News Archive
Local Miami FC Players Look Back at Memorable Weston Cup Moments
Granitto, James and Sylvestre spoke to MiamiFC.com about their Weston Cup experiences
MIAMI (February 14, 2020) — One of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the United States is taking place this weekend, with The Weston Cup & Showcase going on in several of the main parks in the area. Over 725 boys & girls teams are expected to participate, with teams from multiple states, and countries.
Miami FC’s Tomas Granitto, Brian James and Brian Sylvestre all grew up in the Miami area and are no strangers to the competition.
“Growing up, it was the tournament everyone wanted to win,” said Granitto. “Brian (Sylvestre) and I played for Weston FC growing up, so this was our chance to represent our club at the highest level and also in front of our people.”
When it comes down to competition, every level is tough.
“You are going up against the best of the best,” said Sylvestre. “The top teams from all around the country and also from overseas come to Miami to show what they’ve got. At every level during the weekend, competition is extremely hard.”
Growing up, many youth players favorite memories are on the pitch. For Sylvestre, this is no different.
“One match that I will always remember was one where Tomas scored a last-minute goal in a. semifinal for us to beat Kendall. They were one of our biggest rivals and it felt so good at the time.”
For Granitto, it seems like it was yesterday.
“Everyone was celebrating like if we had won the World Cup,” mentioned Granitto. “It was a goal I will always remember, especially seeing all my friends and family at the game celebrating, especially since it was held in my backyard basically.”
James remembers how competitive it was, but never lost sight of the importance of youth soccer.
“I would tell the kids participating to compete, but to not forget to have fun,” explained James. “It’s important to win, but also it’s very important to go out there and enjoy playing the sport. These are memories that will last for a lifetime with friends who you will grow up and see as you hopefully go pro. Enjoy it!”
The Weston Cup & Showcase will take place this upcoming weekend, February 14-17, with several boy and girls teams from the Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy.
For more information, or to learn about the schedule of events, click here.
Match Recap: Miami FC and New York City FC Play to Scoreless Preseason Friendly
BOCA RATON, Fla. (February 13, 2020) — The Miami FC continued their regular season preparations on Thursday, playing to a scoreless draw against Major League Soccer’s New York City FC. The match was played on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
The preseason friendly consisted of two 30-minute halves, in which both teams created plenty of chances, but neither was able to get on the scoresheet.
Goalkeeper Mark Pais was crucial in the first half, keeping NYCFC off the scoreboard. Pais was forced to make back-to-back saves after NYCFC broke through the backline and had two clear chances in front of goal.
Moments later, it was Miami FC who would have their clearest chance of the first half. Forward Miguel Gonzalez received a through ball from defender Marco Franco and found himself one-on-one with the keeper. Miami FC’s forward tried to play the ball past the keeper but was fould just feet outside the box, earning a free kick. The ensuing free kick would be blasted just wide by forward Romario Williams.
The second half was dominated by Miami, with Gonzalez once again finding himeself in the epicenter of the attack.
A great buildup on the right side found Franco making a dashing run into NYCFC’s box. Upon reaching the endline, Franco sloted a pass back into the heart of the box, finding Gonzalez. The Mexican midfielder was able to fire a shot before NYCFC defenders approached him, but his attempt would be denied by the crossbar.
Shortly after, midfielder Tomas Granitto would have his chance to get Miami on the scoresheet, but this time NYCFC’s goalkeeper was able to get a hand on it and make the save.
Miami FC’s preseason continues when they face Orlando City B on Saturday, February 22 at Florida International University.
Miami FC lineup: GK Mark Pais (Brian Sylvestre 31′); D Marco Franco, Lance Rozeboom (Hassan Ndam 42′), Lawrence Olum (Jalen Markey 42′), Othello Bah (Janos Löbe 42′); M Tomas Granitto, Harrison Heath, Brian James; F Miguel Gonzalez, Romario Williams (Mohamed Thiaw 42′), Sebastián Velásquez (Prince Saydee 38′)
Match Recap: Miami FC Lose Preseason Match Against Minnesota United FC
MELBOURNE, Fla. (February 8, 2020) — The Miami FC continued their preparations for the 2020 USL Championship season, facing Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC on Saturday at Titan Soccer Complex on the campus of Easter Florida State College.
The Loons defeated Miami FC 5-0, giving up two goals in the first half and three in the second half.
