Miami FC Will Face Tough Challenges
May 22, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, May 22, 2008 - Miami FC (1-5-2) will travel to Minnesota's National Sports Center on Saturday, May 24th to take on the Minnesota Thunder (3-2-1) at 8:35 pm (ET), for a match that may prove to be a defensive struggle as both offenses have been averaging 0.8 goals per game.
The equalizer for Miami however may sum up to be its determination to climb in the USL-1 standings. "Tying Portland at home last Sunday, I think we've showed that we can match the highest caliber of play currently in the USL-1," said Miami midfielder Eric Vasquez, who was also the leading goal scorer for the Blues last year. "Although the standings don't currently reflect it, we believe we have the talent to be number one. We've had a very successful week in training, and I'm confident that the tables are going to turn in our favor this weekend."
Third-place Minnesota will be no easy feat for the Blues, as they have their own special set of motivations to win Saturday night. They are currently only three points behind second place Portland, and will also be kicking off playing at their new stadium, the National Sports Center. "Our team is excited to play in our new home stadium," said Thunder head coach Amos Magee. "We hope to put on a good show Saturday night."
It is also interesting to note that in this game former Miami FC forward Luchi Gonzalez will face his old team for the first time in a Thunder's jersey. Gonzalez played for Miami in the 2007 season and appeared in 26 out of 28 games; he scored four goals and two assists including a game-tying goal against his new team, the Minnesota Thunder on June 16 of last year.
After Saturday's battle in Minnesota, Miami will travel on to play the second place Portland Timbers (3-0-4) on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) at 5:00 pm (ET) in PGE Park. The two teams last met on Sunday May 18th at Tropical Park Stadium, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The result was a fifth recorded shutout for a Timbers defense which is considered to be one of the best in the league.
Adding to their bunker tight defense, the Timber's offense is led by more than capable former MLS veteran Chris Brown and Japanese star Takayuki Sazuki, who brings 2002 World Cup and 55 internationals caps worth of experience.
Miami FC's next home game at Tropical Park is June 1st ("Student Summer Vacation Day"); tickets for students with ID are only $3, at 6:00 PM as they host the Seattle Sounders. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting http://www.miamifc.com or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI. Watch all games live on USL Live!
USL First Division Stories from May 22, 2008
- Timbers Clash With Vancouver, Miami Over Memorial Day Weekend At PGE Park - Portland Timbers
- Sounders Play Whitecaps Friday On FSC - Seattle Sounders
- Rhinos Ready to Battle Railhawks - Rochester Rhinos
- Cann Selected to Canadian National Team - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Sounders Play Whitecaps Friday on FSC - Seattle Sounders
- Miami FC Will Face Tough Challenges - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Undefeated RailHawks Host Rochester Rhinos Saturday May 24t at 7:30 PM - North Carolina FC
- Quebec Native Rocco Placentino Back with the Impact - Montreal Impact
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