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MATCH PREVIEW | the Miami FC Set for First Trip to New York

October 21, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


MIAMI- The Miami FC closes a two-match road trip, Saturday, with a clash against the New York Cosmos.

Wide Open

The Miami FC was in Jacksonville, Wednesday, to take on the Armada. In a match that saw five goals and multiple lead changes, the Orange and Blue would lose out 3-2.

Jacksonville's Charles Eloundou opened the scoring in the first minute, putting the Club behind 1- early on.

Once the Miami FC settled in, they took over possession and started punishing the Jacksonville defense. Ariel Martinez tied the match up in the 27th minute. After using some fancy footwork to get through the Armada defense, Martinez fired home his sixth goal of the season.

The second half saw the match really open as both teams pushed hard for three points.

The Orange and Blue continued to pepper the Armada goal early in the second half, eventually taking the lead in the 65th minute. Jonathan Borrajo found Gabriel Farfán at the far post for an easy header.

Jacksonville would eventually push back, working the counter as the Miami FC pressed high up the field. The Armada would eventually regain the lead, scoring twice in the space of 10 minutes.

The Club continued to fight for an equalizer but eventually fell to the Armada 3-2.

So You Are Saying There is a Chance

There are only two matches remaining in the 2016 season, every point is crucial in the Miami FC's final playoff push. 

This week is key for the Orange and Blue as the club needs to collect points to stay in the playoff hunt.

The top four teams in the Combined Standings make the playoffs and the Miami FC is only four points out of the final spot. 

A win against the Cosmos would give the Orange and Blue 40 points, only one point out of fourth place. 

As it stands today, Minnesota United, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Carolina RailHawks, Rayo OKC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers are still in serious contention for the final playoff spot. 

After a rough Fall Season, Minnesota has found its form just in time to stay in the playoff race. The future MLS club is facing an uphill battle to hold on to fourth place in the Combined Standings as they are tied with Rayo. They still have matchups with the Cosmos and a hungry RailHawks squad.

The Rowdies are holding on for their life after going winless in their last six matches. Tampa does play its final two matches at home, making for a favorable final push for the final playoff spot. 

The RailHawks are still in the mix for fourth place in the Combined Standings. With two matches still to play, Carolina's high-powered offense could fire the club into the playoffs. 

After being out of contention for most of the fall, the Strikers find themselves in the mix for the final playoff spot. Two wins in the last two matches has the Strikers just three points out of fourth place. With a massive clash with Rayo up next, the Strikers are in prime position to make the playoffs.

Players to Watch

Ariel Martinez is a true spark plug for the Miami FC. His constant movement and quick trigger finger has made one of the league's best super subs.

Martinez had a bright spot for the Orange and Blue against the Armada. In 63 minutes of action, Martinez completed 23 passes, fired four shots and scored a goal.

He has been one of the Club's best attackers all season long. Martinez leads the club with 40 shots and is second on the team in goals with six.

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.

Jaime Chavez has come back from his injury on fire. 

In his last four appearances, Chavez has registered a goal and assist, making his way on to SportsCenter Top 10 Plays of the day last Friday. 

When on the pitch, Chavez has been a spark for the Miami FC offense. 

He has scored five goals this year and assisted on two others in 20 matches. He has been very accurate with his shooting, putting 14 of 24 shot on goal. 

His constant movement and willingness to pass the ball has added a dimension to the striker's game.

He has completed 218 passes this season and created 13 scoring chances for his teammates.

Watch: 

- ONE World Sports

Follow: 

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

- Live Stats HERE

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North American Soccer League Stories from October 21, 2016


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