Miami FC to play 2009 USL-1 season
Published on March 18, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, March 18, 2009 - After months of rumors and speculation, Traffic Sports officially announced today that Miami FC will be back to play in USL-1, one of North America's two professional soccer leagues, in 2009. Traffic Sports, which has had offices in South Florida for nearly 20 years (formerly Inter/Forever Sports), has always had the best interests of South Florida in mind, but a combination of lesser than expected fan and community support during the first three seasons and the confusion caused by the Miami MLS bid which was only officially withdrawn two weeks ago, led to uncertainty regarding the future of Miami FC and professional soccer in South Florida.
"Traffic Sports is one of the leading soccer companies in the world. Soccer is our life. And we have had our North American headquarters in South Florida for nearly 20 years. So this is our home and we want soccer to succeed here. The love and support we have received for Miami FC over the past few weeks gives us the encouraging glimpse of the potential of soccer in South Florida that we needed to feel in order to move forward. Although we did not reach the 5,000 ticket-package target, the 1,250 we sold are a good start and give us reason for optimism," said Julio Mariz, CEO of Traffic Sports worldwide.
"Now, more than ever, we must unite and work together to build the community by supporting our local professional sports teams including professional soccer - Miami FC. Considering South Florida's status as one of the most international cities in the world and the gateway to Latin America, South Florida must have a strong professional soccer team and host major international soccer events. I am very encouraged by the support we have seen over the past two weeks, but now is not the time to let up; this is our new beginning. The future of soccer in South Florida depends on all of us. And now thanks to the community's response and Traffic's continuing vision and support, we still have our professional team to cherish, nourish and grow South Florida soccer to the level we all would like to see and the world has always expected," stated Miami FC's President, Aaron Davidson.
Traffic and Miami FC have been actively planning for the prospect of playing in 2009. The USL-1 regular season begins in exactly one month - April 18th - with Miami FC kicking it off when the team hosts the Cleveland City Stars, 2008 USL-2 Champions. Traffic and Miami FC are still evaluating several options for home stadium/stadia and training facility/facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The team will begin announcing player signings over the next few days and pre-season is scheduled to begin next week. The team is also planning to hold a special open tryout in April to give prospective players - especially local talents - the opportunity to play for the only professional soccer team in South Florida.
"From the day I joined Traffic and Miami FC about a month ago, I've been working with the mindset that Miami FC would play in 2009. So under the circumstances, I am about as prepared as I could possibly be. I have been working very closely with Luiz Muzzi and Zinho and look forward to fielding a competitive Miami FC in 2009," declared Fernando Clavijo, Director of Soccer for Traffic Sports and Miami FC.
For more information regarding Miami FC and how to support the team and soccer in South Florida, visit www.miamifc.com or call 305-377-2700. Adult 20-ticket flex packages are $200 and children/student 20-ticket flex packages are $100.
USL First Division Stories from March 18, 2009
- Rhinos Begin 2009 Training Camp - Rochester Rhinos
- Battery signs O'Brian Woodbine, Kenji Treschuk and Tyler Hemming - Charleston Battery
- USL Makes Statement Regarding Vancouver Expansion - USL-1
- Miami FC to play 2009 USL-1 season - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
