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The Miami FCâ??s Inaugural Season Comes to a Close at Home

October 28, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


The Miami FC's Inaugural Season Comes to a Close at Home

MIAMI (Oct. 27, 2016) - The Miami FC returns home to end its first season with a matchup against FC Edmonton. Kickoff from FIU Stadium is set for 8 p.m.

A Trip to Not Remember

The Miami FC was on the road last week for two matches, a Wednesday clash with the Jacksonville Armada and a weekend fixture against the New York Cosmos.

The first match saw two lead changes and five total goals in what would be a wild 90 minutes.

The Armada would score first, taking the lead in the first minute. The Orange and Blue would fight back to jump ahead early in the second half thanks to goals from Ariel Mártinez and Gabriel Farfán.

As the two teams battled for three points, Jacksonville was able to score two more goals to win the match 3-2.

Three days later, the Club played the Cosmos on a cold rainy night in Long Island. The Cosmos jumped out early and would not let the Miami FC get back in the match. Though the Club put up a good fight, they would eventually fall 4-0.

About-Face

The Miami FC has had a whirlwind first year, including an amazing turnaround during the Fall Season.

New additions and 10 games under their belts made all the difference for the Orange and Blue, as they thundered into the second half of the season.

The Miami FC boasted one of the top offenses and defenses for the majority of the Fall Season, reaching as No. 2 on the table. The Club's 30 goals in the fall ranks third in the NASL. The Miami FC is one of only six clubs to own a positive goal differential at +3.

The Orange and Blue's versatility and willingness to share the ball made them the team with one of the most potent attacks in the league. Eleven different players notched goals in the fall, led by Darío Cvitanich and Poku who scored six each.

The Club would see all three levels find the back of the net during the Fall Season. Miami FC forwards scored 15 goals, midfielders scored 13 goals and the defense netted two.

On defense, the Miami FC posted six clean sheets during the fall. Three of these shutouts came back-to-back in one of the 2016's most impressive winning streaks.

The Orange and Blue took down Puerto Rico, Edmonton and the RailHawks in consecutive weeks, outscoring their opponents 6-0. The stretch would remain intact for 327 minutes, over five matches.

Players to Watch

Ariel Martinez continues to be a spark plug for the Miami FC.

He has been one of the Club's best attackers all season long. Martinez leads the club with 40 shots and has created 20 scoring chances for the squad. He scored a fantastic goal last week against Jacksonville to push his 2016 total to six, the second highest mark on the team.

As a passer, Martinez has completed 76% of his passes and created 20 scoring chances. 

His dribbling and movement has also been an asset as he has drawn 40 fouls this season, mostly around the box.

Darío Cvitanich has not only been one of the Miami FC's top players, but one of the top in the league.

Cvitanich leads the Club in goals in its first season with nine. He has been supremely efficient when he is within striking distance of the goal, firing 33 shots with 17 hitting the target.

Aside from his goal scoring, Cvitanich has been an excellent creator for the Orange in Blue. He has completed 75% of his passes this season, created 23 scoring chances and notched four assists.

His great first touch and dribbling skills has caused problems for defenses throughout the season. Cvitanich was able to draw an astounding 56 fouls this season, consistently putting the Miami FC in great scoring positions even when the ball isn't at his feet.

Watch: 

- ESPN3, click HERE to watch. 

- WSFL - THIS TV

Comcast - Channel 226Atlantic Broadband - Channel 654

Follow: 

- Live Play-By-Play on Twitter at @TheMiamiFC 

- Live Stats HERE

About The Miami FC

The Miami FC is Miami's only professional soccer team and began playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016. Co-owned by international entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini, the club will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and host international tournaments and friendly matches.

In partnership with The Miami Foundation and the Play for Change Foundation, Miami FC's mission is to connect with Miami's communities through the global language of soccer, strengthening their ties by promoting social-driven initiatives and charitable work through soccer.

Check out the Miami FC Statistics

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North American Soccer League Stories from October 28, 2016


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