The MLS postseason comes into focus after Decision Day
Major League Soccer's Decision Day solidified the playoffs and decided the Golden Boot race, and it also marked the end of a legendary career for the league's most prolific scorer. Chris Wondolowski announced his retirement Sunday, shortly after his San Jose Earthquakes wrapped up the regular season with a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas. Wondolowski finishes his 17-year MLS career with 171 regular-season goals, including one in his final match.
news.yahoo.comKieran Gibbs signs with Beckham’s under-investigation Inter Miami
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – David Beckham’s under-investigation Inter Miami has signed 31-year-old left back Kieran Gibbs to a 2 1/2-season contract that starts July 1 after the expiration of his deal with West Bromwich Albion of England’s Premier League. Gibbs has appeared in 10 league matches this season and 11 overall for West Brom. He joined the Baggies for the 2017-18 season after playing for Arsenal from 2006-07. He spent part of 2007-08 on loan to Norwich. Major League Soccer said on March 5 it is investigating whether Inter Miami violated salary budget and roster guidelines by its signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi.
Miami Freedom Park is coming to Miami, but county officials argue it will obstruct both ground and air traffic
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County commissioners met Tuesday to discuss numerous issues that need to be addressed before the Miami Freedom Park officially opens, including its potential impacts on both ground and air traffic. Also concerning is that the stadium will be located in a direct flight path at Miami International Airport. “How significant traffic around the airport would impact the accessibility of the airport and our economy,” says Sola. “The biggest intersection we have in Dade County, LeJeune Road going to the airport and 836 — it is a huge intersection,” adds Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez. Currently, the county code does not permit variances in the area where this stadium is going in.
Inter Miami signs team MVP Lewis Morgan to contact extension
MIAMI – One of the most important players from Inter Miami’s inaugural season has been signed to an extension. Lewis Morgan, Inter Miami’s 2020 Most Valuable Player, will be with the club for at least another three years. Morgan, who told the media he had been working on a new deal with Inter Miami since last year, is now signed on with the club through at least the 2023 season. Morgan was signed by Inter Miami in January of 2020 from Scotland’s Celtic FC. “We know we have a talented group here and we’re looking forward to getting to work.”AdRELATED LINKSouth Florida getting a 2nd MLS team (at least for now)
MLS investigating Beckham’s Inter Miami over Matuidi signing
NEW YORK – Major League Soccer says it is investigating whether David Beckham’s Inter Miami violated salary budget and roster guidelines by its signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The 33-year-old Matuidi, a member of France’s 2018 World Cup champions, joined Miami on Aug. 13 from Juventus. Miami signed Argentine midfielder Matías Pellegrini, Mexican midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro and Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuaín as high-priced designated players who could exceed the salary budget. Matuidi was not announced as a designated player.
WATCH: South Florida 7-year-old’s soccer slide tackle goes viral
Youth soccer is getting quite competitive. The video you can watch above shows 7-year old Logan Barzola from Weston Academy making a crunching tackle during a tournament in Sarasota. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. The video has gone viral, getting more than one million views on TikTok. We’re thinking Inter Miami should reach out to logan in about a decade to anchor the defense.
Inter Miami will begin second season in early April as MLS announces Opening Weekend, other key dates
A general view of Inter Miami CF Stadium prior to the game between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC on October 24, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On Monday, Major League Soccer announced some key dates for the 2021 season, including MLS is Back Opening Weekend on Apr. As far as Inter Miami tickets go, the team said details will be announced shortly after the release of the full season schedule. KEY DATES – MLS 2021 SEASONFeb. 22 - MLS Preseason training begins (6 weeks)Apr. 3-4 - MLS is Back - Opening Weekend 2021Late Aug. - MLS Heineken® Rivalry WeekLate summer - MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, Leagues Cup, Campeones CupNov. 7 - MLS Decision DayNov. 19 - Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs beginDec. 11 - 2021 MLS Cup
Blend it with Beckham: Neville hired to coach Inter Miami
The Football Association has released Neville from his contract immediately after being informed he was in talks to become coach of Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer franchise partly owned by David Beckham. They’re teaming up again with hopes of winning more trophies with Inter Miami. Neville was hired Monday as Inter Miami’s coach, reuniting with Beckham — a co-owner of the MLS club. He will formally start at Inter Miami once he gets a work visa. Alonso got Inter Miami to the MLS Cup playoffs in 2020, marking the seventh time an MLS newcomer reached the postseason.
