October 2017 - Magic City Soccer

The Miami FC claims NASL Fall Season title, defeats FC Edmonton 2-1

By Matthew Bunch on Sunday, October 29, 2017

The Miami FC made history Saturday night, as the team defeated FC Edmonton 2-1 to claim the NASL Fall Season title. The team becomes the first squad to win the Spring and Fall title of the North American Soccer League in the same year.

It wasn’t easy, as the club had to outlast a valiant effort by the Canadian club. Not only that, but outer bands of Tropical Storm Philippe made the conditions beyond wet. However, two goals by Kwadwo Poku broke the league’s team season scoring record (61) and sealed all three points. A loss by San Francisco Deltas to Jacksonville Armada made the points unnecessary for the title, but the team will certainly take the win as they head into the The Championship semifinal.

Not only that, the win gave The Miami FC the NASL record for points in a season (69).

The squad now waits for the conclusion of games on Sunday, as they will either host New York Cosmos or North Carolina FC on Nov. 5 at 5 pm.

Florida International University

No. 8 FIU men’s soccer remains undefeated, beats Old Dominion

By Matthew Bunch on Thursday, October 26, 2017

FIU men's soccer players visit fans after defeating Old Dominion on Oct. 25, 2017. Courtesy AJ Ricketts (Twitter/@AJRicketts)

It has been a season of consequence for the FIU men’s soccer team. A two-time champion at the Division II level and a national runner-up in Division I in 1996, the program does know success. However, not since the mid-1990s has FIU reached the heights it’s reaching in 2017.

Earlier this week, the program was ranked No. 8 in the NCAA’s latest United Soccer Coaches top 25 poll. It is the highest raking for the program since the conclusion of the 1996 season. The team didn’t rest on its laurels, taking the field and defeating conference rival Old Dominion 3-1 to remain unbeaten on the season.

APSL FC Kendall U.S. Open Cup

FC Kendall starts GoFundMe campaign to fund U.S. Open Cup trip to Nashville

By Matthew Bunch on Wednesday, October 25, 2017

One of the underdiscussed aspects of soccer management in America recently (in fairness, there has been a lot to talk about) has to deal with the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. One of the major problems with the competition is the difficulty amateur clubs have navigating it. No, it’s not related to the challenge posed by professional competition. The issue is funding for long trips. And a local team — FC Kendall — is facing that issue head-on this week.

Just last week, it was learned that the United States Soccer Federation will offer financial assistance to clubs in the open division amateur qualifying tournament who have to make road trips longer than six hours. However, it likely won’t be enough for small amateur clubs facing a multi-state journey.

FC Kendall of the APSL is taking a direct approach to the problem. Earlier today, it posted a campaign to GoFundMe entitled “Help FC Kendall get To Nashville!“

The Miami FC

Previewing The Match: San Francisco Deltas v Miami FC

By Omar Moubayed on Tuesday, October 17, 2017

This could very well be it! The final game against the San Francisco Deltas has been rescheduled and it is going to be played. The Miami FC and the Deltas will face off for the final time in the regular season tomorrow at 2 p.m. in the Bay Area. Despite Miami having a 2-1-1 advantage during the year, this game will essentially decide the fall campaign in the NASL.

The Miami FC

Miami FC clinches the first seed, beats Indy Eleven 3-0

By Omar Moubayed on Sunday, October 15, 2017

Miami FC bounced back and looked like the team that all their supporters know and love yesterday in Indianapolis. After dropping points in their previous two games against the San Francisco Deltas, which brought the overall first seed in to question, the turnaround was massive for the club. Indy looked outmatched from the start and saw their season officially end after the final whistle.

Florida International University

FIU men’s soccer named NCAA Soccer Men’s Team of the Week

By Matthew Bunch on Thursday, October 12, 2017

Fresh off a last-second double-overtime victory over Florida Gulf Coast University, FIU men’s soccer was named the NCAA Soccer Men’s Team of the Week on Thursday.

Magic City Soccer Podcast

Magic City Soccer Episode 40: Deltas, Deltas, Deltas

By Magic City Soccer Podcast on Thursday, October 12, 2017

Drew and Matt recap two Miami FC games against the San Francisco Deltas, look ahead to the rest of the fall season, discuss Puerto Rico FC’s visit to South Florida and recap the U.S. Men’s National Team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Join us, won’t you?

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U.S. Men's National Team.

Analyzing the Seven Stages of Grief as the U.S. Men’s National Team misses out on Russia

By Omar Moubayed on Wednesday, October 11, 2017

It was just a couple of days ago where I gave you my experience from the U.S. Men’s National Team game in Orlando. After this game, every supporter in attendance thought two things, The U.S. was in and Panama was out. My God, how 96 hours changes things.

U.S. Men's National Team.

My Experience From The Stands: U.S. Men’s National Team takes Down Panama 4-0

By Omar Moubayed on Monday, October 9, 2017

Did you notice our absence during the weekend match against San Francisco? One of the big reasons we decided against providing content for that match was due to the fact that we would not really be in attendance. Matthew Bunch was in Tallahassee for the “Rally In Tally” where the Hurricanes football team took down Florida State (finally). I was in Orlando for the final home match of World Cup Qualifying for the U.S. Men’s National Team. So in something that’s a bit off the rails from what we normally do, let’s provide you a recap of that match just in case you forgot the feelings of Friday night.

Magic City Soccer Podcast

Magic City Soccer Episode 39: Omar speaks to Chris Kivlehan of Midfield Press

By Magic City Soccer Podcast on Friday, October 6, 2017

We’ll be back with a full episode next week, but Omar speaks to Chris Kivlehan of Midfield Press about his article, “Differentiate, Or Die: NASL Must Evolve Dramatically If It Survives Its Latest Challenge.” Join us, won’t you?

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Month: October 2017