PREVIEW | the Miami FC Closes Historic Regular Season against FC
Published on October 28, 2017 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Miami FC News Release
MIAMI -Â The Miami FC returns to Riccardo Silva Stadium, Saturday, October 28 to close out what has been a fantastic 2017 regular season against FC Edmonton. With multiple records set to be broken, the Orange and Blue will be looking for a strong performance before the playoffs get started.
Meant to be Broken
The Miami FC has had an unprecedented season, unlike anything in Modern NASL history.
Miami has already set a new record for overall points in a season with last week's victory in Edmonton. The new benchmark is now 66 and the Miami FC can push it to as far as 69 with a win in the 2017 finale.
The Miami FC has scored 59 goals this season, tied with the 2016 New York Cosmos for the most in Modern NASL history. The Orange and Blue are averaging 1.9 goals a match in 2017 and have never been shut out by Edmonton.
A win on Saturday would give Miami the Fall Season crown. The club would become the first team in Modern NASL history to win both the Spring and Fall Seasons.
Only two players in Modern NASL history have taken home the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the same season. Minnesota United striker Christian Ramirez did so in 2014 and current Miami FC forward Stéfano Pinho achieved the feat in 2015. Pinho has the 2017 Golden Boot all but wrapped up with 17 goals and is in the driver's seat for the Golden Ball. He can become the only player to ever take home both awards in the same season twice.
Thanks to another stellar season from goalkeeper Daniel Vega, the Miami FC can become only the second team in Modern NASL history to take home the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and Golden Glove awards in a single season. The 2012 San Antonio were the first club to accomplish this feat.
Pinho's 17 goals, Jaime Chávez's nine assists and Vega's .870 GAA can make the Miami FC the first team in Modern NASL history to finish a season leading in all three of those categories. The only other club to accomplish this was the 2012 San Antonio Scorpions.
Flawless
Miami and Edmonton have faced off six times through two seasons, and Miami has had Edmonton's number in every single one.
The Orange and Blue has won all six encounters, with three coming at home and three on the road.
To make matters worse for the Eddies, they haven't been able to score a goal in any of the six matches, getting outscored 9-0 in the process.
This history bodes well for Miami with so many records waiting to be broken.
Leading the Pack
The Miami FC continues to run rampant through the NASL with help from its league-best offense and defense.
With 59 goals scored and only 27 allowed, the Orange and Blue sports the best mark in the league in both categories.
Miami has eight more goals than the next-best offense and has allowed six less goals than the next-best defense.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Miami sports the top offense in the NASL with 59 goals scored. The club's offensive prowess can be attributed to its stellar passing.
Miami FC players occupy five of the top 10 spots for total passes in the NASL, including three in the top five. Hunter Freeman, Richie Ryan and Mason Trafford rank third, fourth and fifth in the NASL with 1657, 1653 and 1650 passes, respectively.
Through 31 matches, Miami FC players have created 305 scoring chances.
The Miami FC midfielders Dylan Mares and Kwadwo Poku have been at the forefront of this offensive explosion. The dynamic midfielders have created 79 scoring chances for the Orange and Blue. Mares ranks fifth in the NASL with 42 chances created while Poku's 37 rank just outside the top 10.
As a squad, the Miami FC has attempted 16,680 passes and completed 88% of them, far and away the highest marks in the NASL.
Players to Watch
Stéfano Pinho has been an unstoppable force every time he has taken the pitch.
Pinho holds a massive lead in the race for the Golden Boot with 17 goals so far this season. The next best total is 11, held by fellow teammate Vincenzo Rennella.
Pinho was on fire during the Miami FC's recent three-match road trip. The Brazilian scored four goals on only five shots, including two in a 3-0 win over Indy Eleven.
Daniel Vega has been the cornerstone of the Miami FC since day one.
Even though the Orange and Blue's defense has been much improved, Vega has used 2017 to further cement his place as the best goalkeeper in in the NASL.
His .870 Goals Against Average is the best in the league and barring an unexpected result this Saturday, he will win the 2017 Golden Glove award.
Vega has faced 106 shots this season, making 79 saves, which ranks third in the NASL. He has recorded an NASL-best 15 clean sheets and allowed a league-low 27 goals in 2017.
Looking Ahead
The Miami FC enters the playoffs for the first time, Sunday, November 5 when the club hosts a Championship Semifinal! Get your tickets now at MiamiFC.com/Tickets or call 844-MIAMIFC!
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About The Miami FC
The Miami FC is Miami's only professional soccer team and began playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016. The Miami FC were crowned the NASL 2017 Spring Season Champions in just their second year. Co-owned by international entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini, the club will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and host international tournaments and friendly matches.
In partnership with The Miami Foundation and the Play for Change Foundation, Miami FC's mission is to connect with Miami's communities through the global language of soccer, strengthening their ties by promoting social-driven initiatives and charitable work through soccer.
The Miami FC | 1001 BRICKELL BAY DRIVE, Suite 2310, Brickell, FL 33131
North American Soccer League Stories from October 28, 2017
- Eddies Close out 2017 Season against League-Leaders Miami FC - FC Edmonton
- North Carolina FC Concludes Regular Season at Indy Eleven on Sunday - North Carolina FC
- North Carolina FC Concludes Regular Season at Indy Eleven on Sunday - North Carolina FC
- The Miami FC Closes Historic Regular Season Against FC Edmonton - Miami FC
- PREVIEW | the Miami FC Closes Historic Regular Season against FC - Miami FC
- PREVIEW | Armada Will Wrap up Fall Season in San Francisco - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Armada Will Wrap up Fall Season in San Francisco - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Fall Season Title, Fourth Postseason Berth Still up for Grabs On - NASL
- Makenzy Doniak to Play with Adelaide United F.C. of Westfield W-League - North Carolina FC
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