News Archive

KENNESAW, Ga. (September 12, 2020) — The Miami FC earned an important victory on Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA, defeating ATL UTD 2 2-1. Goals from forwards Romario Williams and Miguel Gonzalez keep Miami’s playoffs hopes alive.

“That was not a pretty performance but today was about winning,” said Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “It was important for us to earn our first win on the road. We needed the points and before the game we said we didn’t care how we got the win, but the important thing was to get the three points.”

Jamaican forward Romario Williams had the first chance of the night, five minutes into the match, but his show would be punched out for a corner kick by ATL UTD 2 goalkeeper Ben Lungaard.

The match wouldn’t see much action until Williams struck first in the 20th minute. After Lungaard failed to secure midfielder Tomas Granitto’s free kick, the Jamaican was there to slot the ball into the back of the net. This was Williams sixth goal of the season.

The lead would not last as the home side would make it 1-1 off of midfielder AJ Fortune’s laser into the top corner of the net. A failed clearance by the Miami back line left a bouncing ball just outside the 18, which Fortune took advantage of to score his first career professional goal.

Both sides shared possession of the ball for the remainder of the first half, but neither would be able to get the goal which would put them in the lead.

Just minutes into the second half, Miami FC would jump into the lead after Gonzalez picked up a rebound off a corner kick and slotted his shot in the bottom left corner of the goal. This was his third goal in four matches.

After the goal, Miami FC dug deep with the intentions of coming back to South Florida with the three points. ATL UTD 2 created several chances in the final thirty minutes but Miami was able to fight off the home side’s attackers and deny them any clear chances on goal.

“We fought for the win and I am pleased about that,” said Dalglish. “We always talk about how we created so many chances, but at the end of the day come away without the victory, but tonight I am delighted that we got the win, although we might have not created as many chances. Now it is about combining today’s mentality, with our performance this past weekend against Charleston.”

Miami now returns home to host Birmingham Legion this Wednesday, September 16 at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

MIAMI (September 10, 2020) – The Miami FC Youth Academy announced on Thursday, their intent to join the USL Academy League, which is set to launch early 2021. 

MFCYA will be hosting an invitational tryout for the USL Academy League team later in September at Tamiami Park. To sign up for more information about tryouts, click here.

Unique to any other pre-professional set-up in the United States, USL Academy League teams will field a single elite youth team, geared towards top local players within the U15 to U19 age range, and built with a direct connection to the club’s First Team.

“Since we began our journey with the Miami FC Youth Academy almost two years ago, our main priority was to find a platform to showcase the level of the players,” explained Miami FC Youth Academy President of the Board Paul Dalglish. “South Florida is known for having some of the best fútbol talent in the country, and we are hoping to be able to give our community a platform to showcase that. There is no better way for our youth players to showcase their talents than to use the USL Academy League as a platform. It will help us develop players, with the ultimate goal of bringing them to train and hopefully play with our First Team.”

With the goal of providing a new professional pathway for youth players in USL communities across the country, the first-of-its-kind pre-professional league will align with the United States’ professional calendar, complement existing local youth organizations and allow players extensive access to the First Team.

With over 140 senior clubs throughout the Championship, League One and League Two levels of the United Soccer League structure, young players in America now have more opportunities to play professional soccer than ever before.

“This is an exciting time to be an academy player at Miami FC,” said Miami FC Youth Academy Executive Director Nelson Vargas. “Participating in the USL Academy League will be an amazing platform for our youth players to participate in, while also growing as athletes. This will give us a unique opportunity to compete against other teams at a national level, while showcasing our First Team methodology at the youth level.”

The Miami FC Youth Academy will look to give players a place in a USL Academy League squad, which will be earned by excelling within a club’s youth network. There, they can go up against top players and teams in the next stage of their development, helping their team to success on the field and proving their readiness for the next step.

To learn more about the USL Academy league and its benefits, click here.

