NASL Miami FC

Ariel Martinez Lifts Miami FC to Historic Victory

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


MIAMI, Fla. - The Miami FC returned to action after a two week layoff with a home match against FC Edmonton, Saturday night. After a tightly contested first half the Miami FC took over the match and came away with a 1-0 victory over Edmonton, thanks to a game winner from Ariel Martinez.

"The most important thing to us, is earning three points," said Martinez. "We are all happy with tonight's result."

The first half saw strong defense early with the Miami FC grabbing momentum late.

FC Edmonton opened the game with a dangerous chance, but the forward's header was wide right. Daniel Vega would be key in weathering the early attack by FC Edmonton, coming up with two big punch outs.

In the 25th minute, the Miami FC began to click on offense. The match's first corner kick nearly led to a goal from newcomer Michael Lahoud but his shot was blocked.

The Miami FC then quickly earned a free kick just outside the box. Dario Cvitanich curled the shot on goal, forcing a save from FC Edmonton's Matt VanOekel. Three minutes later, Ariel Martinez had a free kick opportunity blocked, keeping the match tied at 0-0.

Defense would take over the rest of the first half, as the team headed to locker rooms knotted up at 0-0.

The Miami FC would come out on fire in the second half, dominating the final 45 minutes.

Miami FC's first chance came just three minutes into the half, but Edmonton was able to clear the ball away at the last minute.

The pressure would continue thanks to great combination play by the midfield. In the 58th minute, a combination of passes would end with a Martinez shot that was saved.

The breakthrough came in the 66th minute for Miami FC. Cvitanich played a great ball to Martinez who found himself going up against two defenders. A great touch would leave Martinez open at the top of the box. A left-footed stunner would find the back of the net to put the Miami FC up 1-0.

FC Edmonton would push back after the goal, but Vega and the backline held strong to preserve the narrow advantage.

After multiple subs and a few injury breaks, the Miami FC would face six nervy minutes of extra time.

When the final whistle blew, the Miami FC was victorious over second-place FC Edmonton, 1-0, taking home three points for the first time in club history.

"I think there is still a lot we have to work on but I am proud of my team," commented head coach Alesandro Nesta. "The U.S. Open Cup is very important for us. The owner wants to win the cup and we will try to do just that, starting Wednesday."

The Miami FC is back in action, Wednesday, June 1 as they host the Wilmington Hammerheads in the club's first-ever U.S. Open Cup match.

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