Ian Fray is back, Drake Callender still injured, FIFA Club World Cup seeks volunteers
The last time Inter Miami fans saw Ian Fray, he was leaving Chase Stadium on crutches, in tears after sustaining what appeared to be a fourth serious knee injury.
The Coconut Creek native had come back after three ACL surgeries, a remarkable feat, and fell to the field with a right meniscus injury on Oct. 26, during Miami’s playoff-opening win over Atlanta.
“Initially I thought it was something much worse; I’m glad it wasn’t,” Fray told reporters on Thursday morning. He returned to full training this week, said he feels “perfect” and has no limitations.
“This is my favorite thing to do, it feels great to train; I’m one hundred percent, ready to compete,” Fray said. “I have no worries about my knees.”
Despite the long history with knee injuries, Fray said he feels no trepidation about going full speed. He is doing acupuncture, massage, “everything possible” to try to prevent another setback.
Fray added that the club’s unwavering support helped him remain confident.
“Two injuries ago, a month after I tore my ACL, they re-signed my contract,” he said. “That instills confidence in me to go out there and not have worries because they have so much confidence in me.”
Callender remains out injured
Starting goalkeeper Drake Callender has not yet trained with Inter Miami as he recovers from a minor unspecified muscle injury sustained during U.S. national team camp, leaving newcomer Rocco Rios Novo and 38-year-old Oscar Ustari as the available keepers ahead of the games in Peru, Panama and Honduras.
“With my experience I help the younger keepers any way I can, even giving advice about parenting, as Drake is a new father,” said Ustari, who signed a contract extension a few weeks ago.
Ustari, a friend of Lionel Messi’s, joined Inter Miami last fall, and played one game. Rios Novo made his Miami debut in Las Vegas last weekend in a penalty-kick shootout win over Mexican team Club America.
In other soccer news…
Miami FC hires Gaston Maddoni as coach
The Argentine coaching influence in the United States continues as Miami FC on Thursday named Gastόn Maddoni as the next head coach ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season.
He is the latest Argentine coach to take a U.S. job, following Mauricio Pochettino, who recently took over the U.S. men’s national team, and Mascherano, who replaced countryman Tata Martino as head coach of Inter Miami.
Maddoni, 50, spent 14 years scouting and developing Boca Juniors youth players and his career went on to include stops at Argentinos Juniors and River Plate. He was an assistant coach at Racing Club and most recently coached at Deportivo Espanyol.
“As we approach our tenth year as an organization I am excited to welcome Gastόn to lead our team through this new chapter of our future,” said Riccardo Silva, owner of Miami FC. “Gastόn understands the high expectations that exist for us and our fans. His experience in Argentina and his vision for the team is the perfect fit for our club as we look to regain success on the field in 2025 and beyond.”
Miami FC finished in last place in the Eastern Conference with the league’s worst record last year (3 wins, 29 losses, 2 ties). The USL Championship is a second-division league below Major League Soccer.
“I just want to say how excited we are about this new project and the full commitment we have made to it,” Maddoni said. “We will be ready to rise to the occasion and, together with the staff, we will give our all to ensure Miami FC returns to the playoffs.”
The season opens March 8. Season Memberships and Flex Plans for the 2025 Season are on sale now. Call 844-MIAMI FC or go to miamifc.com
FIFA seeking volunteers for 2025 Club World Cup
Fans interested in being part of the 2025 Club World Cup can apply to be volunteers. Approximately 9,000 volunteers will be needed to put on the 32-team tournament, which takes place June 14 to July 13 at 12 stadiums across the United States.
All 63 matches will be available live and for free worldwide on DAZN.com
“This will be an opportunity for [volunteers] to represent their Host Cities and share their unique culture with the world,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
To be eligible, applicants must: Have reached 18 years of age by January 1, 2025; be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident; have a good command of English (knowledge of additional languages is a bonus); be available for the duration of the tournament, including pre-event training sessions; and be passionate about football and teamwork and have a friendly and proactive attitude.
For information, go to FIFA.com