Diego Alonso out as coach of Inter Miami after one season
InterMiami co-owner David Beckham, right, talks with coach Diego Alonso during an MLS training session, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Fort Lauderdale. MIAMI – Inter Miami’s tumultuous offseason has continued with the announcement that Diego Alonso will not be back as coach for the club’s second season. Alonso got the team to the MLS Cup playoffs in 2020. That marked the seventh time that an expansion franchise reached the postseason. But Inter Miami was routed by fellow expansion club Nashville in that playoff appearance, finished 10th in the Eastern Conference and wound up with a 7-13-3 record.
Inter Miami shut out in postseason debut, ending inaugural season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Randall Leal and Hany Mukhtar scored 10 minutes apart in the first half and Nashville beat Inter Miami 3-0 on Friday night in an all-expansion play-in round game. Nashville advanced to face Toronto FC, last year’s runner-up, on Tuesday night in East Hartford, Connecticut. The defeat ends Inter Miami’s first season, one in which they finished shorthanded because of reported COVID-19 infections. Leandro González Pirez, Gonzalo Higuaín, Federico Higuaín and Andrés Reyes were among the players not suiting up Friday. We suffered that blow and were only able to get settled and play an even match for the last 15 minutes of the first half,” Inter Miami manager Diego Alonso said.
Inter Miami match against Atlanta United called off as players protest racial injustice
All rights reserved)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC mutually decided not to play their scheduled match on Wednesday night as multiple sports teams protest racial injustice. No other MLS games will be played on Wednesday, though a match between Orlando City and Nashville did go on as scheduled. The NBA called off its three scheduled playoff games on Wednesday after the Milwaukee Bucks announced that they would boycott Game 5 against the Orlando Magic. Additionally, WNBA players did not take the court for any of the league's three scheduled games. Major League Baseball also felt the impact of Wednesdays protests, with the Milwaukee Brewers home game against the Cincinnati Reds being cancelled due to players decision.
Inter Miami CF signs World Cup champ Blaise Matuidi
MIAMI – Inter Miami CF has added a World Cup winner. Owner David Beckham released a statement that read, “I couldn’t be happier to welcome my friend Blaise to Inter Miami. To have a World Cup winner of Blaise’s quality in our new team is such a proud moment- for us as owners and for our fans. Matuidi’s big moment on the international stage was in 2018, where he was a part of France’s World Cup winning squad. Inter Miami CF’s sporting director Paul McDonough said, “Blaise is one of the most successful midfielders of his generation and we’re thrilled to have him at Inter Miami.
Inter Miami CF future schedule released, will finally play first match at new Fort Lauderdale stadium
Over four months after its initially scheduled home opener, Inter Miami CF will play its first match in South Florida later this month. On Saturday, Aug. 22, Inter Miami will host Orlando City SC at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Games at Inter Miami CF Stadium are the Aug. 22 match against Orlando City, Wednesday, Aug. 26 against Atlanta United FC and Sunday, Sept. 6 against Nashville SC. Inter Miami has struggled thus far during its inaugural season, currently holding an 0-5-0 record and waiting for the franchise's first victory. Should a determination be made that fans are permitted to attend games, all home game tickets will be available one game at a time.
Inter Miami bounced from MLS tourney, still searching for first win
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scored midway through the second half, and New York City FC bounced Inter Miami from the MLS is Back tournament with a 1-0 victory Monday morning. The loss continued the miserable expansion season for Inter Miami, which became the first team in league history to lose its inaugural five matches. Inter Miami also became the first team officially eliminated from the tournament. With the victory, NYCFC kept alive its slim hopes of advancing in the tourney. NYCFC won for the first time in the 2020 season and guaranteed a third-place finish in Group A with three points.
