Martinez's second half goal propels Miami FC to first victory
In three previous home games, “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang was on cue to signal an anticipated Miami FC victory.
However, “Celebration” remained on standby as Miami FC continued to search its elusive first victory.
On Saturday night, the 1980 dance classic finally played on the FIU Stadium’s public address system. After seven unsuccessful attempts in the NASL Spring Season, Miami finally left the field with a positive result.
Ariel Martinez’s goal in the 66th minute gave Miami a 1-0 victory over FC Edmonton.
“I think there is still a lot we have to work on but I am proud of my team,” Miami FC head coach Alessandro Nesta said.
Martinez retrieved a loose ball, raced 15 yards and blasted a left-footed shot from the half circle that landed inside the left post. The goal also ended a team scoring drought of 351 minutes that stretched through two losses and one draw.
“All of us were searching for the first win so, yes, it’s a great feeling getting this first win,” Martinez said.
Miami FC is now 1-3-4 with six points. Edmonton, which entered Saturday’s match second in the 11-team NASL table, fell to 4-2-3 with 14 points.
“The most important thing, obviously, is we earned the three points,” Martinez said. “This is a club that is still in the formative stages but you are starting to see the results the coach is looking for.”
Martinez nearly broke Miami’s goal-scoring plague in the 58th minute when his uncontested shot from 18 yards was saved by Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel.
Miami had three scoring opportunities in the first half - all off free kicks. Dario Cvitanich’s free kick in the 26th minute eluded the Edmonton wall and needed VanOekel’s deflection before it landed under the crossbar.
This story was originally published May 29, 2016 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Martinez's second half goal propels Miami FC to first victory."