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Nu Stadium party! Inter Miami host epic home opener | MLSSoccer.com

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Nu Stadium party! Inter Miami host epic home opener | MLSSoccer.com


MIAMI – Fans, celebrities and media flocked to Nu Stadium on Saturday to experience opening night at Inter Miami CF’s brand new, soccer-specific venue.

The Herons were up for the occasion, throwing an epic housewarming party capped by a 2-2 comeback draw against Austin FC. 

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Club legends Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez provided the goals that paced Miami to a dramatic start to life in their new home. 

“Today, it’s clear that for the last 20 to 25 minutes, we took a lot of risks,” head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters post-match.

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“But we’re at home. We’re MLS [Cup] champions, and we have to show it.”

Electric atmosphere

The Herons went all out to make Nu Stadium’s opening match one to remember, christening their state-of-the-art Downtown Miami digs with fireworks and rousing pre-game speeches from co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham. 

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Famed Miami resident and four-time Grammy Award winner Marc Anthony then belted out a stirring rendition of the national anthem, setting the stage for 90-plus minutes of non-stop chanting, cheering, and drumming from the sellout crowd of 26,700. 

“It was beautiful. A sold-out crowd of people who made the effort to come and see us. And honestly, they cheered us from beginning to end,” said defender Maxi Falcón. 

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“For them to welcome us like that, with today’s spectacle, it was beautiful for us.”

That electric atmosphere helped the Herons recover quickly from Guilherme Biro’s sixth-minute opener for Austin, with Messi responding four minutes later to score Miami’s first-ever goal at their new home with a precise header.

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A similar scenario played out in the second half, with fans spurring the Herons on as Suárez came off the bench to cancel out Jayden Nelson’s go-ahead strike by rifling home from close range in the 82nd minute. 

Nu Stadium briefly erupted in pandemonium after Suárez appeared to score a last-gasp winner, only for the goal to be called off. 

“On the field, you could definitely feel the atmosphere – especially when you score a goal to tie it up late,” said goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

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“We pushed for the winner as well, and we felt that the crowd was really with us and pushing and kind of suffocating them.”

World-class venue

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While Saturday’s draw wasn’t the result they wanted, Inter Miami can take pride in boasting one of the best sporting venues in the world, according to MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 

“They’ve done the unthinkable. The stadium is spectacular, it’s breathtaking,” Garber said. “Jose and Jorge [Mas] spoke to me this morning and they said, ‘I wish I could be with you when you walk in because it will take your breath away.’ And it did. It’s absolutely spectacular.”

“It feels to me like a building that can rival any sports facility anywhere in the world. Not just soccer stadiums, but any sports building. I’m very proud of them.”

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For Mas, the venue that anchors the broader Miami Freedom Park project could launch the club to transformative heights. 

“Today we’re home,” Mas told the crowd during his pre-game speech. “I think this is a personification of what’s possible. I think it’s an amazing stadium, an amazing environment. 

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“And, listen, our goal is to lift trophies and win championships, and I think this will be a proper home to do that with and for our fans.”

Made in Miami 

Saturday’s match carried extra meaning for Miami beyond the outcome. 

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After six years playing 30 miles to the north in Fort Lauderdale, the Herons are now officially setting roots in Miami proper. 

“[For the] fans to be able to have a permanent home where they know they’ll be here,” said St. Clair. “So I think for us, you just want to be able to reward the fans and give them wins and show them the effort. And be willing to do everything for the badge and for the club.” 

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Beckham, who helped plant the seeds of Inter Miami over a decade ago, was especially proud. 

“To see this stadium come to life after years and years of trying to get this stadium up and running in Miami is something very special,” said the England and LA Galaxy legend. “I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago and I made a lot of promises. And 13 years ago, I made a lot of promises again, announcing that I was coming to Miami. 

“And today is just a dream come true for us.”

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In with the Nu

With Nu Stadium’s first match in the books, Inter Miami are looking to build on the legacy they’ve already created with MLS Cup 2025, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup 2023 titles. 

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“I think the favorite part is still to come,” said Mas. “Everything to now has been frankly extremely stressful, the last few months. But I think the culmination of lifting an MLS Cup, us together here in December, would be a great shining cap off to an amazing year.” 