Inter Miami Fans "Heartbroken" Over Postponed Home Opener
Inter Miami supporters group Southern Legion says it had about 200 black T-shirts made to commemorate Inter Miamis home opener and Major League Soccers first regular-season game in South Florida in 18 years. The tees included a drawing of Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and the date of the historic occasion. Major League Soccer inevitably followed suit Thursday by announcing it was suspending its season for 30 days postponing Inter Miamis long-awaited home opener in the process. This wasn't the first time Inter Miami has dealt with delays. Southern Legion members typically get together Saturdays to play soccer, sing, chant, and bang their drums at Urban Soccer Five.
browardpalmbeach.comInter Miami Fans "Heartbroken" Over Postponed Home Opener
Inter Miami supporters group Southern Legion says it had about 200 black T-shirts made to commemorate Inter Miamis home opener and Major League Soccers first regular-season game in South Florida in 18 years. The tees included a drawing of Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and the date of the historic occasion. Major League Soccer inevitably followed suit Thursday by announcing it was suspending its season for 30 days postponing Inter Miamis long-awaited home opener in the process. This wasn't the first time Inter Miami has dealt with delays. Southern Legion members typically get together Saturdays to play soccer, sing, chant, and bang their drums at Urban Soccer Five.
miaminewtimes.comThe Five Types of Inter Miami Fans
After years of waiting, Inter finally has some actual ftbol under its belt, giving Miami soccer fans a taste of what's to come. Here are the five types of Inter Miami fans we've noticed. If that isn't the clearest example of why some Inter Miami fans might just be in it for the midafternoon Saturday socializing, we don't know what is. Some fans just want a clean slate, and Inter Miami provides that. The greatest thing about Inter Miami is we're witnessing the beginning of a sports franchise, and that doesn't happen very often.
browardpalmbeach.comThe Five Types of Inter Miami Fan
After years of waiting, Inter finally has some actual ftbol under its belt, giving Miami soccer fans a taste of what's to come. Those first two games both losses have also provided a glimpse at the Inter Miami fan base heading into the team's first "home" game (see: 30 minutes north of Miami) this Saturday against the LA Galaxy. Here are the five types of Inter Miami fans we've noticed. The greatest thing about Inter Miami is we're witnessing the beginning of a sports franchise, and that doesn't happen very often. That something could be a championship one day and we'll all look back and reminisce about these initial days of Inter Miami.
miaminewtimes.comDespite Two Losses, Inter Miami Is Already Better Than Advertised
Inter Miami CF is now officially official, existing not only in imaginations but also on soccer pitches across the nation. Inter Miami, this is your Charlie Hough moment. pic.twitter.com/XkSwlRneeN Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 7, 2020New Favorite GIF ???????? pic.twitter.com/IGMUBcxzZ2 Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 7, 2020Manager Diego Alonso also has proven to be a good fit for the club thus far. Inter Miami is still looking for its first win on the field, but it has already won the attention of many curious South Floridians.
browardpalmbeach.comDespite Two Losses, Inter Miami Is Already Better Than Advertised
Inter Miami CF is now officially official, existing not only in imaginations but also on soccer pitches across the nation. Inter Miami, this is your Charlie Hough moment. pic.twitter.com/XkSwlRneeN Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 7, 2020New Favorite GIF ???????? pic.twitter.com/IGMUBcxzZ2 Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 7, 2020Manager Diego Alonso also has proven to be a good fit for the club thus far. Inter Miami is still looking for its first win on the field, but it has already won the attention of many curious South Floridians.
miaminewtimes.comThe Seven Best Free Things to Do in Miami This Week
This week can be a whole lot of exciting things, and the best part is that none of those things will break the bank. Here are the best free things to do in Miami this week:The Olympia Theater will host Flesh Memory in the heart of Black History Month: See Tuesday. YoungArts Miami 2020 runs February 25 through March 1 and showcases unique performances, exhibits, and other works by 80-plus emerging artists. Among the diverse happenings, the design, photography, and visual arts exhibition, curated by Edouard Duval-Carr, will open Thursday at 7 p.m. at YoungArts' Miami HQ. If pink is your passion, you'll want to be at the Wharf this Saturday for its Pink Pink Everything.
miaminewtimes.comThanks to Trademark Battle, Inter Miami Might Be Forced to Rebrand
Neither Inter Miami nor Inter Milan responded to a request for comment from New Times. Beckham and Miami MLS then unveiled the name Inter Miami (full name: Club Internacional de Ftbol Miami) in 2018. "Because of the widespread use of the term 'Inter' in soccer, the relevant consumers do not associate the term 'Inter' with one soccer team." Please check out this update I wrote on the battle for the use of INTER, which may eventually result in Inter Milan forcing Inter Miami to change its name. If its opposition claims are dismissed, Winker says Inter Milan could take Inter Miami to court to force the Magic City team to change its name.
