurry of chances created by Miami FC.



Miami FC’s defense was also superb during this run led by diving save by Hannigan who kept the game at 2-0. The Blues controlled the ball and the middle of the field for most of the second half.



Carolina was able to get on the score board late with a goal by Frankie Sanfilippo coming off a corner kick. Sanfilippo got a red card and was ejected a few minutes later, one minute before stoppage time.



Miami FC next home game is Sunday July 22nd at Tropical Park Stadium against the California Victory. The Blues will play the RailHawks again on Saturday July 28th. This should be a very heated match up, especially how this last game ended with two RailHawks being ejected.

[jec1]

Romario scores his 1000th Goal. What a legend he is, I loved watching him play.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC and California

Victory Tie 1-1



Miami, July 22 – Miami FC (7-10-3) and the California Victory (3-10-7) fought a tough match on a rain soaked field and finish in a 1-1 draw. Afternoon showers made for some slippery conditions, but most of the rain was gone by kickoff. Miami FC enters the game winning its last three matches.



The Blues tried to get on the board early with a shot by Sean Fraser in the second minute of the game but California quickly countered. Victory forward Josh Hansen scored off the extended hand of goal keeper Gabard Fenelon. California went up 1-0 in the 4th minute of the game.



California continued to put pressure on Fenelon with a huge shot coming off the foot of Yuri Morales in the 9th minute.



In the 18th minute Miami FC won a corner kick taken by Zinho. Zinho’s ball found the head of a charging Sean Cameron. Cameron’s got his whole head on the ball, but the ball traveled over the net. Four minutes later Zinho crossed the ball to a cutting Fraser whose shot hit the top goal post.



Miami FC had another opportunity sail over the goal coming in the 23rd minute. Eric Vasquez’s corner kick was just a little too high for Cameron to get his entire head on the ball. The Victory continued to hold the lead.



The Blues continued to put pressure on the California defense earning a corner kick for Vasquez in the 30th minute. Vasquez’s ball hit the Victory’s Morales who scored an own goal as he tried to clear the ball. Miami FC and California entered the half tied 1-1.



Miami FC came out of the locker room firing with one of the best chances of the game coming in the 47th minute. Zinho crossed the ball to Fraser, but his efforts sent the ball over the net. Five minutes later Vasquez sent a ball across the field to Zinho. Zinho’s attempt to chip the ball over a charging goalie missed just wide.



Head coach Chiquinho made two quick subs with half an hour left in the match to try and bring some fresh legs onto the field. A minute later Luchi Gonzalez, one of the subs, found a crossing Fraser, but his header went over the crossbar.



Fenelon saved the game for Miami FC when he made a huge save off an extraordinary attempt at goal by California’s Mike Muñoz in the 69th minute. As Fenelon was holding off the Victory, Miami FC had many quality attempts at goal. The 75th minute saw a flurry of chances created by Gonzalez and Zinho.



A free kick awarded to Miami 20 yards from goal set Zinho up for a shot reminiscent of the goal he had against Vancouver a week before. Zinho’s kick brushed by the Victory wall and missed the goal by a couple of feet.



The end of the game brought lots of “edge of your seat” excitement to Miami FC fans. With three minutes left in the match Nico Mosquera made a great touch to Gonzalez in the middle of the goal box. Gonzalez’s took a hard shot that went sailing over the net.



Miami FC kept the hearts of the crowd pumping when Jamil Jean-Jacques made a beautiful move down the left sideline. Jean-Jacques controlled the ball and set up a beautiful pass to a diving Zinho. Zinho put his head on the ball, but he was unable to find the back of the net.



The Victory countered in the 90th minute with a Muñoz shot that rolled passed an outstretched Fenelon brushing the outside of the left goal post.



Miami FC had a couple chances in the stoppage period. The best came when Jean-Jacques forced his way down the left sideline finding an open Gonzalez in the middle of the field. The well guarded Gonzalez was able to make a few pretty moves and turn on the ball creating a left footed shot. Gonzalez’s shot was on goal forcing a tremendous block by the Victory keeper.



