Sports stats



NASL Miami FC

Miami FC Looks to Get Back on Track

September 22, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release


MIAMI, Fla. - The Miami FC hosts Puerto Rico FC, Friday, in the first of a two-match homestand.

It's How Many Times You Get Back Up

The Orange and Blue were on the road last week, taking on reigning Spring Season Champions, Indy Eleven. In a match where both teams created chances, Indy Eleven came out on top, 2-1, thanks to a few bad bounces for the Orange and Blue.

The Miami FC was clicking on offense early on, but the offside flag ended multiple promising attacks. Indy was lucky to take the lead in the 25th minute after a Daniel Vega goal kick hit a nearby Eleven player, Dylan Mares picked up the loose ball and netted a goal.

The Orange and Blue continued to play well in the second half, but a deflected shot would put the Miami FC down 2-0 early on.

Man-in-form Enzo Rennella was fantastic all night long. The French striker took seven shots against Indy, putting three on frame and scoring a goal.

His goal came in the 67th minute with a stroke of brilliance. A corner kick found the head of Rhett Bernstein, who directed the ball towards the far post. Indy keeper Jon Busch looked to be in position for a save. With his back to goal, Rennella instinctually stuck out a leg and redirected the shot into the goal.

Both sides continued to battle it out to the very end with Indy edging the Miami FC 2-1.

On the Rebound

The Miami FC has only lost four times in the last 19 matches and has always come back strong after a loss, going 2-2-0.

A tough four-match losing streak early in the spring was capped off with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Cosmos. The following week the squad was on the road in Carolina. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, the club's first-ever shutout. The next two matches would see the Miami FC's first-ever win and a draw against Indy Eleven, the eventual Spring Season Champions.

The Miami FC would close out the Spring Season with a loss to Minnesota United. Yet the club would open the Fall Season on the road against archrivals, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The match would end in a 1-1 draw.

The third loss was to the Cosmos at home. The Miami FC bounced back with a 1-0 win against the Armada, sparking a four-match unbeaten streak.

The unbeaten streak was snapped by a 2-0 loss to the Strikers. The Orange and Blue was unfazed by the loss and bounced back with a 2-1 road win over Rayo OKC. The victory also marked the Miami FC's first-ever comeback victory.

The squad would then go on a six-match unbeaten streak, vaulting the Miami FC to second place in the Fall Season Standings.

The Miami FC now takes on Puerto Rico FC after falling to Indy Eleven and will be looking to make history repeat its self.

Players to Watch

Enzo Rennella has flourished since joining the Miami FC. He has made six appearances and four starts for the Orange and Blue and has excelled in every facet of the game.

He has been a spark for the attack with his constant movement and quick trigger finger. Rennella has fired off 14 shots, putting eight on goal and scoring two goals. His two goals came in his last two starts, including the game-winner against FC Edmonton.

Rennella is not only a goal scorer but a creator as well. He has made nearly 100 passes, completing them at am 84% clip. Renella has also completed 91% of his long balls and has created three scoring chances.

Gabriel Farfán recently returned to action after a short injury stint. In his first matches back in action, Farfán was fantastic.

In the Orange and Blue's 1-0 victory over Carolina, Farfán putting 90 minutes of strong defensive work. He would go on to win two duels, seven interceptions and two clearances. One of those clearances came just before halftime when Farfán stopped a goal from finding the back of the net.

Against Indy Eleven, Farfán was in full form. In defense, he won six duels, collected three interceptions and made four clearances. When pushing forward, Farfán completed 39 passes, three crosses and created three scoring chances. His corner kick in the 67th minute led to the Miami FC's only goal of the match.

Farfán has been a duel-threat for the Miami FC since making the move to the club. In 14 appearances, the outside back has won 14 tackles, 62 duels, made 25 clearances and intercepted 47 passes.

As a passer he has completed 538 passes, completing them at an 85% clip. Farfán has also sent in 34 crosses, creating 15 chances and registered one assist.

Watch:

- ESPN 3 webstream. Available HERE

- GolTV

Follow:

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

- Live Stats HERE

For tickets to the match, please visit MiamiFC.com/Tickets

Check out the Miami FC Statistics



North American Soccer League Stories from September 22, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central