For more than a month, Miami FC could barely sniff a goal.

But ever since Coach Zinho moved Paulo Araujo Jr. into the starting lineup last week, the offensive problems have ended -- and in a big way.

With panache and pizazz, Araujo dominated the offensive midfield against visiting Austin on Sunday afternoon, spurring the Blues to a 2-0 victory that snapped a six-game winless streak.

''I'm very happy,'' Araujo said in Portuguese through a translator. ``Miami has given me the opportunity to play, and Zinho gave me the confidence to attack the defender.''

And attack he did.

Officially, Araujo was credited with just an assist, but the stat sheet belied his impact on the match.

The Brazilian import constantly beat Aztex defender Lyle Adams and dominated the right side of the field in front of an announced crowd of 805 at Lockhart Stadium.

Most importantly, he has brought an offensive spark to a team that, before its 2-1 victory over Lynch's FC in U.S. Open Cup action, had gone roughly 500 minutes without a goal.

The Blues (3-5-1) also played well in Vancouver on Friday, albeit in a 3-2 defeat.

Araujo emerged in the 17th minute, when he beat Adams and had a clear look at the goal.

But before he could get off a shot, Adams pulled him down, handing the Blues a penalty kick.

But Diego Serna's effort hit the crossbar, keeping the Blues off the board.

Serna quickly made amends.

Five minutes later, Austin goalkeeper Sam Reynolds flubbed a free kick that landed at Serna's feet. Unabated to the goal, Serna beat Reynolds with a shot that didn't leave the ground.

Then, in the 30th minute, Araujo and Miami FC struck again.

The 20-year-old found Connally Edozien in front of the net, and Edozien powered the shot through.

Austin fell to 2-5-4.

''It was a very important game,'' Zinho said. ``We weren't having a lot of luck finalizing [goals]. We had lots of chances [Sunday night].''

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