Miami Wooing National Teams To Compete In First Soccer Series

The Miami-Dade Sports Commission (MDSC) Tuesday announced plans for the Miami Soccer Series, a "five-year initiative that seeks to attract major international matches and tournaments to Dolphin Stadium," according to Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. The MDSC is looking to get the involvement of national teams from Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Italy and Germany, as well as int'l pro clubs Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan. The commission is targeting February 11 "as the date for its debut exhibition match" and is receiving help from FIFA match agent and promoter Guillermo Tofoni. The goal of the proposal is to lure "seven to eight matches a year" to Dolphin Stadium. The new FIU football stadium could be used as a secondary venue. The MDSC also plans to bid on the FIFA Club World Cup (MIAMI HERALD, 4/16).