ABOUT THE MIAMI FC YOUTH ACADEMY
The Miami FC announced the launch of its new Youth Academy Program at Tamiami Park in December 2018. As a further demonstration of the club’s continued commitment to soccer in Miami, The Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy is dedicated to increasing opportunities for youth soccer players in South Florida to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

Located in close proximity to Riccardo Silva Stadium at Florida International University, The Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy offers one of the best values in Miami when it comes down to youth soccer, while also providing a competitive environment for all skill levels.

In the heart of Miami, The Miami FC Youth Academy is a place where the primary objective is to grow your love for the sport of fútbol. From Path2Pro to the USL Academy League, MFCYA is committed to establishing programs to help you grow as an athlete year-after-year.

The Miami FC Youth Academy offers competitive programs for ages 8-19 for Boys and U15-17 for Girls.

Not only will you learn from licensed coaches, but you will also have the opportunity to be coached by Miami FC First Team professional players, who are eager to share their knowledge of the sport, but also share their career experiences to further develop you in and off the pitch.

This is your Community’s Academy. This is Miami’s Academy.

MIAMI (September 5, 2020) — The Miami FC earned a draw on Saturday night against Group H Rivals Charleston Battery. A late goal at Riccardo Silva Stadium by forward Miguel Gonzalez canceled a first half goal by Stavros Zarokostas.

Miami FC came out swinging early on, applying plenty of pressure in Charlotte’s half. Midfielder Tomas Granitto had the first chance of the night in the 6th minute, as his header at the far post went wide right of the goal.

As the match reached the 20th minute, the pressure continued and midfielder Sebastian Velasquez fired a shot on frame. Goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky found the Colombian’s shot come straight at him making an easy save. 

Miami FC continued to pressure, with forward Romario Williams having two chances prior to the end of the half. His first one sailed over the crossbar, with his second being denied by Kuzminsky.

Just minutes into the second half, Zarokostas would put the visiting side up 1-0 with an unstoppable shot from outside the 18-yard box. Goalkeeper Mark Pais outstretched himself, but there was nothing he could do to avoid the 1-0. 

Minutes later, Miami would see their spell of bad luck continue in Charleston’s 18, as Velasquez fired a shot off the post, while Williams’ ensuing shot off the rebound would also hit off the woodwork. Bezecourt saw the Jamaican’s rebound come to him inside the six, but his shot would sail over the bar.

With the match dying down and Miami FC continuing their constant pressure on Charlotte, their reward finally came. A great move by forward Mohamed Thiaw left a Charleston defender out of place, with Thiaw laying off a pass to Granitto. The El Salvador international one-timed his shot on frame but hit off Gonzalez and went into the back of the net.

Miami FC would see the match end in a draw at Riccardo Silva Stadium, despite creating a plethora of chances in the opposing final third.

Up next, Miami will travel to face Atlanta United 2 this upcoming Saturday, September 12 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (September 2, 2020) —  The Miami FC lost 3-0 on Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. Despite holding the home side scoreless for most of the first half, a late goal in the first 45 minutes and two in the second half gave the home side the win.

Miami FC’s first half performance was going as planned, keeping the Group H leaders scoreless. Goalkeeper Bryant Gammiero was able to keep the match scoreless with an incredible diving save in the 38th minute, but just a minute later the Rowdies would jump to the lead 

The Tampa Bay Rowdies got on the board in the 39th minute after defender Jordan Scarlett headed a ball past Gammiero after a corner kick by midfielder Lewis Hilton.

Midfielder Harrison Heath and forward Mohamed Thiaw both had opportunities on goal in the first half, but neither were able to put the Miami FC on the board.

During first 15 minutes of the second half, Miami FC looked poised in possession as they tried to find the equalizer. Midfielder Vincent Bezecourt found himself leading a Miami attack that seemed to just be missing the final touch to put the match 1-1.

After the initial push by the visiting team, forward Sebastian Guenzatti found an open header inside the six-yard box to extend the Rowdies’ lead. 

It was Bezecourt once again, who was able to nearly cut the deficit in half with a great solo run in the 68th minute, but Louro was there to make a great dining save to keep his team up 2-0.

