News Archive

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey (Aug. 4, 2018) – The Miami FC 2 clinched the NPSL National Championship with a 3-1 victory over FC Motown at Ranger Stadium on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ. Goals from Jonny Steele, Dylan Mares and Jeff Michaud paced the Orange and Blue. Mares was named Man of Match by the national media who voted on the award.

FC Motown started on the offensive winning a corner inside forty seconds. Daniel Vega made an early save. But as the first half wore on the Orange and Blue began to assert control. While FC Motown remained dangerous on the counter-attack, Miami FC was able to move the ball quickly in midfield and create dangerous opportunities from wide areas.

After a succession of corner kicks, Steele put the Orange and Blue ahead 1-0 in minute 33 with a belted shot from outside the 18.

Minutes later, FC Motown equalized behind Dilly Duka’s third goal in the last three matches following a Miami FC turnover.

Right before halftime, Rhett Bernstein had an opportunity to restore the Orange and Blue’s lead, but his header floated just wide of the near post.

In the second half, Miami FC 2 asserted control of the match. In the first ten minutes of the half, the Orange and Blue controlled possession. 

Following a second yellow card offense on FC Motown’s Christopher Riordan when Jaime Chávez was taken down right outside the area, Mares drove a beautiful low free kick past the FC Motown wall and into the back of the net.

FC Motown, despite being reduced to ten men, had a fantastic opportunity to equalize in minute 76, but Julius James just missed connecting with a cross and Daniel Vega collected. Minutes later, Michaud took a ball delivered from Coy Craft to finish the proceeding 3-1. Miami FC 2 created a few more opportunities and ran out national champions.

After a long and arduous season, the Miami FC 2 would win the ultimate prize and go into the offseason Champions!

MIAMI (October 28, 2017) – The Miami FC hosted FC Edmonton in the NASL regular season finale on Saturday night, finishing its season on a high note with a 1-0 win that secured the Fall Season title for the Orange and Blue. Miami becomes the first NASL team to ever win both the Spring and Fall Season trophies.

While FC Edmonton’s initial first touches were a bit too heavy early on in the match, Miami used the opening stages of the match to set a tone on offense. Its penchant for going forward resulted in some early scoring chances and free kicks being awarded to the Orange and Blue in enemy territory. 

Miami dominated possession for most of the first half, but the Eddies were stubborn defensively with two solid lines of four behind the ball. 

In the 27th minute, Miami’s counter-attacking ability was put on full display. Richie Ryan threaded a ball forward to Kwadwo Poku, who quickly freed up Stéfano Pinho with a one-touch pass, but Pinho couldn’t get a shot off at the last minute due to great tracking back by Edmonton.

Another close chance presented itself three minutes later, once again started up by Ryan in midfield. Ryan found Hunter Freeman down the right wing with a perfectly weighted through ball past the Edmonton back line, and Freeman subsequently whipped in a threatening cross that found Vincenzo Rennella but was shot just over the crossbar.

The first half ended 0-0, with both team’s defenses answering the call early on.

Dylan Mares started off the second half with a bang, corralling a rebound and striking a dipping long shot that forced a reflexive save from Edmonton goalkeeper Tyson Farago in order to keep the match scoreless.

Miami would capitalize on the fast start, taking the lead in the 52nd minute and setting the NASL record for goals scored in a season. Rennella split open the Edmonton defense with a slicing through ball down the middle of the field that put Poku through on goal. Poku feinted to his left, crossed up Farago and easily slid his effort into an open goal.

Edmonton would not lay down, though, retaliating quickly just four minutes later. Eddies forward Daryl Fordyce drew a penalty and then buried his kick from the spot to tie the match at 1-1.

Discontent with just a draw, the Orange and Blue bounced back quickly, pulling ahead once again in the 72nd minute.

Dylan Mares carried the ball into the box from the left flank and crossed in to Pinho, who was at the top of the six-yard box with two defenders bearing in on him. Knowing he couldn’t get a shot off, Pinho flicked the initial pass on to a wide-open Poku behind him, who once again tapped in to an open net from the right side.

