Romario’s Hat Trick Leads Miami FC

On a beautiful afternoon in South Florida, Miami FC played the current USL champions, Seattle Sounders, at Tropical Park Stadium, coming away with an exciting 5-3. The game was televised live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Former Brazilian World Cup star Romario led the winning effort with a three-goal hat trick.

The first half ended with a 2-1 lead for the South Floridians. Miami FC got on the board first thanks to a great shot inside the box by Mike Adeyemi. It was the first goal of the season for the Nigerian midfielder.

Seattle played a man down since the 26th minute when Andrew Gregor was given a red card for violent conduct in a play with Brazilian Diego Walsh. However, Seattle tied the game in the 31st minute on Weaver’s 5th goal of the season.

Shortly after in the 45th minute, Romario was taken down in the box by two Sounder defenders and was awareded a pentaly kick. The USL’s top scorer, Romario, converted it for his seventh goal of the season.

At the beginning of the second half, Keel tied the game for the Sounders.

Later on, Romario gave Miami FC the lead back after capitalizing on a brilliant pass by Mario Rodriguez.

But a minute later O’Brien tied it for Seattle on a penalty kick.

Then again, Romario was not done and with two minutes left in the game he made a spectacular diving header on a cross by Ziinho. That was the game winner for Miami FC; 4-3. With that goal, Romario brought his goal total to nine goals with Miami FC.

To close the deal for Miami FC was Colombian Oscar Gil’s goal during injury time that solidified the score to 5-3.

Next up for Miami FC is the Portland Timbers, at PGE Park on Sunday, July 2.

Miami FC 5, Seattle Sounders 3
Tropical Park Stadium, Miami
Sunday, June 18, 2006 5:00 PM EST
Weather: Cloudy

Summary:
MIA: Adeyemi 12
SEA: Weaver (Levesque) 32
MIA: Romario (pen.) 45
SEA: Keel 49
MIA: Romario (M Rodriguez) 66
SEA: O’Brien (pen.) 68
MIA: Romario (Walsh) 88
MIA: Gil 90