Miami FC set for playoff debut
September 13, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, FL- Miami FC practiced this Wednesday morning at Tropical Park Stadium. This was the South Floridians' last practice before leaving for Canada, where this Friday at 10:00 PM, they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium for the first leg of the USL First Division Quarterfinals.
It is very difficult for a first-year franchise to reach the postseason. Miami FC 2006 is one of those rare exceptions. After putting together an 11-11-6 record in the regular season, and finishing fifth in the league, the Floridian club is in the playoffs. And given their strong finish, the team is confident that there is a lot yet to be accomplished.
Miami FC was the top scoring club in the USL First Division with 47 goals. In addition, Brazilian forward Romario finished tied with Seattle Sounders' rookie, William Weaver, as the top scorer in the league with 18 goals, and 3 assists.
Brazilian midfielder and Romario's 1994 World Cup teammate, Zinho, added to Miami FC's individual accomplishments by finishing as the league leader with 10 assists.
In order to provide some perspective of how impressive it is to make it to the playoffs in a team's inaugural year, here are the records of South Florida's current sports franchises in their first year of history (none of which made it to the playoffs):
Football: Miami Dolphins (1966) 3-13
Basketball: Miami Heat (1988) 15-67
Baseball: Florida Marlins (1993) 64-98
Hockey: Florida Panthers (1993) 33-34
Former MLS franchise, Miami Fusion, made it to the playoffs in their inaugural year (1998). They finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-17 record and got swept in the quarterfinals by DC United.
The second leg of the USL First Division quarterfinals between Miami FC and The Vancouver Whitecaps will be held on Sunday, September 17, at Tropical Park Stadium. Kickoff time for that game is 6:00 PM. The club will be holding a series of activities as a celebration of the team's first ever playoff match at home.
The first 1,000 people to attend Tropical Park that early evening will get in for free. Students with their respective school ID's will get in for free as well. A promotional price has been set on all of the stadium's locations of $10 per adult and $6 per child.
The South Floridian squad returns from Canada on Saturday at 8:00 PM. The delegation arrives at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
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USL First Division Stories from September 13, 2006
- Timbers midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer named All-League - Portland Timbers
- USL-1 All-League Teams announced - USL-1
- Miami FC set for playoff debut - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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