The match ended 2-1, while Miami extended its two NASL records in the process. Miami’s 69 points and 61 goals will be tough to top in upcoming seasons.

The Miami FC now begins preparations for its upcoming NASL Championship Semifinals match against either North Carolina FC or the New York Cosmos on Sunday, November 5 at 5:00 p.m. 

Quick Hits

Starting Xl
GK – Vega
DEF – Freeman, Bernstein, Trafford, Smith
MID – Lahoud (c), Ryan, Mares
FWD – Pinho (81′ – Chávez), Poku (75′ – Martínez), Rennella

Goals
52′ –  Poku (MIA) | Assisted by Rennella
56′ – Fordyce (FCE) | Penalty Kick
72′ – Poku (MIA) | Assisted by Pinho

Bookings
62′ – McKendry (FCE) | Yellow Card
84′ – Freeman (MIA) | Yellow Card

Stats
Possession: 62%
Shots: 12
Passes: 574
Pass Accuracy: 90.2%
Clearances: 11
Tackles: 8

MIAMI (July 8, 2017) – The Miami FC clinched the NASL Spring Season Championship on Saturday night after beating the San Francisco Deltas 7-0 and setting a goals scored record for the franchise. The Orange and Blue got four goals from Stéfano Pinho, a brace from Dylan Mares and an Ariel Martínez wonder-goal. 

One year after finishing last in the NASL Spring Season standings of 2016, the Orange and Blue culminated a phenomenal turnaround in the first half of 2017. 

Sporting the league’s best offense and defense, as well as the best goal differential, the Miami FC dominated its opponents throughout April, May and June. They scored 30 goals and gave up just 10 while winning 10 matches, drawing three and losing just twice. Miami’s home (5-2-1) and away records (5-1-1) were both stellar, and they were unfazed wherever they played. 

The Miami FC still has one league match remaining in the Spring Season, a road matchup against the Deltas in San Francisco. 

The Miami FC is also still competing in the U.S. Open Cup, with a massive quarterfinals match against FC Cincinnati from the USL looming on Wednesday, July 12 at Riccardo Silva Stadium at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at just $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and are available at MiamiFC.com/tickets. For group tickets, call 844-MIAMIFC. 

Renovations include new field turf and videoboard

MIAMI, (April 3, 2017) – Welcoming the news that Florida International University (FIU) has decided to name its stadium, Silva International Investments is pleased to announce that FIU Stadium will be named “Riccardo Silva Stadium” effective April 3.  The decision to name the stadium is in recognition of the support given by Riccardo Silva to the FIU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics since 2015. 

Riccardo Silva is the owner of Silva International Investments and co-owner of Miami FC, which made its debut in the 2016 season of the North American Soccer League (NASL).  The Miami FC will play all of its home games at Riccardo Silva Stadium.  Commenting on the news, Riccardo Silva said:

“FIU has been an amazing partner since we began working together with Miami FC,” said Silva. “When I brought professional soccer to Miami last year, I never dreamed that the Miami FC would be playing in a stadium named after me.  It’s a huge honor of which I’m very proud and grateful for.”

As well as a new name for the stadium, Riccardo Silva Stadium has also seen significant improvements made to the facility over the last two months, with completion of two major projects.  The first is the installation of a new state of the art playing surface.  The new surface, FieldTurf’s Revolution 360, features fibers that provide for optimal durability, resilience and feel and is used by many of the country’s biggest NFL and soccer teams.

“The quality of the field is very important to all players and coaches,” said Miami FC Head Coach Alessandro Nesta. “We’d like to first thank FIU and our owner Riccardo for making this possible, and everyone involved for installing such a state-of-art field ahead of the 2017 season. It is by far one of the best fields in the country.” 

Riccardo Silva Stadium has also been enhanced by installation of a new videoboard, replacing the existing scoreboard, providing a huge boost to the fan experience at The Miami FC’s soccer games.  Measuring approximately 31×59 feet, the new videoboard will feature a 13HD pixel layout, the premier technology for outdoor applications within the sports industry. It will have full live video and instant replay capabilities, along with multiple zones of content, including statistics and graphics.

