Miami FC anticipates win to advance in USL standings

July 3, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Miami, July 2, 2009 - Miami FC returns to FIU Stadium to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the Puerto Rico Islanders this Saturday at 8pm. Miami will play the first place Islanders, who are coming off a strong 2007-2008 CONCACAF Champions League campaign. The Blues won their last home game 2-0 over the Austin Aztex. The much awaited game will be followed by a firework extravaganza.

"The team is excited to return to FIU. The boys look good in practice, they look together and fit," said head coach, Zinho. "I think we are playing better as a team. Last time we played on this pitch, we beat the Impact in a hard fought game, and the crowd gave us energy to help us win the game."

Miami FC has won three out of the last four matches, and got some much deserved rest after playing four out of their last five matches on the road. Miami lost their last game one to zero after Cristiano Dias' goal was disallowed on a questionable foul call. The Blues have outscored their opponents five to two during that streak. The team has taken advantage of their winning scheme, propelling them right back into the play-off race.

The Islanders boast one of the deepest teams in USL-1. Last year, Puerto Rico went all the way to CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals losing to the Mexican powerhouse, Santos Laguna, on a controversial away goals rule. They are leading the USL standings with 28 points with most of their points coming from homes games, played at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, with a 6-3-1 record. Puerto Rico has some excellent young talent such as Haitian National team member, Fabrice Noel; USL veteran and Puerto Rico national team member, Noah Delgado; and Jamaican National team member and ex-Miami FC forward, Sean Fraser. The Puerto Rico Islanders will start the CONCACAF Champions League 2009-10 on July 28, 2009 against Toronto FC in Preliminary Round action.

Notes... Miami FC will debut their new uniforms this Saturday when they play their Caribbean rivalry.... The festivities will also include a Miami FC Jersey give away...FIU Stadium will host a first round CONCACAF Gold Cup doubleheader on July 10...Gold Cup starts Friday, July 3, 2009 at The Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.

For ticket information you can go to www.miamifc.com.



USL First Division Stories from July 3, 2009


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