“Despite the result, these matches are great to test yourself against quality opposition,” said Miami FC head coach Nelson Vargas. “It’s a great barometer for us to see where we are at and what we all want to aspire to. We knew it was going to be difficult but there were several things as a staff that we were happy with.”
An 11th minute goal by Minnesota’s newest signing Luis Amarilla found Miami down early in the match. A header at the far post left goalkeeper Mark Pais without any chances, as the Paraguayan was left open.
Similar to the first goal, Minnesota midfielder Jan Gregus found himself close to the top of the box with plenty of space and double their lead in the 24th minute.
Miami FC did create several chances in the first half, but Loons goalkeeper Tyler Miller provided several saves to keep his team up two at the half.
“Even with the lopsieded result, one of the positives I mentioned was the creation of chances,” explained Vargas. “We had a clear chance very early in the match and if we capitalized on it we would have been up early on. The difference was they took advantage of their opportunities, but we need to look at this match more like a test to see where we are in our preseason. Again, there were plenty of positives to take from today’s performance.”
With forward Romario Williams coming on at the half, Miami was able to link up their front three and create space.
Miami’s clearest chance of the match came in the 55th minute, when the club’s newest addition midfielder Sebastian Velasquez played a through ball to forward Prince Saydee into space. The Liberian was able to get a shot off, but it would be saved by Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Despite moving the ball in the second half, Miami FC was unable to get on the scoresheet, while Minnesota capitalized on their chances. The Loons went on to score in the 66th minute (Andrew Booth), with Mason Toye scoring a bracelate in the second half.
“The most important thing is for us to focus on our style of play,” said Vargas. “The results are not what’s important to us right now. We care more about preparing the team for our first USL Championship match, when the results will matter.”
Miami FC continues their preseason on Thursday, February 13, when they face New York City F.C. on the campus of Florida Atlantic University. The match will be open to the public and will kick off at 12 P.M.
Miami FC lineup: GK Mark Pais (Brian Sylvestre 46′); D Lloyd Sam, Hassan Ndam, Jalen Markey, Bah Othello (Janos Löbe 61′); M Tomas Granitto (Lance Rozeboom 46′), Harrison Heath (Lawrence Olum 61′), Brian James; F Prince Saydee (Miguel Gonzalez 61′), Mohamed Thiaw (Romario Williams 46′), Sebastián Velásquez
Miami FC Projected to Reach 2020 USL Championship Final According to FiveThirtyEight
According to FiveThirtyEight.com, Miami FC has the highest chance of all clubs in the Easter Conference to reach the USL Championship Final in 2020.
This is according to the analytics-based predictive website, which gives Miami a three-percent edge on our in-state rival, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and also Indy Eleven.
The website also notes that Miami FC has a 95% chance of reach the USL Championship Playoffs in the club’s inaugural season.
For complete projections of the 2020 USL Championship season, click here.
Miami FC Signs Colombian Midfielder Sebastián Velásquez
Velásquez joins club after successful 2019 campaign with El Paso
MIAMI (February 5, 2020) – Miami FC announced on Wednesday the signing of creative midfielder Sebastián Velásquez ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season*.
Originally from Medellin, Colombia, Velásquez joins the club after spending the second half of the 2019 USL Championship with El Paso Locomotive. During his time there, the midfielder scored seven goals, while recording two assists. His contributions helped the club reach the Western Conference final, while notching two playoff goals in postseason play.
“Sebastián is a player that has been on our radar for a while,” said Head Coach Nelson Vargas. “He’s the final piece we’ve wanted to complete our roster and we’re expecting great things from him. We know Sebastián will not only be a great addition on the field, but also off the field, where he is known for being very active in the community.”
Velásquez’ professional career began in 2012, where he was selected in the 2012 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. During his time there, Velásquez made 49 appearances, while assisting the club reach the MLS Cup in 2013.
After a successful time at RSL, the Colombian would go on to make 12 appearances with New York City F.C. in 2015 and 16 with North American Soccer League’s Rayo OKC.
In 2017, Velásquez signed with Real Monarchs of the USL, where he would play for two years and become one of the league’s most dangerous attacking midfielders. In 49 appearances with the club, he scored 16 goals and recorded 10 assists. His prolific attacking abilities helped the Monarchs claim the 2017 USL Regular Season title.