Originally built in 2008, FIU Stadium today holds 20,000 spectators and houses 1,500 club seats. The stadium not only serves as the home of the FIU Panthers football team but it is a crucial component of the university. Located on 11200 SW 8th Street, the stadium has hosted many events throughout the years, including the 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, concerts, non-intercollegiate sporting events and other community activities. 

“I want to personally thank Riccardo Silva for his generous gift and his belief in FIU Athletics,” FIU Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia said. “It means a great deal to the department and illustrates the relationship we have built with Riccardo Silva. It is these type of gifts that help achieve our goal towards building world-class facilities for our student-athletes.”

For more information, please visit www.silvainternational.com or www.fiusports.com.

About Silva International:

Silva International is an investment company which has investments in a range of companies across media, sports, entertainment, art and real estate. It was established in 2015 by Riccardo Silva and its portfolio includes sports media company MP & Silva, The Miami FC, MP Management, significant investments in real estate as well as the Riccardo Silva Collection of art. For more information please visit, www.silvainternational.com.

The European leader in team sportswear will become an official team partner and sponsor of Miami FC

Miami, FL – November 2015 – Miami FC announces today its latest sponsor and official technical partner, Macron. Italy’s premier technical sportswear label, Macron, will be providing Miami FC with its official match day kit, training wear, leisurewear, and accessories for the start of the 2016 soccer season. The brand plans to expand its reach further into the American market in 2016.

With over 40 years’ experience in sports apparel, Macron has grown to be internationally recognized for the technical sportswear it has tailored for Europe’s leading teams including Italian Serie A’s Lazio and the English Premier League giants Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace as well as its own Macron Stadium. Miami FC will be the company’s first major partnership with an American team. Gianluca Pavanello, Macron CEO, believes this partnership with Miami FC holds a wealth of opportunity for not only the growth of the company but the advancement of soccer in the United States.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to become the official technical partner for Miami FC. The club has some very exciting plans along with the likes of Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, we feel it creates a perfect syngery with Macron’s cutting edge italian style,” said Pavanello. “We feel the sponsorship of Miami FC shall be a symbolic moment in our company’s growth in the American market place. I am sure that the design and the quality of our product shall be the winning element to drive the club to victory and to establish Macron as a brand leader in the United States as it has in Europe in the recent years.”

“As we move forward in building the team at Miami FC, this partnership with Macron will continue to provide global recognition and support,” says Riccardo Silva, Co-Owner of Miami FC. “Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta are also fans of the brand. We are excited to be working with Macron as the official active sportswear label for Miami FC. We plan to unveil our jersey before the year’s end.”

Football Capital acted as the liaison between Miami FC and Macron to make this agreement possible. The company is also currently working on other initiatives and opportunites for Miami FC. Football Capital is commited to delievering high value services to elite football players, professional clubs and brands all over the world.

Season tickets are now available for the Miami FC’s 2016-2017 season. For more information on Miami FC or to purchase ticket, please visit www.miamifc.com

ABOUT MACRON TECHNICAL SPORTSWEAR:

MACRON is an Italian company based in Bologna and remains the European leader in the production of active sportswear. Macron operates in three main business areas: “Technical Sportswear” apparel and accessories for amateur and professional sports teams of following sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, rugby, handball, futsal and running; “Merchandising” official kit, free time items and accessories for fans of Club sponsored by Macron; “Leisurewear” inspired clothing sports leisure for those who want to dress Macron off the field. Macron is a leading brand in Europe, with a success due to the quality of products, high level of service and the ability to interpret the needs of athletes.

