Miami FC Wins Final Game at FIU
September 5, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
MIAMI - Miami FC beat the Austin Aztex 3-1 for its FIU season finale this Saturday night. Miami is still in 8th place and trails the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have played one more game than the Blues, by only 8 points. The Blues return to action this Tuesday, September 8th when they face the Rochester Rhinos at Lockhart Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
"We came out strong and ready for a win," said head coach Zinho. "We will continue to play every game like it's a final. The guys showed a lot of poise and hunger."
Miami showcased three relatively new faces for its home crowd. Brain Shriver, Aaron King and Nelson Pizarro all contributed to Miami FC's victory. King, who was signed right before the transfer window closed, started at forward, while Shriver had his first start of the season in the mid field.
Austin jumped to get on the scoreboard first early in the game. Kyle Brown cleverly left a through ball for Jaime Watson who finished the one on one against the goalie Pat Hannigan, putting the Aztex up 1-0 in the 9th minute.
Miami quickly responded. Switching the point of attack, Tim Merritt launched a ball that landed at Brain Shriver's feet. Shriver cut towards the center of the park and fired an accurate shot towards the left side of the post. As the ball was curling in, goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo made an excellent save to keep the score 1-0.
In the 35th minute, Shriver crossed the ball to the second post, right to the head of Alan Marcina. Marcina's header beat Gallardo for what seemed to be the equalizing goal, but the linesman quickly put his flag up, determining that Marcina was offside.
Ten minutes later, Leo Inacio Nunes made a brilliant run towards the top of the box. Nunes fired a precise shot that hugged the inside of the left post, tying the game 1-1.
Two minutes later, Marcina made an identical run that ended in the same result. Marcina unleashed a forceful shot that also found its way into the back of the net, giving Miami the lead 2-1 right before half time.
To start the second half, Cuban defector and Aztex midfielder, Yordanny Alvarez had a great look at goal, but the ball sailed out of bounds.
In the 53rd minute, King left his imprint on the game, scoring on his first start with the Blues. Pizarro spotted King, making a great run into space. Pizarro put an ingenious through ball to King, who rifled a shot past Gallardo, putting the Blues up by three goals.
In extra time, Reinier Alcantara had a chance to add to the Miami margin when He found a ball on a breakaway and found himself one on one with the goal keeper. He tried to get a shot off, but the ball sailed far left.
USL First Division Stories from September 5, 2009
- Miami FC Wins Final Game at FIU - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Austin wraps up long two-game road trip with disappointing 3-1 loss at Miami - Austin Aztex
- Impact edges Cleveland, 2-1 - Montreal Impact
- City Stars fall 2-1 to Montreal in home finale - Cleveland City Stars
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