The match ended with Miami FC and the California Victory tying 1-1. Miami’s next match is on the road against the Carolina RailHawks on July 28th starting at 7:30 pm. Miami FC beat Carolina 2-1 Friday night.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami heads to Carolina just a week after handing the RailHawks a 2-1 defeat in South Florida. Miami will be looking to extend their four-game unbeaten streak and defend their Virtual Championship, a title that started with the defending champion Whitecaps and was first lost to Carolina after Vancouver opened unbeaten in their first seven. Since then, the title had exchanged hands frequently until Miami took it off the other expansion side California in San Francisco to start their current streak. Watch the game on USL Live Saturday at 7:30 pm.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC wins big 4-1 against Carolina RailHawks





Miami, July 28, 2007 - The RailHawks enter the game just below Miami in the USL standings, and Carolina started the game with a sense of urgency. The RailHawks had some early chances including a bicycle kick that just missed the back of the net.



The Blues withstood the early pressure and got on the board first. Zinho took a free kick from 40 yards out, and he found the head of John Pulido, the only Miami FC player inside the box, who bounced the ball in front and over the goal keeper. Miami FC led early 1-0.



Carolina continued to put pressure on the Miami defense trying to find the equalizer, but a brilliant play by Miami FC goalie Pat Hannigan kept the RailHawks at bay. Carolina’s best chance of the half came off Connally Edozien’s header that was going towards the corner of the net. Hannigan reacted beautifully extending his body and saving a sure goal.



An accidental handball by Miami FC defender Sergio Van Kanten inside the goal box gave the RailHawks a penalty shot. Kupono Low took the kick for Carolina and tied the game at one.



Miami FC forward Sean Fraser pushed the ball into the center of the RailHawks defense and was able to leave the ball for a charging Eric Vasquez. Vasquez crushed the ball from 20 yards out, but his momentum carried the ball over the net.



Great saves by Hannigan, who was really in the zone, carried Miami FC into the final minutes of the half. In the 45th minute Vasquez free kick from 40 yards out found the foot of defender Chris Williams to score the go-ahead goal putting Miami FC up 2-1 just before the break.



Carolina came out of the locker room with as much energy as they started the game, but the Blues stood their ground on the defensive end. Sean Cameron got the ball from Sean Fraser at the top of the box with no one around him. Cameron took his time and made an amazing shot that put Miami FC up 3-1.



Miami FC put the game out of reach in the final minutes of the game with a brilliant heel tap by Zinho to Luchi Gonzalez. Gonzalez found the ball in front of the goal keeper and was able to dance with the ball and score Miami FC’s final goal of the night. Miami FC wins big 4-1 with brilliant play from both sides of the ball, especially from keeper Pat Hannigan.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC Loses 3-0 to Charleston Battery



Miami, July 31, 2007 - Miami FC (8-11-3) loses their first game in the last six matches 3-0 on the road against the Charleston Battery (7-8-5). This is Miami FC’s second loss of the season to Charleston.



The Charleston Battery got on the scoreboard early off the foot of Jordan Hughes. The goal was Hughes’s first of the season.



Miami FC tried to even the score by keeping possession of the ball throughout the half, but the Battery’s defense did not give up any good chances. Charleston seemed content with one goal focusing most of their energy on defense and counter attacks.



The best chances for Miami FC came off of free kicks awarded just outside the box. The first one was taken by Zinho whose kick sailed over the net. The second kick taken by midfielder Eric Vasquez hit the Battery wall.



Miami FC entered the second half down one in a match controlled by a suffocating Charleston defense. The Blues looked to find the equalizer early by pressuring the Battery defense.



Flashes of brilliant play by Miami in the opening twenty minutes brought no real chances on goal. Charleston continued to control the game and scored their second goal in the 68th minute. The goal came off a well placed ball by Andre Toussaint in front of the goal to the foot of Aron King.



With the game in the Battery’s hands, Charleston sat back and forced Miami FC to try and score on their defense. The Blues were unable to get on the board even though they had their chances.



The best chance to get back into the game came off the foot of substitute forward Nacho Calcagno. He turned on a ball inside the box putting on the ground past the Battery keeper. Nacho’s ball rolled just wide of the back of the net.



Charleston scored the third goal of the game with King assisting Toussaint putting the Battery up 3-0.



Miami FC’s next game will be on the road against the Montreal Impact Friday August 10th at 7pm. Miami FC will get a chance to play Charleston again on September 2nd.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC Adds Three New Faces: Midfielder Miguel Guante, Left Back Mateus dos Anjos, and Forward Melvin Tarley



Miami, August 2, 2007 - Miami FC looks to make a run at the playoffs and the USL-1 Championship by adding three additional weapons to its already potent lineup. The signings of Miguel Guante, Mateus dos Anjos, and Melvin Tarley will add considerable depth to the current roster with only six games left in the regular season. The club is trying to hold on to one of the top eight playoff spots as they currently sit in 7th place in the USL-1 standings.





