Miami FC Still Fighting for a Playoff Berth
September 4, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, Florida, September 4th - Miami FC will host the Austin Aztex this Saturday, September 5th at FIU Stadium. The Blues still have a chance to make the playoffs but this game is a must win. The Blues beat the Aztex the last time they faced each other in South Florida this past June by a score of 2-1. This will be the Blues' last home game played at FIU Stadium as their final two home games, September 8 and September 19, will both be played at Lockhart Stadium. Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 8pm.
Miami has managed 25 points so far this USL-1 season and is currently ten points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps for the last playoff spot. The Whitecaps have played one more game than Miami. Miami, who still have a slim chance of making this year's playoffs, needs to win this Saturday to maintain their playoff hopes alive. Miami has incorporated some young talent for this playoff push as well as evaluating talent for next year. Brian Shriver, Aaron King, and homegrown South Florida-product, Nelson Pizzaro, has shown sufficient talent to impress the coaching staff.
Director of Soccer, Fernando Clavijo, understands the sense of urgency currently facing the entire organization. "Regardless of our chances to make the playoffs, we have a duty to our fans, our families and to our Club. We need to finish the season strongly and that is our main and only objective for now," stated Clavijo. "This was a very difficult year for all of us, and every remaining game will be a final for us."
In the last matchup between Austin and Miami this past August 29th, the Aztex beat the Blues 1-0 at Nelson Field. Miami dominated possession for most of the first half but Kyle Brown was able to pick out Eddie Johnson, the Aztex's leading goal scorer, who netted the only goal of the match and gave the Aztex the 3 points. The Aztex lost to the Whitecaps on Wednesday, September 2nd, 3-2. Austin has only won one game out of its last ten. They are currently in tenth place with a total of 18 points, 7 points behind the Blues.
Miami will play four more games in this 2009 USL-1 season. The last two home games will be played at Lockhart Stadium. The first of those games will be played on Tuesday, September 8th at 8PM when the Blues square off against the Rochester Rhinos. The season finale will be held on Saturday, September 19th against Miami's Caribbean rival, the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Notes...
Powerade will be sponsoring the first ever "Powerade pre-game parade" that will feature over half a dozen youth clubs parading into FIU Stadium... Hulk Hogan will not be able to attend any of the scheduled appearances at Lockhart Stadium or FIU Stadium. The Hulk had to cancel due to health issues...Miami FC will be showing World Cup qualifying matches during their game this Saturday evening at FIU Stadium...
USL First Division Stories from September 4, 2009
- Whitecaps held to 1-1draw - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Minnesota Thunder Tie Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 - Minnesota Thunder
- Miami FC Still Fighting for a Playoff Berth - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Impact Plays Against The City Stars In Cleveland Saturday - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps Return to Minnesota Tonight - Vancouver Whitecaps
- City Stars Host Montreal Saturday At 2 P.M. During Fan Appreciation Day - Cleveland City Stars
- Ryan Pore equalizer out done by late Rhino goal in 2-1 loss - Portland Timbers
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