In an exclusive interview with Magic City Soccer, Miami FC CEO Michael Williamson confirmed the club’s repopulation plan for the 2021 season. Fans will be back in attendance for the July 17th fixture against in-state rivals the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the first time in 616 days. Williamson outlined what to expect and the cost to attend the remaining nine home games in the 2021 season on Episode 93 which you can list to by clicking here.
The Miami FC enter Friday’s contest versus a struggling Charleston side with a wide variety of quality in their performances. Miami is 1-1-1 in their last three matches which includes a hard fought draw against Pittsburgh after an epic second half collapse to Rio Grande Valley. Currently sitting fifth in the Atlantic Division, the boys in blue and orange have some work to do if they wish to make up ground on division leaders Tampa Bay.
The Miami FC took an early lead Sunday, but a red card and second-half meltdown cost the club three points, losing to Rio Grande Valley FC 4-2.
On this Magic City Soccer Podcast, Matthew, Lee and Franco discuss The Miami FC and its victory over Charlotte Independence, as well as Inter Miami CF and its struggles on and off the field. Join us, won’t you?
This is the one we’ve all been waiting for. The Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will square off for the first time this season, continuing an in-state rivalry that began back in 2016. Both teams will be jockeying for position atop the Atlantic Division standings in the early stages of the season.
There was plenty of reasons for soccer fans in and around the South Florida soccer world to be happy about this week.
The Miami FC got things off to a great start with a win away at New York Red Bulls II on Friday night. The game’s only goal came when Billy Forbes clipped a lovely ball through for János Löbe. The full back centered for Ballard who had his shot blocked but Jamaican international Speedy Williams rifled home a smart finish from the edge of the box.
It was a disappointing evening for Miami FC at Riccardo Silva Stadium in their second gameweek of USL Championship action. A disjointed performance against Hartford Athletic saw the Orange and Blue beaten 1-0.
The Miami FC got their 2021 campaign off to a winning start Sunday evening at Riccardo Silva Stadium, grinding out a 2-1 win after playing much of the game with ten men.
After a disappointing 2020 season, no one can blame The Miami FC for wanting to put last year behind them as quickly as possible.
Miami has a chance to do that Sunday night when they kick off their 2021 campaign against Loudoun United. It will be the first meeting between the two teams. They will get to see each other three more times later this season as Atlantic Division rivals.
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+.