Miami FC Returns Home After Two Straight Victories on the Road
Published on July 18, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, July18, 2007 - Miami FC (6-10-2) returns to Tropical Park Stadium after a month-long road trip. The team has won two straight, including a huge 2-1 comeback victory over last year's defending USL champion Vancouver Whitecaps. Play starts at 8 pm on Friday against the Carolina RailHawks (4-5-7) and continues Sunday against the California Victory (3-10-5) at 6 pm.
Miami FC is in good spirits after their last two performances and ready to make a run at the playoffs with only ten games remaining this season. Keep an eye on Sergio Van Kanten who was named to USL's Team of the Week for his assist last weekend. Midfielder Zinho, who has being playing like a 20-year-old, despite having turned 40 last month, also made USL's Team of the Week for his performance against the California Victory on July 4th.
WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
- Miami FC is heading back home after a four-game road trip to the West coast where they went 2-2.
- Miami FC won its last game 2-1 against the defending champion Vancouver Whitecaps. Zinho scored early in the second half off a free kick near the outside of the box, and Sergio Van Kanten assisted the go-ahead goal for Miami that came off the foot of a sliding Sean Fraser.
- Miami FC welcomes its newest addition to the team, midfielder Miguel Guante. He played 80 minutes and had one shot in Miami FC's latest victory. Guante's previously played for FC Dallas and the University of Portland.
- Free Starbucks Raspberry Mocha Frappuccino Blended Coffee for all fans at July 20th game against the Carolina RailHawks.
- The first 100 fans entering the stadium at the July 20th and July 22nd games will receive a Miami FC sack pack filled with free tickets, noise makers, K-mart Passport, stickers, and wristbands.
- Free soccer clinic for kids provided by Miami FC players and members of the team's coaching staff Sunday July 22nd from 3-5 pm before that evening's match. The clinic will be held outside of Tropical Park Stadium at the English Gardens area, and will include training with professional soccer players, beverages, snacks, mini-games, drills, and giveaways.
- Free admission for kids under 18 in soccer club jerseys for both matches.
- Free Miller Lite beer on both games while supplies last.
CAROLINA RAILHAWKS
- This is Miami FC and Carolina's first meeting this season.
- The RailHawks lost their last game at home against the Montreal Impact 1-0.
- Carolina is 2-3-2 on the road this season.
- They are led by midfielder Kupono Low who has four goals and an assist so far this season.
- Their goalkeeper Chris McClellan has seven shutouts and has allowed less than one goal per game.
- Miami FC and Carolina will meet again for the last time during the regular season on Saturday July 28th in Cary, North Carolina.
CALIFORNIA VICTORY
- Miami FC beat California 3-1 on Independence Day.
- This will be the last time these two teams meet outside the playoffs this season.
- California lost its last match 4-1 to the Portland Timbers, and they travel to Puerto Rico to play the Islanders on Friday before heading to Miami.
- California is 1-4-3 on the road.
- The Victory is led by Joshua Hansen who has four goals, and Yuri Morales who has three goals and two assist.
QUOTES
Midfielder Sergio Van Kanten: "I have been working very hard to get into the starting lineup. I am very happy to make the USL Team of the Week. The team and I are more confident heading into this weekend focused on getting six points and making a run at the playoffs."
Head Coach Chiquinho DE ASSIS: "I always believed, even when we lost games so far this season, that we played good enough to win. Our troubles have come in the first fifteen minutes of games, and when we are trying to close out a team at the end of a game. We have had control of almost all of the games we've played. I've put all the responsibility on the coaching staff calling attention to these details. We have been stressing to the players that the games are 90 minutes and that they are physically ready, and because of this we will find an opportunity to tie or win. I think they proved they can do this last weekend against Vancouver."
Miguel Guante: "I thought my first game went well even though I was a little nervous. I played well with Johnny Pulido in the middle of the field. We've played together before."
Chiquinho on Guante: "Miguel is a good dynamic player whose talents can fit into the team's tactical scheme."
USL First Division Stories from July 18, 2007
- Impact rebound to tie Thunder - Montreal Impact
- Miami FC Returns Home After Two Straight Victories on the Road - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Timbers Battle Defending-Champion Whitecaps Thursday At PGE Park - Portland Timbers
- Vics defeat Atlanta Silverbacks 1-0 - California Victory
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