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MIAMI FC 1, PORTMORE UNITED 0

Festive debut is a success Though its star, Romario, didn't play, Miami FC was pleased with the attendance and outcome of its first game.

BY MICHELLE KAUFMAN

mkaufman@MiamiHerald.com

Miami FC officials paraded up and down the Tropical Park sideline like proud peacocks Sunday afternoon, even though their biggest star -- Brazilian legend Romario -- missed the team's inaugural exhibition game because of a calf injury.

The infant soccer team won its debut 1-0 over Jamaican champion Portmore United, but more important to team management, 4,152 sun-baked fans were there to see it, and they were treated to a festive atmosphere befitting a Brazilian-owned team.

There was confetti, a samba band, interactive games, kids' clinics, dancing inflatable soccer balls, VIP tents, an enormous Miami FC jersey unfurled over the east stands, and a demonstration of Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art.

Many fans wore Brazil's bright yellow jerseys and cheered wildly when Romario, MVP of the 1994 World Cup, limped onto the field for the ceremonial first kick.

Romario signed with the team two weeks ago and injured his left calf at practice Friday. He is returning to Brazil today to clear up visa matters and work with his personal trainer and said he is ''anxious to get on the field, score goals and bring happiness to the fans.'' He said ''the team will get better and the crowds will get larger.'' He is questionable for next Sunday's regular-season home opener against the Montreal Impact.

Miami FC players were overwhelmed by Sunday's turnout, especially considering it was Easter.

''To see a crowd like that on Easter Sunday was unbelievable,'' goalkeeper Chris Doyle said. ``The defenders couldn't even hear me. I lost my voice out there. It was great.''

Tom Mulroy, a longtime local soccer promoter, was impressed. Miami FC is part of United Soccer Leagues, the second-division American league behind Major League Soccer.

''Obviously, Easter Sunday is not ideal, but they certainly got the word out and put on a nice presentation for opening day,'' Mulroy said. ``Things were very organized, and it had the feel of a big event.''

The franchise's first goal was scored in the 77th minute by midfielder Mario ''El Loco'' Rodriguez, a Guatemalan national team player. He was assisted by Zinho, a starter on Brazil's 1994 World Cup champion team.

''Of course, it is exciting to score the first-ever goal, but the most important thing is that we won, and this was a good base for the rest of the season,'' said Rodriguez, who played for the Columbus Crew of MLS last year. ``To see that kind of soccer atmosphere in the United States was great, something you don't see everywhere. And it wasn't just Latins. There were Americans in there, too.''

Onandi Lowe, a former Jamaican World Cup forward, left the team for personal reasons. Haitian national team defender Stephane Guillaume and Brazilian Diego Walsh missed the game with visa issues but are expected to play next Sunday.

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MIAMI FC BEATS CARIBBEAN CHAMPION, PORTMORE UNITED OF JAMAICA, IN INAUGURAL HOME MATCH - 04/17/2006

"MIAMI FC WON ITS INAUGURAL GAME 1-0 AGAINST CARIBBEAN AND JAMAICAN CHAMPION, PORTMORE UNITED."

April 16, 2006- It was a beautiful day for soccer at Tropical Park Stadium where Miami FC won its inaugural game 1-0. The festivities began at 11am and kept going until the last fan was satisfied. As part of the opening ceremonies the players of Miami FC walked on the field carrying a large American Flag. The fans were cheering, drums were beating, and tons of confetti was shot into the air during the team?s glorious entrance.

The first half was full of tackles, shots on goal, and great plays. However the score at the half was 0-0.

Miami FC came out in the second half determined to give their fans an inaugural game victory. In the 76th minute, Mario ?El Loco? Rodriguez gave the fans what the came for when he received a spectacular lofted pass over the Portmore defense, at the top of the box from Zinho and volleyed the ball right past the goalkeeper for the only score of the game.

The Miami Community helped make the inaugural match of Miami FC a success with over 4,200 fans in attendance. Everyone left the game excited for next week?s Season Opener against Montreal Impact on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 4PM at Tropical Park Stadium.

Romario, who lightly strained his left calf muscle in Friday?s practice, did not play in today?s match for precautionary measures ahead of next week?s Regular Season Opener. He is anxious to play against Montreal Impact next week.

* Game Stats Attached

Tropical Park Stadium

Miami FC vs. Portmore United

Final Score

1 - 0

Scoring/Goles:

Miami FC -- Mario Rodriguez 9 (Zinho 10) '76

Discipline/Tarjetas:

Portmore -- Wolfe (caution/amarilla) 5'

Portmore -- Swaby (caution/amarilla) 19'

Miami -- Pulido (caution/amarilla) 32'

Miami -- Rodrigues (caution/amarilla) 58'

Game Stats/Estadisticas de Juego

Miami FC

Total Shots/Tiros al Arco: 11

Total Saves/Atajadas: 3

Fouls/Faltas: 18

Corner Kicks/Tiros de Esquina: 3

Portmore United

Total Shots/Tiros al Arco: 9

Total Saves/Atajadas: 4

Fouls/Faltas: 5

Corner Kicks/Tiros de Esquina: 5

Referee/Arbitro: Joe Batko

Referee's Assistants/Asistente Arbitros: Ron Clark; Pedro Villalonga

4th Official/Cuarto Oficial: Brian Poeschel

Weather/Tiempo: Clear -and- 89 degrees/Despejado y 89 grados

Attendance/Asistencia: 4,200

Miami FC Lineup/Alineacion

1- GK/P- Chris Doyle

2- D- Allen Handy

23- D- Mike Erush

5- D- J.P. Rodrigues

3-M- Tre Lee (Oscar Gil 62)

13-M- Walter Ramirez (Jamil Jean-Jacques 71)

24-M- Mike Adeyemi (Fabian Sandoval 68)

16-M- John Pulido (Pedro Power 90)

10-M- Zinho

9-F/D- Mario Rodriguez (Luc Harrington 90)

12-F/D- Yaikel Perez (Sean Fraser 46)

Portmore United Lineup/Alineacion

1-GK/P- Shawn Sawyers

11-D- Anthony Modeste

34-D- Adrian Reid

4-D- Tyrone Sawyers

20-D- Ryan Powell

7-M- Jason Morrison

10-M- Bryan Bayliss (Ricardo Cousins 71)

5-M- Mario Swaby (Kemeel Wolfe 54)

18-M- Rafe Wolfe (Anthony Bennett 54)

31-F.D- Steven Morrissey (Orane Miller 84)

9-F/D- Kevin Deerr

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Stephane Guillaume is already a member of the Miami FC club, now we have Jamil Jean Jacques on trial with the club. Miami FC roster will not be finallize until Sunday April 23 against Montreal Impact. That when we will proprably know if Jamil Jean-Jacques made the Miami FC roster.

Jamil Jean-Jacques has been a member the Haitian National team since 2000.

http://2002.fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/0.../mr/19870.html