MACRON is Technical Sponsor of major Clubs throughout Europe, including:

Football: S.S. Lazio, Bologna FC 1909, Ternana Calcio, Vicenza Calcio 1902, Calcio Padova, Calcio Catania (Italy); Aston Villa FC, Crystal Palace FC, Bolton Wanderers FC, Millwall FC (England) Motherwell FC (Scotland); RCD Mallorca (Spain); AC Ajaccio, Gazélec FC Ajaccio (France); TSV 1860 München, 1.FC Union Berlin (Germany); Sporting Clube de Portugal (Portugal); Vitesse, FC Den Bosch, (Netherland);  Hajduk Split (Croatia); PFC Ludogorets  (Bulgaria); Budapest Honvéd FC (Hungary); FC Paok (Greece);

Rugby Union: Scotland Rugby (National Team), Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh Rugby (Scotland), Wakefield Wildcats (England); Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, LOU Rugby (Lyon Olympique Universitaire) Section Paloise (France); Rugby Colorno 1975, Rugby Bologna 1928 (Italy);

Basketball: Acqua Vitasnella Cantù and Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna (Italy); Brose Baskets Bamberg and MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (Germany); Orleans Basket (France);

Volleyball: DHL Modena Volley, Foppapedretti Bergamo Volley, Nordmeccanica Volley Piacenza, Futura Volley Busto Arsizio (Italy);

Baseball: T&A San Marino (Italy), Real Federación Española de Béisbol y Sófbol RFBS (Spain); Corendon Kinheim (Netherland); Rouen Huskies (France);

Handball: Real Ademar (Spain).

Hockey: Macron Warriors Viadana Wheelchair Hockey (Italy).

Weightlifting: FIPE – Italian Weightlifting Federation (Italy).

ABOUT MIAMI FC:

MIAMI FC is Miami’s sole professional soccer Club, beginning to play in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016. The club will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and will host international tournaments and friendly matches. MIAMI FC will play its home games in one of the existing world-class stadiums of Miami. International entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini have teamed up as co-owners to launch Miami Football Club (MIAMI FC) and bring Miami’s professional soccer into the world stage.

For more information, please visit www.miamifc.com.

The team will begin to play in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016

Miami Football Club (MIAMI FC), Miami’s sole professional soccer team, is pleased to debut the official look of the much awaited soccer club. The badge and shield were designed to reflect Miami’s unique culture. International entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini have teamed up as co-owners to launch MIAMI FC and bring Miami’s professional soccer to the world stage.

The badge showcases vibrant colors that embrace the unique and diverse culture that Miami is known for. Tactfully and carefully constructed, each aspect of the badge’s design reflects the true essence of the Miami community. The design showcases three main colors, orange, blue and aqua, as well as an array of details that brings the whole arrangement together.

The badge is laid out in the shape of a shield, which serves to represent the team’s self-confidence and fighting spirit. Along with the design’s emblematic contour, the base of the badge features swirls, which convey the sway of a palm trees’ fronds lining the city’s streets. The ball-styled globe creates a unique symbol that represents the team’s commitment to soccer and reflects that Miami is a place that embraces all of the Americas. For the seal, the lettering features a clean-cut, yet stylized sans-serif font that is reminiscent of Miami’s iconic Art Deco history.

The color selection is introduced by an intense shade of orange that embodies the adventurous spirit of Miami’s community and iconic sunsets setting over its horizon. Complementing the orange centerpiece, the blue base, reminiscent of Miami’s infinite skies, originates from the football club’s commitment to teamwork and undying purpose. The final touch of aqua is integral to the design as a whole, as it pays homage to the vast oceans that surround Miami’s scenic coasts.

“Our mission with MIAMI FC is to connect with Miami’s communities through the global language of soccer,” said Antonio Barreto, CEO of MIAMI FC. “We wanted to make sure the badge and seal drew inspiration from the distinctive character that makes the city great, and we also wanted to create something that was truly representative of Miami’s dynamic spirit.”

The logo unveiling comes after the recent announcement that the club would join the North American Soccer League (NASL). MIAMI FC, which is currently the city’s only professional soccer club, will begin play in the NASL in 2016.

In addition to league play, the club will also compete in the U.S. Open Cup and will host international tournaments and friendly matches in Miami. MIAMI FC will play its home games in one of the existing world-class stadiums of Miami.

For more information, please email info@miamifc.com.

ABOUT MIAMI FC:
MIAMI FC is Miami’s sole professional soccer Club, beginning to play in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016. The club will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and will host international tournaments and friendly matches. MIAMI FC will play its home games in one of the existing world-class stadiums of Miami. International entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini have teamed up as co-owners to launch Miami Football Club (MIAMI FC) and bring Miami’s professional soccer into the world stage.

