Miami FC holds First Practice and Media Day at FIU Stadium

Published on April 23, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Miami - Miami FC held its first practice at FIU Stadium yesterday. The open practice was followed by a press conference in which Miami FC and FIU management reinforced their collaboration and commitment to the South Florida soccer community. The press conference was led by President of Miami FC, Aaron Davidson and Athletic Director of FIU, Pete Garcia. The Blues General Manager, Luiz Muzzi, head coach Zinho and Colombian-striker and USL player of the week, Diego Serna, also addressed the media.

"When we planned on building this stadium, we had the soccer population in mind. We did everything necessary to make a stadium for both football and soccer. This partnership with Miami FC will help continue the tradition of soccer in South Florida and I'm glad FIU can be a part of that," commented athletic director Pete Garcia.

"When I think about it, there are a lot of similarities between FIU and Miami FC. First, we share very similar colors. Second, we are both underdogs with vision and ambition to elevate our institutions. I am confident that it is precisely for that reason that FIU and Miami FC will prove to be great match. I am looking forward to growing together and capitalizing on the power of soccer to do so," said Miami FC president Aaron Davidson.

General Manager Luiz Muzzi acknowledged the importance of playing at high-end facilities such as FIU's new stadium and Lockhart. "You can see it in their eyes and smiles. Last week at Lockhart Stadium and this week at FIU's new stadium. There is no question that our coaching staff, players and the entire Miami FC organization are more inspired than ever to play the first official soccer match at FIU's new stadium and to begin making it feel like home for us and our fans."

The Miami FC Blues will host the Montreal Impact at FIU on Friday, April 25 at 8pm. The Montreal Impact is coming off a strong campaign where they reached the semi-finals of USL-1 and won the 2008 Canadian Championship. The latter earned them a coveted spot in the CONCACAF Champions league. And they capitalized on that opportunity by making it all the way to the quarterfinals where they ultimately lost 5 -2 to Mexican power-house, Santos Laguna, in injury time of the second half of the second match at Santos. Montreal had won the first match 2 - 0 in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium in front of a crowd of over 55,000 people.

"On Friday we are going to make history. Miami FC will play the first official home game played at FIU Stadium, and hopefully it will be the first time we beat the Montreal Impact. We already started the year with a victory which is something we didn't do in our first three years. The atmosphere was amazing at Lockhart, but I think that energy can carry over on Friday and a nice home field advantage can definitely help us win," said Head Coach Zinho.

Special Tickets for FIU. Pre-Game and Post-Game Party at Stadium Lounge.

FIU faculty, staff and students can purchase tickets for themselves, family and friends for $5 (adults, students and children) prior to the game at the US Century Bank Arena box office and at the Graham Center (GC), both located on campus.

Miami FC will host a pre-game party (7 - 8PM) and post-game party at the FIU Club/Lounge located in the south side of the stadium. Miami FC players will be attending the post-game party to mingle with fans and sign autographs.

For ticket information please visit www.miamifc.com or call (305) 728-2606

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USL First Division Stories from April 23, 2009


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