NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Miami FC

The Miami FC Drops Preseason Friendly to the Chicago Fire

February 19, 2017 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


BRADENTON, Fla. - The Miami FC closed out its Central Florida trip, Sunday night, with a preseason match against the Chicago Fire.

The Chicago Fire were able to get on the board in the third minute after Luis Solignac intercepted a Blake Smith back pass and finished the 1v1 chance.

The Miami FC was not deterred after the early goal, settling into the match and controlling possession.

The first great chance came in the 24th minute when Calvin Rezende played a fantastic ball over the top to a streaking Stefano Pinho. Unfortunately, Pinho could not haul in the pass in front of the goal.

Smith continually found space at the top of the box in the first half. His 28th minute shot nearly equalized the match, forcing the goalkeeper into a tough save.

A Richie Ryan cross sailed back post in the 33rd minute, finding the head of Rhett Bernstein. Bernstein was able to play the ball back into the middle of the box, causing havoc in front of the goalkeeper. Pinho rose above the crowd to head the ball into the back of the net but it was cleared last second by a Chicago defender.

The Miami FC's tireless effort was finally rewarded in the 38th minute. Vincenzo Rennella picked up the ball at the top of the box and played a perfect through ball to Dylan Mares. Mares collected the pass on the left side of the goal and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to tie the match at 1-1.

Just before halftime, the referee made a questionable hand ball call on Bernstein in the Orange and Blue box. The Fire's John Goossens stepped up to the spot and powered the ball into the upper 90 to put Chicago ahead 2-1.

The Fire came out swinging in the 2nd half, netting two goals in the first 10 minutes. Chicago's Arturo Alvarez scored on a long distance shot, while David Arshakyan was able to finish on a rebound opportunity.

Just before exiting the match in the 59th minute, goalkeeper Daniel Vega made a miraculous save on a point blank 1v1 chance.

Chicago was able to push its advantage to 5-1 in the 63rd minute thanks to a David Accam goal.

In the 71st minute, Jamie Chavez was brought down at the dege of the box, forcing the referee to use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to make the call. After consulting the replay screen the Miami FC was awarded a penalty shot. Ariel Martinez took the penalty and it was initially saved. He reacted quickly to finish his own rebound, bringing the score to 5-2.

The match closed out with goalkeeper Ryan Herman going full stretch to make a save.

The Miami FC's preseason schedule continues when it faces off against Florida Gulf Coast University, Barry University and the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL. All matches will be free and open to the public. 

The 2017 season kicks off on March 25 with the Miami FC coming home for the first time on Saturday, April 8 against the New York Cosmos. Visit MiamiFC.com or call 844-MIAMIFC to get your Season Ticket Plan now, with plans starting at just $15 per match.

Quick Hits

1st Half Starting Xl

GK - Vega

DEF - Smith, Trafford, Bernstein, Borrajo

MID - Ryan, Mares, Rezende, Poku

FWD - Pinho, Rennella

2nd Half Starting Xl 

GK - Vega

DEF - Michel, Ruthven, Adailton, Freeman

MID - Steele, Lahoud, Baggio, Martinez

FWD - Chavez, Dennis

1st Half Goals

3' - Luis Solignac (Chicago Fire)

38' - Dylan Mares (Miami FC)

41' - John Goossens (Chicago Fire)

2nd Half Goals

49' - Arturo Alvarez (Chicago Fire)

52' - David Arshakyan (Chicago Fire)

63' - David Accam (Chicago Fire)

71' - Ariel Martinez (Miami FC)

Check out the Miami FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from February 19, 2017


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.

OurSports Central