Catch Real Football Fever

The season opener indicated South Florida’s new soccer team is competitive: Miami FC played the Montreal Impact, which had the best regular-season record in the USL last year, in a 0-0 tie. An April 29 scrimmage against local Haitian team OKAP also indicated FC is keen to develop a good...

By Greg Baker

May 11, 2006

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The season opener indicated South Florida’s new soccer team is competitive: Miami FC played the Montreal Impact, which had the best regular-season record in the USL last year, in a 0-0 tie. An April 29 scrimmage against local Haitian team OKAP also indicated FC is keen to develop a good relationship with fans; the exhibition was open to the public, complete with free parking and admission. This was foreshadowed by the April 16 preseason game in which FC defeated the Caribbean champion Portmore United after delighting 4200 supporters by carrying a giant U.S. flag onto the field accompanied by drums and confetti. Skillful performances and a healthy attitude toward fans is a rare combination in Miami sports. And though they have 2005 league MVP Jason Jordan, tonight’s opponent, the Portland Timbers, are not a particularly tough team. They lost their season opener to Vancouver. That game, in Burnaby, British Columbia, attracted 5722 fans, nearly twice as many as those who turned out for FC’s home opener (3243). Show up by 7:30 at Tropical Park Stadium. Tickets range from $6 (children) to $25. Call 305-377-2700, or visit www.miamifc.com.
Fri., May 12

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