The Rowdies sealed the victory in the 84th minute off a penalty kick which was awarded to the home side after a foul on forward Kyle Murphy. Brazilian midfielder Leo Fernandes sent Gammiero the wrong way and buried his shot.

The Miami FC returns to action this Saturday at Riccardo Silva Stadium when they host Group H rivals Charleston Battery. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

CHARLESTON, SC. (August 26, 2020) — The Miami FC suffered their fourth loss of the season on Wednesday night, on the road facing Group H rivals Charleston Battery. Despite an early goal in the second half by forward Miguel Gonzalez, Miami FC was unable to come from behind to gain points at Patriots Point Soccer Complex.

“The guys have been making giant leaps in recent matches regarding their performances,” said Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “Tonight, we didn’t start the game with the right kind of intensity. We didn’t het close enough to people in the first half. But then you see the second half and see how close we were to them, it’s disappointing to then look at how we started the match. It’s something we are going to have to work on.”

While both clubs tested the waters early on, Miami FC Bryant Gammiero made his first of several saves of the match in the 26th minute. The Venezuelan goalkeeper made a great save on Romario Piggot, stretching to his left to keep it 0-0.

Moments later, Charleston would have another chance which Gammiero would be unable to stop. After A. J.Paterson sent a week shot into the box, Logan Gdulo stopped the ball on the way to the goal and smashed it past Gammiero. 

Piggot would get his revenge on Gammiero moments later, putting Charleston up 2-0 in the 34th minute. The midfielder found a clearance at the top of the box, and after finding space, sent his left-footed shot past Gammiero.

The second half began with Miami FC pushing to cut the home side’s lead to just one. Two early chances by forward Romario Williams were denied by Charleston’s goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky as it seemed to be the breaking point for a strong home defense.

With the clock inching towards the 54th minute, Miami FC would find their breakthrough moment. Gonzalez received a low cross from second-half substitute Miguel Gonzalez and fired a shot on frame finally beating a diving Kuzminsky.

The one goal deficit would only last 10 minutes, as second-half substitute Dante Marini would find the ball at his feet inside the 18, and after a fortunate deflection score the last goal of the match. 

Miami FC continue to push in the final moments of the match, but Kuzminsky would deny forward Lloyd Sam in the 79th minute, and then defender Hassan Ndam would see his 88th minute shot go just wide.

“As we get more into the season and play more and gain fitness, we need to work on our mental fitness,” said Dalglish. “That mental ability to prepare for games correctly and start them right, especially on the road against good teams is something we’ll need to work on. We have a week to prepare for Tampa Bay and we need to use these days correctly to work on the things that need improving.”

Miami now travels to St. Pete to face in-state rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies for the third time of the season. This match will be crucial for Miami FC’s playoffs aspirations. Kickoff on Wednesday, September 2 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and you can watch all the action on ESPN+.

MIAMI (August 25, 2020) — The USL Championship announced its Team of the Week today, which included Miami FC forward Romario Williams. His three goals in two matches earned him a spot, making this the first member of Miami FC to be included in a Team of the Week in this 2020 season.

Williams has five goals in six matches, leading The Miami FC in that category. The Jamaican forward looks to continue his goalscoring ways when he faces his former team, the Charleston Battery this Wednesday, August 26 at Patriots Point.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship. 

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 9

GK – Daniel Vitiello, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Vitiello recorded a three-save shutout while recording two punches and two high claims in the Hounds’ 2-0 victory against Loudoun United FC for his first career clean sheet.

D – Jordan McCrary, Sacramento Republic FC: McCrary had one assist, completed 41 of 51 passes overall and won 6 of 8 duels while winning 3 of 3 tackles in Sacramento’s 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2.

D – AJ Paterson, Charleston Battery: Paterson recorded one assist, won 6 of 7 duels and 4 of 4 aerials and completed 25 of 34 passes as the Battery claimed the Southern Derby in a 3-0 win against North Carolina FC.

D – Mitchell Taintor, San Antonio FC: Taintor helped San Antonio record shutouts in each of its victories over the past week, scoring once, recording five clearances, 14 recoveries and completing 89 of 124 passes.

