Asian Cup 2019: Matchday 2 & 3

The 2019 AFC Asian Cup From The United Arab Emirates

After what some would call a dull opening to the 2019 Asian Cup, Matchday 2 and 3 could not have been more polar opposite. Matchday 2 provided fans a brilliant display of football with all of the drama one could hope for. The underdogs showed up much like the NFL’s wild card weekend! Matchday 3 was a return to normal with some world class showings for a few nations that are looking to make some noise over the next month. 

United Arab Emirates & Bahrain Draw To Open 2019 Asian Cup

Opening Ceremonies from the 2019 Asian Cup Tournament hosted by the UAE. Photo Courtesy of Asian Football Conference.

The 2019 Asian Cup tournament kicked off in the late morning hours here on the east coast of the United States. The 17th edition of the tournament is being played in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi took center stage for the opening fixture complete with a larger than life trophy in the middle of the pitch during the opening ceremony. The giant inflatable replica is a fitting symbol, given that the field is larger than ever before. As typical for most continental tournaments, the hosts got to open the proceedings against regional rival Bahrain. 

The Miami FC in 2018, Part 1: All I See Is Changes

The Miami FC fans set up before the team's first game. Photo by Lee Ifans.

It’s the evening of 5th of November 2017. I’m bent double with my head in my hands as the sounds of boisterous celebration by the contingent from the New York Cosmos in Riccardo Silva Stadium confirm that The Miami FC’s 2017 NASL season is over. Mason Trafford has just planted his shootout effort onto the woodwork. For the first time in my life I couldn’t watch a penalty. It meant too much. Of all the players I didn’t want to miss, it was Mason. He’d not put a foot wrong all year, the likable boy from Boynton Beach had become a fan favorite for his consistent performances in defense. Soccer is a sport that writes cruel scripts. 

2019 US Open Cup Likely To Be The Least “Open” Of Them All

Florida Soccer Soldiers defeated Red Force FC in U.S. Open Cup qualifying at Tropical Park Stadium in Miami on Oct. 21, 2018. Photo by Lee Ifans.

The nation’s oldest soccer tournament has long been a historic tradition that has allowed some of the country’s smallest soccer clubs to square off against the heavyweights. The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup began in 1914, long before the official pyramid was even thought of. The inclusivity of the tournament allowed many proverbial “David v Goliath” matches to take place. With the expansion of the professional pyramid over the years, fewer amateur and semi-pro clubs have had the ability to compete. The 106th edition may be one of the worst for the non-professional sides. 

Inter Miami CF training facility potentially in Hialeah, “La Ciudad Que Progresa”

Inter Miami FC is interested in a training facility at Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah. Image via Inter Miami CF.

When Jorge Mas said this was going to be a team for the entire city and the entire the community, he certainly meant it. The Miami Herald’s Douglas Hanks reported earlier this morning that the Mas brothers met with Miami-Dade mayor and the parks & recreations top brass regarding a training facility as a county owned park. Did your mind immediately jump to Tropical Park? Guess again.