Miami FC Heads North to Take on NSC Minnesota in First Road Game of Season

May 14, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Miami, May 14, 2010 - Coming off a four-game home stand to kick off the season, Miami FC hits the road for the first time this season as they square off against NSC Minnesota on May 15. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. EST at the NSC Stadium.

It will be the first ever meeting between the Blues (0-0-4) and the Stars (2-5-0), playing in the midst of their inaugural season in the USSF D-2 Pro League.

"This will surely be a tough game but we had a very good week of training and are ready for the challenge. We will play to bring home the 3 points, remaining undefeated," said Miami FC General Manager Luiz Muzzi.

Miami FC has yet to lose a game this season, drawing in each of their first four games as they fight for position in the NASL Conference. Meanwhile, NSC Minnesota has struggled as of late, dropping three of their last four matches.

The Blues will not be on the road for long as they return to South Florida to take on NSC Minnesota once again, this time at Lockhart Stadium, on May 22nd, kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.

SCOUTING MINNESOTA

The Stars are coming off a heartbreaking 2-1 loss on the road against the Montreal Impact after surrendering two late goals, one deep into extra time, to hand the squad its fifth loss of the season on May 8.

Brian Cvilikas gave the Stars the lead in the 78th minute with a shot that got past Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan. Cvilikas, who leads the Stars with two goals so far this season, is also among the league leaders in the goals category.

The lead was short lived as the Impact tied the game less than a minute later and then scored again in the 94th minute to hand the Stars a tough loss.

NSC Minnesota are 1-2-0 at home and will be looking earn their first victory since defeating the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies on April 24 in their home opener.

NSC has struggled keeping opposing offenses from scoring and currently ranks last in the league in goals allowed (12) but ranks fifth in goals scored (5).

LAST TIME OUT

Miami FC is coming off of a hard-earned draw at home against the Carolina Railhawks on May 8 in the final game of a four-game home stand to kick off the season.

Abe Thompson gave the Blues the lead in the 48th minute to give the Blues a 1-0 advantage in the second half after receiving a pass from Paulo Araujo, Jr.

Carolina tied the game in the 82nd minute when a long free kick by John Gardner found its way past Patterson after a number of Railhawks created traffic in front of the net. The Blues continued to apply pressure in the final moments of the match including a clear chance by Paulinho Le Petit in the 90th minute, but his shot went wide and hit the side netting.

GOMEZ RETURNS

After serving his one game suspension for his red card in the first edition, Christian Gomez should be back in the starting lineup for the Miami FC Blues. Gomez scored a goal in his last game against FC Tampa Bay before receiving a red card for a late tackle.

THE PAULO JR. FACTOR

Miami FC forward Paulo Jr. has been making major contributions in regular season play and is beginning to climb the leader boards. The Brazilian forward has compiled four points in four games so far this season and is currently tied for seventh in the total point's category.

Paulo Jr. has scored one goal this season to go along with his two assists, which currently ranks second in the league.

GOALKEEPERS OUT

Both back up goalkeepers Matt Glaeser and Lance Parker are out due to injury. Stepping in as the teams' backup will be Phillip Lamarre, a local product out of FIU, who was acquired on a month-long loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Both Glaeser and Parker are currently being treated by Dr. Pieter Hommen, Miami FC's official physician, at the Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy Hospital.

DOMINGUEZ CALLED INTO U.S. NATIONAL TEAM

Miami FC midfielder Bryan Dominguez will be unavailable while he travels with the US U-20 national team. Dominguez will join the team as they travel to the Netherlands for the 25th International Cor Groenewegen Tournament from May 14-25.

MIAMI FC WATCH PARTY

Miami FC will host its first watch party of the season this Saturday at 8pm at Americas Backyard. If you mention Miami FC at the door you will receive one drink ticket and complimentary admission.

For real time updates don't forget to follow Miami FC on twitter at www.twitter.com/miamifc.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 14, 2010


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