NASL Miami FC

MATCH PREVIEW | PREVIEW: the Miami FC Is Back on the Road for Clash

Published on September 16, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


MIAMI- The Miami FC puts its unblemished road record on the line, Saturday, against the reigning Spring Season champions Indy Eleven.

The Real Deal

The Miami FC is coming of a midweek match against the Carolina RailHawks. In what was a tense match, the Orange and Blue came out on top 1-0, extending its unbeaten streak to six.

The Miami FC controlled possession in the first half, creating a multitude of scoring opportunities. Jonny Steele led the charge with great passing, nearly creating two goals. The best came in the 23rd minute when Steele whipped in a perfect free kick that found Rhett Bernstein's foot far post, but the shot was just off target.

Just before half time, Gabriel Farfán came up with a heroic clearance off the goal line to keep the score line 0-0 at the half.

The second half would see much of the same, as both side created chances but with the Miami FC controlled the ball.

Bernstein would once again make himself a threat, this time getting under a Hunter Freeman cross in the 57th minute. Again, the defender's attempt would go just wide.

Reigning Player of the Week Dario Cvitanich, came on in the 76th minute and instantly changed the match. Just a minute after coming on, Cvitnaich pounced on a misplayed ball at the top of the Carolina box and curled in a beautiful shot to give the Orange and Blue the lead.

With the advantage late in the match, the Miami FC would not let off the gas, keeping the RailHawks from finding an equalizer and securing another three points.

The win vaulted the Orange and Blue into second place in the Fall Season standings.

History Repeats Its Self

Last year's Soccer Bowl runners-up, Ottawa Fury FC, finished last in the spring season but came back with a vengeance in the fall.

The Miami FC are in the exact position, with a similar path to the Soccer Bowl lined up.

The Fury opened the season by winning six matches and drawing once, against some of the best teams in the league.

The Miami FC was off till a slower start winning three, losing two and drawing twice. After a tough loss to the Strikers, the Orange and Blue hit their stride and are now unbeaten in the last six matches.

The squad has picked up four wins and two draws on this current streak. The Miami FC has keept four clean sheets during the streak, including three shutouts in the last three matches.

The defense has been key to the Miami FC's climb up the Fall Season table, but the offense has also been on point. The Orange and Blue has netted nine goals in the last six matches, with six different players finding the back of the net

The Miami FC sits just five points behind, current Fall Season leaders, the NY Cosmos with match in hand. With just nine matches left and a late season clash with New York still on the schedule, the Orange and Blue are in prime position to take the Fall Season Championship.

#GoGold

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and NASL teams are encouraging their communities to take action and support the GoGold Campaign.

Fans can visit our Crowd Rise page to donate now. All proceeds will go directly to the Pediatric Cancer Society.

The Miami FC will join this effort as it plays Puerto Rico FC on Friday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. in a game that will benefit the American Cancer Society and its pediatric cancer research program.

There will be special giveaways all night, including commemorative Fan Fans to show support for the cause. Fans will also be able to make donations to the American Cancer Society on the North Concourse.

Players to Watch

Dario Cvitanich has been key to the Miami FC's rise in the fall. The veteran has scored six goals during the Fall Season, and is currently on a three-match scoring streak.

The Orange and Blue is 4-1-1 when Cvitanich has found the back of the net in the fall and are 4-0 in the last four matches that he has scored.

Cvitanich has been one of the league's top goal scorers all season, currently ranked fourth with nine goals.

He has not only been dangerous when shooting but also when passing the ball. Cvitanich has registered four assists this season, making him one of only three players in the NASL to be ranked in the top 10 for goals and assists.

His nose for goal and knack for a great final pass will be a major factor in the Miami FC's title hopes.

Mason Trafford has not only been a staple in the Miami FC's vastly improved defense, but also a key cog in the Orange and Blue's offensive machine.

With Trafford in the backline, the Miami FC sports the second stingiest defense in the NASL for the Fall Season.

Trafford's solid marking and consistent tackling has seen the Orange and Blue allow just 12 goals in 13 matches and record six shutouts.

The Miami FC's offense is predicated on building from the back and quick counter attacking, which puts a premium on a defender's ability to pass the ball. Trafford fits this role perfectly and has flourished.

The center back has made a total of 1134 passes this season, the second most in the NASL, and is completing them at an incredible rate of 90%.

Watch:

- ESPN 3 webstream. Available HERE

- GolTV (delayed)

- Fritz and Franz in Coral Gables for the official watch party.

Follow:

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

- Live Stats HERE

Check out the Miami FC Statistics

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 16, 2016


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