M – Tucker Bone, Reno 1868 FC: Bone recorded one goal, one assist and three key passes overall while making eight recoveries and completing 26 of 34 passes in Reno’s 3-1 road win against San Diego Loyal SC.

M – Yann Ekra, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Ekra recorded assist on both Rowdies goals, completed 39 of 40 passes overall and won 6 of 8 duels and 3 of 3 tackles during the Rowdies’ 2-1 win against Atlanta United 2. 

M – Corben Bone, Louisville City FC: Bone recorded his first two goals for Louisville and recorded two key passes while completing 33 of 45 passes overall and winning 7 of 11 duels in a 4-1 win against Sporting Kansas City II.

M – Amando Moreno, New Mexico United: Moreno scored in both games as New Mexico swept a pair of victories against Real Monarchs SLC over the past week to extend its lead at the top of Group C in the Championship.

F – Romario Williams, Miami FC: Williams scored three goals in two games as Miami earned four points and its first victory on Sunday night against the Charlotte Independence.

F – Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC: Asante recorded two goals and three assists in two games to move into the league-lead for assists this season and reach 40 goals and 30 assists in the regular season for his Championship career.

F – Alessane Ates Diouf, Austin Bold FC: Diouf had two goals and one assist and completed 22 of 23 passes overall as Austin moved into the playoff positions with a 3-2 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.

Bench: Brandon Miller (CLT), Tomas Granitto (MIA), Cammy Palmer (OC), Blake Frischknecht (LV), David Estrada (NM), Wilson Harris (SKC), Junior Flemmings (PHX)

MIAMI (August 23, 2020) — The Miami FC defeated Charlotte Independence 2-1 on Sunday night to earn their first ever USL Champion victory. 

Despite giving up an early goal, Miami FC was able to score two unanswered goals by forward Romario Williams and midfielder Tomas Granitto in what was yet another dominating performance.

“This is something that we have been building since day one this season and in my previous years at Miami FC,” said Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “This performance isn’t about the work we have put in since I took over, but from the hard work led by Nelson (Vargas) this entire season.”

Miami FC began the match applying the pressure in the final third, including back-to-back chances by forward Vincent Bezecourt and Granitto. Despite their efforts, the home side would see Charlotte take the lead in the 8th minute.

A shot by forward Jake Areman beat an outstretched Bryant Gammiero, putting Miami in a similar situation than that of it’s past home match against ATL UTD 2. 

Miami’s reaction would be immediate, as forward Prince Saydee was taken down inside the box in the 15th minute. A minute later, Williams would take the penalty kick and after his initial shot was saved, he would blast the rebound to make it 1-1. This was the Jamaican’s fifth goal of the season in just six matches.

The first half did not see much more action, as Miami FC began to take control of the match but Charlotte did a good job to contain any efforts by the home side.

The second half was very different, with Miami FC making several changes at the half and coming out in full force to earn the victory. 

During the first 15 minutes of the second half, Charlotte goalkeeper Brandon Miller earned himself a nominee for player of the match as he denied forward Miguel Gonzalez and Saydee numerous chances. 

With the clock winding down, Miami FC would have their breakthrough moment courtesy of El Salvador international Tomas Granitto. 

After earning a free kick in the 85th minute, Granitto sent a rocket into the wall, with the redirection beating Miller. In this shot, the goalkeeper had no option but to watch the ball trickle in.

“I was very excited to get the three points and secure our first win in USL Championship history,” said Granitto. “The goal is important for the team, which is always the priority. Paul (Dalglish) has given me the confidence to go out there and perform in several different midfield roles, so I am very happy to get the chance to go out there and play.”

Miami FC has a short turnaround once again, as they travel to face Charleston Battery this Wednesday, August 26 at Patriots Place in Charleston, SC.

MIAMI (August 19, 2020) — The Miami FC battled back from two goals down on Wednesday night to earn a very important 2-2 draw against ATL UTD 2 at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

After going down 2-0 just 23 minutes into the match, a brace by Jamaican forward Romario Williams put Miami FC back into the match. The home side would have several chances to win the match but would be unable to capitalize and secure the three points.