Forward Duncan “Melvin” Tarley is Miami FC’s new signing, pending approval from the League. The 6’1 forward has played for MLS teams’ Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids. He also played for the Minnesota Thunder for four seasons. In the last one, in 2006, he scored 5 goals and added 4 assists to his name for a total of 14 points. Before coming to Miami, he was playing for the Puerto Rico Islanders where he had 14 appearances and scored 3 goals.





Melvin was instrumental in the Thunder’s upset wins over three MLS teams in the 2005 U.S. Open Cup, scoring six goals. Became youngest player selected for Liberian U-21 National Team at the age of 14 in 1998, appearing in 12 game and also played with the Liberian National team in 2004.





Midfielder Guante, who previously played for FC Dallas, joined the team a couple of weeks ago having already played in four matches with the Blues. Miguel has contributed to the team’s ball control mentality in the middle of the field, and he has proven to be an excellent defender. Head Coach Chiquinho described him as “a valuable and dynamic asset to the team.”





Miami FC also picked up left back Mateus dos Anjos right before the league’s deadline on Tuesday, July 31. Anjos previously played for USL Division 2 Crystal Palace Baltimore. The 24 year-old soccer player from Brazil played his first USL-1 division game on Tuesday in Miami FC’s loss to the Charleston Battery.

[Frank Cunha]

Miami FC looses 3-1 to the Atlanta Silverbacks



August 12, 2007 - This was Miami FC´s 24th league game. The Blues has just come from a tough scoreless game in Montreal; however an important point was earned nonetheless. Today they faced a solid team from Atlanta. Zinho, who suffered an injury in Montreal’s practice session last Friday could not play but Melvin Tarley, Miami FC´s new signing made his debut.



The ball started rolling at six o’clock and right off the bat both teams showed that this was going to be a hard fought match. Miami was in control of the game in the beginning session of the first half. However it was Atlanta who struck first through a dangerous cross on the left flank by David Hayes, but was quickly cleared out of the box by Pat Hannigan.



In the 7th minute, Miami had a close encounter with the goal. A strong shot by Sean Fraser was just wide of the keeper’s left post. As the Atlanta Silverbacks regrouped in the back, Sean Fraser centered the ball to Eric Vasquez who chested it down nicely but shot wide of the goal.



Both teams struggled to open the scoreboard. In the 17th minute it seemed that Atlanta would be the first ones to do it, however a late offside flag rose to the relief of the home team. One minute later a solid counter attack by the Blues resulted in a shot by Eric Vasquez that just scrapped the crossbar.



A chance for the Blues in the 20th minute, a dangerous free kick was taken into the Silverbacks´ area but soon to be cleared by the goalie Ryan McIntosh. This led to a quick counter attack that was stopped with a foul on Macoumba Kandji just outside the home team’s goalie box. The foul was taken by #5 David Hayes. His precise shot went over the wall and into the left side of the goal leaving no chance for Pat Hannigan. Atlanta scored first on the 22nd minute of the first half.



In the 34th minute a hand ball by David Hayes inside the Silverbacks´ box led to a penalty kick for the Blues. The shoot was taken with accuracy by Eric Vasquez in the 36th minute to tie the game at one a piece.



Sean Cameron suffered a hard tackle in the 40th minute just outside the opposing team’s goal. However a wasted opportunity as the free kick was easily cleared out by Atlanta’s defense and that was how the first half ended with both teams tied at the half.



The second half whistle blew and it was not long until Atlanta put the ball in the back of the net. In the 47th minute, Macoumba Kandji blasted one in the top left corner just out of Pat Hannigan´s reach.



The game seemed to slowly simmer down after the second goal. Neither team created goal scoring opportunities. Then in the 80th minute the Silverbacks were awarded a free kick. David Hayes stepped up to take the foul. A perfect shot called for a perfect save, as Pat Hannigan punched the ball over his cross bar for a Silverback’s corner.



A mistake by Pat Hannigan led to Warren Ukah winning a fifty-fifty ball and shooting to an open net to add another goal to the Silverbacks. This sealed the deal in the closing minutes of the game as Atlanta defeated the Miami FC 3 to 1.



Miami FC now travels to Puerto Rico to take on the Islanders next Friday and Sunday.