browardpalmbeach.comThanks to Trademark Battle, Inter Miami Might Be Forced to Rebrand
Neither Inter Miami nor Inter Milan responded to a request for comment from New Times. Beckham and Miami MLS then unveiled the name Inter Miami (full name: Club Internacional de Ftbol Miami) in 2018. "Because of the widespread use of the term 'Inter' in soccer, the relevant consumers do not associate the term 'Inter' with one soccer team." Please check out this update I wrote on the battle for the use of INTER, which may eventually result in Inter Milan forcing Inter Miami to change its name. If its opposition claims are dismissed, Winker says Inter Milan could take Inter Miami to court to force the Magic City team to change its name.
miaminewtimes.comInter Miami Fans Indignant Over Potential Sponsorship Deal With Qatar
Less than two months until the beginning of its inaugural season, Inter Miami is still the only team in Major League Soccer (MLS) without a sponsorship deal. Yesterday, news surfaced that Inter Miami and co-owner David Beckham are in "high-level" discussions about making the State of Qatar the club's official sponsor. Reached by New Times, a spokesperson with Inter Miami declined to comment about the Athletic's reporting. Exclusive: David Beckham in high-level talks with Qatar over Inter Miami + personal sponsorship deal. For Qatar, Inter Miami offers a clear way to break into the MLS and build on its existing presence in the area.
miaminewtimes.comFive Gifts Miami's Sports Teams Can Give Each Other This Holiday Season
We'd like to imagine a world in which our local teams give each other gifts you know, like a family, only way richer. Likewise, we'd like to imagine a world in which our local teams give each other gifts you know, like a family, only way richer. The Miami Heat is the cream of the crop when it comes to South Florida sports franchises. Between Inter Miami and the Miami Heat, there are plenty of folks in town to get the Marlins' outfit game much tighter this holiday season. Updated Miami Marlins Farm System Rankings:FanGraphs: 4thBaseball America: 8thMLB Pipeline: 4thThe Miami Marlins are now a consensus Top 10 Farm System, 1.75 years after beginning their rebuild.
miaminewtimes.comInter Miami to play MLS home opener March 14
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - David Beckhams new MLS team will play its first home match against his former club. Inter Miami officials announced Wednesday that the club's home debut will be March 14 at 2:30 p.m. against the LA Galaxy. That means Inter Miami will begin its inaugural season on the road, since the 2020 MLS season is set to begin in late February. Inter Miami is building a 18,000-seat stadium and multifield training complex in Fort Lauderdale at the site of the now-demolished Lockhart Stadium, where the Miami Fusion of the MLS played from 1998 through 2001. He's part of the ownership of Inter Miami and carries the title of president of soccer operations.
City of Miami commissioner falls; key Freedom Park vote delayed
Around 4 p.m., Commissioner Manolo Reyes addressed the fellow commissioners in the chambers during a brief recess, letting them know he was going to the hospital, and requested key items related to Inter Miami CF be postponed. MIAMI, Fla. - The Miami City Commission postponed a vote today that would have addressed two agenda items that will impact the future of Miami's flagship Major League Soccer team. The second resolution item could delay the development of the Melreese Country Club site if the commissioners vote to halt negotiations with Freedom Park LLC, the entity working on behalf of Inter Miami, and instead reopen the site to competitive bidding. In November 2018, Miami voters approved a referendum in November 2018 to allow Miami commissioners to negotiate the 99-year lease agreement, a critical step forward for MLS and Beckham, who have been working to bring a team to Miami since 2014. Inter Miami CF will play its first two seasons in Fort Lauderdale starting in 2020.
Miami studying new contamination report at proposed Inter Miami stadium site
MIAMI - Miami's city manager has closed Melreese golf course as he studies why an environmental report commissioned by David Beckham's Inter Miami CF shows higher levels of toxins than a county environmental report in 2014. The report was commissioned for Inter Miami, which is currently negotiating a lease to build a proposed $1 billion soccer complex. "The results were quite alarming when it came to things like arsenic," Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez said. Beckham's Inter Miami group has said it will pay for the remediation and estimates the cost at $35 million. "Until such time our technical people and our experts tell me they feel that it's OK, then we'll open back [up] the golf course," he said.