The Jacksonville Armada return a youth side to the NPSL after having a professional roster take the pitch in 2018. Robert Palmer is seeming to keep his options open as to where to take the first team next, and the U-23 side will likely be comprised of the local college talent and high school standouts. Miami United arguably have enough in the tank to avenge their Sunshine Conference playoff loss to the main team a year ago. The Armada will open their 2019 season against the winners of the most recent #MagicCityClasico.
You would think that with back to back #MagicCityClasico fixtures that it would begin to lose some of its luster or that the meaning would become just a bit less. Guess again. With both clubs eager to lace up their boots for the fifth installment of this derby, both sides have something to provide. Miami United will look to avenge their first ever defeat at the hands of Miami FC. For FC, making life as difficult as possible for United and damaging their chances at a second place finish in the sunshine conference in the task.
The Magic City Clásico is the showcase for the start of the 2019 NPSL Sunshine Conference on Saturday night, as The Miami FC and Miami United FC face off. Watch our LIVE coverage, in partnership with The Miami FC Broadcast Network, below. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Few would equate the dynamics of college football with soccer. Somehow, the Magic City Clasico and the NPSL on a shortened schedule shares the chaos, uncertainty, and euphoria of NCAA football. Every game is a must win and the lack of an official “pre-season” means clubs are often thrown straight into the deep end. The University of Miami often had to deal with their season hanging in the balance with Florida State University being their first opponent throughout the 2000’s. For the winner, the path has been cleared for the rest of the campaign. For the loser, panic attacks and prayers hoping to salvage a damaged season. This is what the Magic City Clasico has become.
Despite not walking away with a trophy in 2018, Miami United had one of their best seasons to date. Would a deep run in NPSL playoffs have been great? Of course. United, however, managed to make an impressive run through the 2018 U.S. Open Cup with a roster of genuine unknown players to the local soccer scene. 2019 proves to be a tougher challenge, however, the pink and black have a chip on their shoulder.
Twelve days before the club’s home kickoff, Miami United FC announced that it would be moving venues, leaving Ted Hendricks Stadium at Milander Park for the North Miami Athletic Stadium.
Miami United FC will be hosting its second major international club friendly of the preseason Friday night, as Honduran side Fútbol Club Motagua will be visiting Hialeah.
Miami Soccer Academy defeated Miami United by four goals to two in the final of the inaugural South Florida Champions Cup.
In this episode of the Magic City Soccer podcast, Matt and Drew discuss Miami United’s 2-2 draw with Uruguayan champions Peñarol, break down The Miami FC’s new roster acquisitions, touch on Inter Miami CF’s youth academy and preview Copa America 2019. Join us, won’t you?
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Miami United were the center of soccer attention in Miami-Dade County, hosting defending Uruguayan champions Peñarol. After a shaky start, United rose to the occasion and earned a 2-2 draw with the Carboneros.