The Not-So-Beautiful Game

They call soccer the beautiful game. In most parts of the world — such as Brazil, Italy, Argentina, and England — this is true. Here in the States, not so much. With 11 teams, give or take a club folding up every other season, the United Soccer League (USL) is generally regarded as a second-tier league behind the MLS — if it’s regarded at all. The USL is where the careers of aging, once-great players, such as Brazil’s Zinho and Romario, go to die. So, no, USL soccer may not exactly be the beautiful game. But it can be mildly attractive.

Zinho now coaches the hometown Miami FC. Romario no longer plays for us, but the team does have a four-girl cheerleading squad and features a mascot that looks like Woody Woodpecker on HGH. Tonight we host six-time USL champion Montreal Impact at Tropical Park Stadium. Game time is 7:30.
Sat., April 19, 2008