Miami’s players, meanwhile, are more focused on the short-term. 

“We’re a little bitter about not taking all three points because we know we’re a strong team,” said Falcón.

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“…. We showed it last year, especially towards the end of the season. We have to get back to that, get our heads together and prepare well for our next game.”





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Strong storm topples trees, damages homes in a Miami-Dade neighborhood, with days of cleanup ahead for residents

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Strong storm topples trees, damages homes in a Miami-Dade neighborhood, with days of cleanup ahead for residents



A fast-moving storm swept through the Palm Springs North neighborhood early Tuesday evening, knocking down trees, damaging homes, and leaving some residents with days of cleanup ahead.

The damage was concentrated in a small area, where powerful wind and heavy rain uprooted large trees and scattered debris across front yards. A massive tree fell onto its side, trapping a small car beneath its branches.

The Gamba family spent hours clearing debris from their property, working late into the night with chainsaws and hand tools.

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“I just want to clear as much as possible so that the city can take the rest tomorrow,” said Jose Gamba.

Just around the corner, strong gusts tore shingles from a home, leaving them strewn across the yard. Viewers shared videos showing intense rain and wind pounding the neighborhood as outdoor furniture was sent flying.

“Not even a hurricane took this down, but this did in two seconds,” Gamba said about the tree in his parents’ yard. “We didn’t expect this to happen”.

Florida Power and Light crews were in the area after nightfall, working to restore power and address downed lines caused by the storm.

Despite the damage, neighbors said the overall impact was limited.

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“They used to have shade, and now that’s gone,” Gamba said about the downed tree. “That’s probably the worst part”.

No injuries were reported.



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Unlicensed contractor arrested after allegedly scamming Miami Catholic school out of $220,000

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Unlicensed contractor arrested after allegedly scamming Miami Catholic school out of 0,000



A Miami‑Dade County man is behind bars after authorities say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Catholic school for repairs that were never completed.

Nestor Olivares, 50, is charged with grand theft of more than $100,000, organized fraud and operating without a contractor’s license, according to court records. Investigators allege the theft began in 2024 and involved money paid to repair the roof at St. Kevin’s Catholic School.

Court documents show the school paid Olivares more than $220,000 beginning last year for materials and labor to fix the roof. However, prosecutors say no work was ever done.

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During a bond court hearing Monday, Olivares appeared before a judge and spoke through an interpreter.

“He doesn’t have a valid contractor license in the state of Florida or Miami‑Dade County,” Judge Mindy Glazer said during the hearing.

According to investigators, Olivares later tried to negotiate with the school after the work failed to materialize. 

Court records state he ultimately promised to issue a full refund by Feb. 26, but the school never received a payment.

After his arrest, Olivares told investigators he was unable to repay the full amount at one time, the documents say.

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Olivares remains in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $30,150 bond. As a condition of his release, he will be required to prove any money used to post bond comes from a legitimate source.



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Dolphins 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami could catch the wave just right and get a monster draw in the top-50 picks

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Dolphins 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami could catch the wave just right and get a monster draw in the top-50 picks


The Miami Dolphins will serve as one of the main characters for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts across the internet have propositioned countless player combinations for Miami’s seven-pick top-100 haul that is scheduled for the end of the month. I hope you’re ready for another one.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins will serve as one of the main characters for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts across the internet have propositioned countless player combinations for Miami’s seven-pick top-100 haul that is scheduled for the end of the month. I hope you’re ready for another one.

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Here’s my latest 2026 7-round Miami Dolphins mock draft, in which I used the new A to Z Sports NFL mock draft simulator to make my picks.

Miami Dolphins 2026 7-round NFL mock draft secures plug-in starters at several positions

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

11th overall – SAF Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes

I’d be willing to bet the Dolphins are eager to do as general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has alluded and build this roster from the inside out. But head coach Jeff Hafley did recently disclose just how important safeties are to how he calls a football game. I’d take 1+1 and accept that it equals two: Downs would have a strong argument for best player on the board and fits a vital position for the Dolphins.