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. For more information, please visit www.miamifc.com.

The Miami FC will begin playing in the 2016 NASL season

International entrepreneur Riccardo Silva and world-renowned soccer superstar Paolo Maldini have teamed up to bring Miami professional soccer to the world stage with the launch of Miami Football Club (Miami FC), co-owned by Maldini and Silva.

Miami FC, which will be the city’s only professional soccer club, will begin play in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2016. The club will also compete in the U.S. Open Cup and will host international tournaments and friendly matches in Miami. Miami FC will play its home games in one of the existing world-class stadiums of Miami.

The mission of Miami FC is to connect with Miami’s communities through the global language of soccer, and strengthen community ties even further by promoting social-driven initiatives and charitable work through soccer, in partnership with The Miami Foundation and the Play for Change Foundation.

Silva, president and founder of the MP & Silva group, a worldwide leader in distribution of sports media rights, will bring synergy, added value and exposure to his new franchise by distributing Miami FC matches worldwide through an estimated 50 TV channels covering more than 150 countries throughout the global market. In addition, the MP & Silva group will be a shareholder of the newly formed Miami FC.

Maldini, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, will use his unparalleled soccer expertise to select a world-class team and technical staff. He represented Italy in four FIFA World Cups and won five European club championships with AC Milan, where he spent his entire 25-year playing career.

The ownership group of Miami FC includes Silva, Maldini, MP & Silva and a group of international investors led by Antonio Barreto, a longtime sports and media entrepreneur and Miami resident who will be CEO of Miami FC.

“I’m proud to support a venture that is not only bringing world-class professional soccer to Miami but also a project with an active charity program for the local community,” said Silva, President and Co-owner of Miami FC. “As Miami moves forward in the world of business and arts, we feel that it’s a good time to also take a step further in the world of sports and soccer, and we will do that with dedication and passion, bringing our business and soccer expertise. Soccer is the fastest growing professional sport in the USA, and Miami is a dynamic and multi-cultural city that is passionate for sports and has been longing for a marquee soccer franchise. Soccer and international culture are a perfect combination – especially for the youth and future generations to come – and it is highly valuable having Paolo Maldini, who will bring his soccer knowledge and shares our vision and our passion.”

Maldini, Co-owner of Miami FC: “I’m proud and excited to be part of this venture. I strongly believe in the growth of soccer in the USA, and this is the perfect project to develop a top-class soccer team in one of the most important cities in the world. We are glad not only to bring a professional soccer team to Miami, but also to support all of its communities through our social responsibility commitment. We believe that the fast-growing NASL will be the perfect platform to develop a successful team and a valuable business. Miami has been my second home for 15 years, so I look forward to spending more and more time here as Co-owner of Miami FC, giving my enthusiastic contribution for its success.”

For more information on the Miami FC, please email info@miamifc.com.

About Riccardo Silva
Riccardo Silva is President and major shareholder of MP & Silva, the global leader in television rights, distribution with an annual turnover of more than $700 million and 20 offices around the world. TV rights distributed include FIFA World Cup, English Premier League, Italian Serie A, French Ligue 1, NFL, Roland Garros and many others.

The Silva family owns a major chemical group in Italy, Gruppo Desa Italsilva, founded by his grandfather and leader in the production of detergent and soap with brands such as Spuma di Sciampagna, Chanteclair, and Sauber. Riccardo Silva is also one of Miami’s most successful entrepreneurs and active community members, owning vaious companies in real estate, restaurant, modelling and music industries. He is also a donor and a supporter of the New World Center of Miami and of the Bass Museum of Art.

About Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He played at a world-class level for his entire career spanning two and a half decades and spent all 25 seasons of his career at AC Milan, before retiring at the age of 41. He made his debut for the Italian national team in 1988 and captained the national team for 8 years. He won five UEFA Champions Leagues, a world record in the last 50 years, played four World Cups, and was three-time World Champion with AC Milan. Maldani is not only a symbol and a legend of the club, but also of the national team and is the embodiment of the leadership and dedication needed to succeed in soccer.