The Miami FC will start their quest another championship on Friday, March 13, when they host the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the club’s inaugural USL Championship match. The match will be played at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
*Pending Federation Approval
Hassan Ndam Joins Miami FC on Loan Ahead of 2020 Season
Defender joins club on loan from FC Cincinnati
MIAMI, Fla. (February 1, 2020) – Miami FC announced on Saturday the arrival of defender Hassan Ndam, who joins the club on loan from Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati for the 2020 USL Championship season*.
Ndam, 21, signed with MLS’ New York Red Bulls in March 2017, making his pro debut for Red Bulls II of the USL Championship later that month. During his two seasons in the Red Bull system, Ndam made 57 appearances for Red Bulls II, while adding four more appearances at the MLS level.
“Hassan brings more experience to our roster, which we’re looking forward to,” said Head Coach Nelson Vargas. “He’ll fit perfectly in an already strong back line and with plenty of USL games in his short career it will help us get ready for a very tough upcoming season.”
Ahead of the 2019 season, FC Cincinnati selected Ndam in the MLS Expansion Draft. He would later be loaned out to USL Championship side Charlotte Independence, making six appearances with the club.
Originally from Cameroon, the center back began his professional career back in his native country playing for Rainbow FC.
*Pending Federation Approval
Miami FC Second Round U.S. Open Cup Pairing Announced
Miami will either host Naples United FC or visit Miami United FC U23
MIAMI (January 29, 2020) — The Miami FC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup journey has been set. Miami will either host Naples United FC at Riccardo Silva Stadium or visit Miami United FC U23 at Ted Hendricks Stadium in the 2nd Round of the U.S. Open Cup. The match will take place on April 7, 8 or 9, with the the exact date announced at a later time.
U.S. Soccer has determined the pairings and possible pairings for the Second Round of the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with 25 Division II and 14 Division III pro teams facing 19 First Round winners and each other April 7-9 in the 107th edition of U.S. Soccer’s National Championship.
The 39 professional teams include 25 from the USL Championship (Division II), eight from the recently sanctioned National Independent Soccer Association (Division III) and six from the second-year USL League One (Division III). They will be joined in the Second Round by the 19 Open Division winners from the First Round, set for March 24-25.
As a result of competition parameters for the Second Round, 15 of the 29 matchups will see First Round winners against Division II clubs, four First Round winners taking on Division III sides, while Division II vs. Division III will be on the marquee for 10 contests. Competition rules for the Second Round require First Round winners to be paired against either a Division II or Division III club. Further, the tournament has a universal provision to preclude teams from the same qualifying pool playing their first Open Cup game from facing each other. Each pro division is considered a unique qualifying pool regardless of the number of leagues in the division.
Pairings were made on a geographical basis within the parameters listed above. If three or more teams/pairings were from the same proximity, matchups for these teams were made by random selection. Instances where a logical geographic fit did not exist were resolved by random selection.
Watch All U.S. Open Cup Matches on ESPN+
For the second consecutive year and as part of a four-year deal, ESPN+ will be the home for all Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games from the First Round through to the Final.
For all second-round pairings, click here.
May 29 Match Vs Indy XI to Air Nationally on ESPNews
Meeting between former rivals at Riccardo Silva stadium on May 29 to air on ESPNews
MIAMI (January 28, 2020) — The USL Championship and ESPN announced on Tuesday an addition to the league’s 2020 national television schedule, with the contest between The Miami FC and Indy Eleven on Friday, May 29 now set to air on ESPNews. Kickoff at Riccardo Silva Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Miami enters its inaugural season in the Championship looking to become an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference. Led by Head Coach Nelson Vargas, the side includes some notable returnees from its 2019 campaign in El Salvador international Tomas Granitto and standout newcomers that include 2017 Championship All-League selection and Jamaican international Romario Williams.
The hosts will be tested by an Eleven side that returns most of the squad that reached the Eastern Conference Final of the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs. Led by Head Coach Martin Rennie, the Eleven count the Championship’s all-time shutouts leader Evan Newton in their ranks, as well as 2019 All-League selection and Trinidad & Tobago international Neveal Hackshaw.
This year marks the first of a three-year agreement between the USL and ESPN that will now see 20 regular season contests air on ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, and more than 590 games air on ESPN+, the industry-leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming platform.
