Romario Williams Archives - Magic City Soccer

The Miami FC records first USL road victory, beats ATL UTD 2

By Lee Ifans on Saturday, September 12, 2020

The Miami FC finally recorded an away win in the USL Championship with a 2-1 victory over ATL UTD 2, thanks to a second-half strike by Miguel Gonzalez.

The main conductor of the attacking play in the draw vs Charleston Battery, Sebastian Velasquez, didn’t make the trip. Possibly Paul Dalglish did not want to risk him against Atlanta’s no-nonsense tackling. Lloyd Sam dropped to the bench. In came Gonzalez and Griffiths. Again a back three was deployed with Hassan Ndam as sweeper.

Atlanta set out to disrupt Miami’s possession and gave no quarter in the 50/50s. Jalen Markey was bundled over more than once but despite the persistent fouling from the home side, the ref kept his cards in his pocket.

Miami stood up to the physical challenge from the hosts and took the lead when Romario Williams tapped in a rebound after Atlanta keeper Ben Lundgaard spilled a Tomas Granitto free kick. Williams looked to be in the mood for a goal after failing to find the net since the 2-1 over Charlotte last month. His movement was good, he was taking players on with confidence. A great night for the number 9.

20' – MIAMI FC GOAL!!!! @iam_pavyrgwvii makes it 1-0 scoring off a rebound caused by a @tomasgranitto free kick. pic.twitter.com/2sflraFoym

— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) September 12, 2020

In a familiar story for FC fans, Atlanta equalized minutes later. The Miami defense failed to clear a loose ball in the area, Ajani Fortune firing home a great effort. Miami have been much improved of late, especially at the back, but this was an echo of past collapses. Thankfully they steadied themselves and made it to half time tied up 1-1.

Sometimes you just feel a game is going the way of one of the teams. Last night it was our turn and Miami wouldn’t be denied three vital points. Miguel Gonzalez was the hero of the hour with a crisp finish from the edge of the area after a corner early in the second half. It’s two goals in two games for Miguel now. His confident, first-time finish for the goal sums up Miami FC’s renaissance. A bit of belief and swagger is coming back.

49' – MIAMI FC GOAL!!! @elmiggy_10 puts Miami back in front, leading @atlutd2 2-1. pic.twitter.com/aiWqaeN4sl

— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) September 13, 2020

ATLUTD2 had a couple of chances to get level and even hit the crossbar, however Miami’s defense held firm. Keeper Mark Pais turned in a commanding performance. Mark controls his area so well and came bravely out of his goal to snuff out an Atlanta chance on the hour mark. Centerback Hassan Ndam was impressive too, as the Cameroonian provided a key block late in the game to ensure an important victory for the Orange and Blue.

90' – HUGE defensive tackle by Ndam to avoid the equalizer. pic.twitter.com/Lb3rfzsVrr

— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) September 13, 2020

Although unlikely, the win means Miami still have a mathematical chance to catch second place in Group H, Charleston Battery. Next up is the “Magic City Derby,” as the Birmingham Legion will come to Riccardo Silva Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30pm, watch on ESPN+.

The Miami FC USL

Granitto Steals A 2-1 Win For Miami FC

By Omar Moubayed on Monday, August 24, 2020

Tomas Granitto's Strike From Distance Steal A Win For Miami

Sunday night was a momentous occasion for The Miami FC, just without the fanfare. Miami had been showing all of the right signs of life necessary to compete in the USL. It always a matter of when and not if, Miami would begin racking up points. That “when” came off the right foot of Tomas Granitto. After Sunday night’s performance, Miami has earned points in three straight games against teams in the top half of their respective group.

The Miami FC USL

Previewing The Match: The Miami FC v Charlotte Independence

By Omar Moubayed on Sunday, August 23, 2020

The waters seem to be stabilizing for Miami FC under head coach Paul Dalglish. MFC has earned points in two straight matches and seem to have plugged the leak in their defense. While Miami should come into tonight’s match optimistic, Charlotte is no push over. In what should have been a celebratory homecoming for Independence forward Valentin Sabella, Miami must keep a close eye on the speedy if it wants to continue the point streak.

The Miami FC

Romario To The Rescue At Riccardo Silva Stadium to salvage The Miami FC draw

By Lee Ifans on Thursday, August 20, 2020

Not all heroes wear capes but some of them do score goals and when you have a goalscoring superstar hero of a number 9 called Romario in your team like The Miami FC does, you always have a chance.

The home side didn’t have much time to rest up after Sunday’s tie against the Rowdies in St. Petersburg. They measured the early pace, setting out to control the opening exchanges with their trademark game of keeping possession and patiently working the spaces to open up chances. ATLUTD2 did a good job to keep their shape in response and frustrated the Orange and Blue. They ended up taking the hosts by surprise, upping the tempo in a flash and taking the lead against the run of play. Jack Gurr rifled the ball home on a counter-attack having been given the freedom of the Miami FC half.

The Miami FC USL

Defensive Woes Cost Miami Points, Lose 4-3

By Omar Moubayed on Thursday, July 30, 2020

“Miami will go as far as their defense and Brian Sylvestre’s goalkeeping will take them”. Well those words came to fruition last night as Atlanta United 2 capitalized on every defensive mistake. Despite a beautiful effort by the men up front, namely Mohamed Thiaw, Romario Williams, Sebastian Velasquez, and Magic City Soccer’s man of the match Harrison Heath, the men in the back couldn’t get out of their own way. Miami FC’s potent attack could not keep up with the sinking ship that was the defense in the loss.

The Miami FC USL

Previewing The Match: Atlanta United 2 v The Miami FC

By Omar Moubayed on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

The Miami FC Return To Play Tonight Against Atlanta United 2 On ESPN+

It has felt like an eternity since The Miami FC competed in the USL Championship (USL-C). How long has it been? 145 days. The 4-1 loss to St. Louis FC seems as if it belongs in a completely different season. Miami is the last USL-C club to return to action. Tonight will begin an unusually long sprint for the Orange & Blue where every match is crucial and picking up points is key. Over the next 68 days, Miami will have 15 matches to secure a spot in the USL-C Playoffs.