“If we play like this for the rest of the season, I will take it,” said Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “I was very pleased with not only the reaction of the team after going down two goals, but also of the intensity they showed until the final whistle. This is something that has been building up since preseason and I am glad it’s starting to show.”

Atlanta United 2 got off to a dream start scoring goals in the 18th and 23rd minute, one coming off a rocket by defender Jack Gurr and another off a penalty kick by forward Amadou Diop.

Just moments after giving up the second goal of the night, a deep run by forward Prince Saydee would see Miami’s deficit cut to just one. The Liberia native reached the final third and drove in a low cross which Williams tapped home to make it 2-1 for the visiting side. 

24′ – @iam_pavyrgwvii scores his third goal of the season to put @TheMiamiFC within one goal. pic.twitter.com/og9FMSr916 — The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 19, 2020

Midfielder Vincent Bezecourt would put Atlanta on notice, with a chance in the 31st minute. Atlanta’s goalkeeper Ben Lungaard had to stretch out to get his fingertips on the low shot, keeping them up 2-1.

31′ – Vincent Bezecourt gets a chance for the equalizer but Lungaard makes a diving save. pic.twitter.com/lYXsdHK4W0 — The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 19, 2020

The lead would not last for the visiting team, as moments before the half, Williams would be on the end of a through ball by Bezecourt, with the Jamaican taking full advantage of the space to make it 2-2.

Forward @iam_pavyrgwvii with the brace! @TheMiamiFC and @atlutd2 are tied 2-2- after the first 45 minutes. pic.twitter.com/Ni77Q56HD8 — The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 20, 2020

“I felt like although I scored two goals, it could have been more and I left a couple out there on the pitch,” said Williams. “I felt that on both a personal and collective front, we played our best football of the season and the numerous chances throughout the match showed that. We need to continue this intensity on Sunday and keep grinding to get very valuable points.”

Miami FC came out in the second half, in what was one of the best half of football the club has played in recent years. 

Numerous chances by the attacking half of Miami pinned Atlanta in their half without leaving them any other option than to defend inside their own 18.

The clearest chance in the second half came moments before Williams would be subbed off. 15 minutes into the second half, Williams fought off a couple defenders outside the box and fired a shot that was heading in, but Lungaard stretched out and denied the Jamaican the hat trick.

Inches from taking the lead. pic.twitter.com/9pb1G8N4Yw — The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 20, 2020

The home side had several chances in the final 30 minutes of play, with both forwards Mohamed Thiaw and Prince Saydee showing glimpse of just how dangerous this Miami side can be.

“We need to continue this momentum into Sunday’s match,” said Dalglish. “If we capitalized on our chances, the game could have had plenty of goals, but it’s positive to see this type of performance.”

Up next, The Miami FC will look to continue the positive momentum as they host Charlotte Independence this Sunday at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

HIGHLIGHTS of Wednesday's 2-2 draw against @atlutd2, including @iam_pavyrgwvii's brace.#MIAvATL pic.twitter.com/1V5Whz3h2e

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) August 20, 2020

STARTING LINEUPS
Miami FC (4-3-3): GK Bryant Gammiero; D Brian James, Lance Rozeboom (C), Hassan Ndam, Othello Bah; M Tomas Granitto, Harrison Heath, Vincent Bezecourt; F Sebastian Velasquez, Romario Williams, Prince Saydee

ATL UTD 2 (4-3-3) – GK Ben Lungaard; D Jack Gurr, Modou Madama, Efrain Morales, Caleb Wiley; M Baboucarr, William Reilly, Abdoulaye Diop; Coleman Gannon, Amadou Diop, Phillip Goodrum

Scoring Summary
Atlanta: Jack Gurr – 18th minute
Atlanta: Amadou Diop – 23rd minute (Penalty Kick)
Miami: Romario Williams – 24th minute (Assisted by Prince Saydee)
Miami: Romario Williams – 46th minute (Assisted by Vincent Bezecourt)