Key players not on the board in this simulation: OT Francis Mauigoa (Miami), EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State), CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)

Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

30th overall – EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson Tigers

I have long maintained that this draft will get interesting fast for the Dolphins. If Clemson EDGE TJ Parker is on the board, he’d serve as an excellent option for a pass rush room that needs more snap takers, more physicality, and more competition. Parker makes for an excellent foil in skills opposite Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche. The question isn’t if the Dolphins should draft Parker, but rather if he’ll make it to pick No. 30 overall. He did in this simulation and I gobbled him up.

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

43rd overall – OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M Aggies

The risk Miami is taking from a depth of draft position cannot be underestimated in this draft. There are 10 firm contenders in the offensive line group to hear their names called in the top-40 picks. If that entire group runs off the board, you could be on the outside looking in.

I took the risk at 11th overall because of Downs’ value, then the value at No. 30 because I got a high-volume player to rush the passer. Bisontis does not have offensive tackle flexibility but would likely present an upgrade at offensive guard. Seeing his name on the list of available players list at No. 43 made for a quick decision.

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) reacts after his touchdown against the UAB Blazers in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

75th overall – WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies

Miami’s dream scenario in the top-50 still leaves four third-round selections to make and plenty of position groups that need attention. I’ll start with a double-dip at wide receiver to capitalize on the depth of the pass-catcher group in the 2026 NFL Draft with third round picks. Bell is a 2025 breakout player who thrived as a marquee option for the Huskies; he thrived with the ball in his hands and downfield thanks to his speed and explosiveness.

Bell is a little rough around the edges and drops were an issue prior to 2025, which is why he may end up on the board with Miami’s pick here.

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Ted Hurst (7) of Georgia State lines up during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

87th overall – WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State Panthers

As promised, a double dip at wide receiver. There are still going to be major questions about QB Malik Willis’ supporting cast after drafting Bell and now Ted Hurst, but at least there’s youth, explosiveness, downfield ability, and potential for the Dolphins to embrace in a wide open competition for playing time. Hurst is a long-framed receiver who also flashes great open-field ability and vertical receiving as the Dolphins seek to build explosive plays off of their potential running game.

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) reacts after a play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

90th overall – CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies

There’s a certain DNA that many of the corners in Miami’s position room share this offseason. Big, physical, and long. Prysock is all of the above. He’s a legit 6-foot-3, has an 80.5″ wingspan (95th percentile for cornerbacks since 1999) and he offers the profile of a press corner to compete for playing time in Miami along with the other dozen corners the Dolphins have hoarded.

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

94th overall – LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines

If you like players who are compared to the Tasmanian Devil, you’re in luck. Barham is an absolutely unhinged player in the best way possible. He’s aggressive, he punches above his weight class, and he could serve as a hybrid linebacker/edge defender player for a little front flexibility for Coach Hafley. His profile as an edge is only scratching the surface of his potential but slotting him into the room with Parker and the veteran group gives Miami a chance to see someone emerge.

Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Hezekiah Masses (5) during the third quarter against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

130th overall – CB Hezekiah Masses, California Golden Bears

Masses isn’t big like Prysock. But man, is he a tenacious son of a gun out there on the perimeter. Masses is an “in your face” player at the cornerback position and I love his attitude on film. When Jeff Hafley says ‘put on the tape’ to determine if someone loves football, Masses is the kind of player that comes to mind.

Dec 31, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dallen Bentley (88) carries the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Rex Guthrie in the first half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

151st overall – TE Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes

Bentley was a breakout player for the Utes offense in 2025. He’s a sure-handed, big-bodied receiving type at tight end who showcases sufficient ability to make plays underneath in the passing game. There’s some surprising “after catch” skills to work with here for Bentley in his bid to win a role in the tight end room.

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

227th overall – FB Max Bredeson, Michigan Wolverines

Miami does not currently have a fullback on the roster and it is probably safe to assume that they will add one. Bredeson fits the mauler play style that I suspect this team is after amid the talk of the tone and intensity they play the game with.

Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal (4) against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium.
Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal (4) against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium.Chris Jones-Imagn Images

238th overall – QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks

Daniels is my mock draft quarterback of choice to join the quarterback room behind Malik Willis. Getting a signal caller with some similar traits, even if they aren’t the same caliber, should be an objective to allow the identity of the offense to stay the same if injuries arise in 2026.

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