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Countdown to Kickoff: Opponent Previews – Miami

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Countdown to Kickoff: Opponent Previews – Miami


The ACC has always been home to chaos. Its former Coastal division even held the moniker of Coastal Chaos until the divisions were dropped. That’s why it’s fitting the ACC series that defies all logical sense and reasoning is among former Coastal opponents Miami and Georgia Tech. It doesn’t matter the record or talent level in this matchup because when these two meet dumb things happen.

Last year was all that bottled up in one special cocktail that would make the late great Jimmy Buffett even question if such a mixture should be legal. Miami had started their season hot going 4-0 behind an offense led by Tyler Van Dyke putting up 43 points per game with one big one over Texas A&M. Then they ran into statically the worst defense in the ACC (who could not stop Bowling Green the previous week) and fell flat on their faces. Yes, the same offense that shredded the likes of an SEC defense coughed up 5 turnovers to Georgia Tech. The last one was a fumble where Coach Cristobal took leave of his senses and summoned instant karma to the field when he should have taken a knee.

Now forgoing all the nonsense that Miami seems to conjure they put together quite a roster this year and that is what Cristobal was hired to do. In his time there he has signed the 7th and 4th overall recruiting classes for 2023 and 2024. Add in some proven playmakers off the transfer portal with returning production and this is the best roster in the ACC top to bottom right now. Now it’s time for Miami to put it all together and maybe just maybe be somewhat back…or in ACC terms finally winning the conference since joining.

Offense

Tyler Van Dyke had been effective at Miami off and on but injuries and inconsistency led to him transferring before the bowl game to Wisconsin. Miami floundered in the transfer portal for a while until Cam Ward withdrew his name from the NFL Draft and became one of the top transfers for this cycle. He was electric at Washington State with 3,732 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. His only knock was that he lost 12 fumbles. His passing production should remain strong with Miami bringing back their top two receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George who combined for almost 2000 yards and 14 touchdowns. Restrepo is a deadly weapon when it comes to finding gaps in the coverage.

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Miami used a committee running back approach last year and lost two key contributors with Henry Parrish and Don Chaney both leaving. So they decided to go after the other remnant of the Pac-2 and raid Oregon State for Damien Martinez who is probably one of the other top offensive transfers behind Cam Ward. Martinez will have three returning starters up front on the offensive line but they lose C Matt Lee and LG Javion Cohen from a unit that produced 173 rush yards per game. The lone question for this offense is whether the offensive line will perform to elevate the running game from 173 rush yards per game and give Cam Ward the same protection they gave Van Dyke allowing only 16 sacks.

Defense

While the offense is getting the focus from the transfer portal the defense took in most of the 15-player haul after seeing most of the starting production move on. The defensive line will most likely see three new faces from the portal but Rueban Bain does return on the edge and he will be one of the top defensive players to watch in the ACC this Fall. He had 7.5 sacks as a true freshman and will be key in trying to reproduce the pressure Miami generated on QBs last season.

If there is one area you can truly pick holes in this roster it will be in the secondary. They had lapses in coverage last year, especially to the teams with quality QBs on their schedule. The late fumble against Georgia Tech was bad enough to give the Yellow Jackets a chance but two straight plays of busted coverage and allowing a receiver to run free on a Hail Mary showed a lack of cohesion for assignments.

Daryl Porter will return at Corner to give some leadership to what will be the least experienced unit on the team. Miami will only return one INT in production and that will come from the LB Francisco Mauigoa who was also the team leader in tackles.

Special Teams

The kicking game is in good hands with Andres Borregales coming back from a nice 22 for 26 FG season last year with the longest from 51 yards. They return punter Dylan Joyce who averages 44 yards a punt. Miami will be looking for a new return man this season as Brashard Smith leaves with his 579 return yards from last year.

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Matchup

If we just looked at this game on paper it would appear Miami has all the advantages. They certainly kept Georgia Tech in check on offense until the last few drives last year so if they avoid some abysmally bad game management it would be wise to assume they can win in Atlanta. I’d still wager though that Georgia Tech’s offense could be one of the better ones Miami faces.

If there is going to be an upset in this one I think it will be how healthy each team’s roster looks late into the season. Georgia Tech benefits from having a bye week before the matchup and Miami will have just played their annual rivalry game with FSU two weeks prior. One thing Miami is always bad about though is letting one loss spiral into more so having FSU and a trap game against Duke right before could have Miami reeling.

Based on previous experience I’d say the wacky Georgia weather decides to deliver snow in November and freezes the Cane’s ability to move the ball while Georgia Tech runs off with a double-digit win. “When this series is played, the weird becomes normal.”



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Miami, FL

Inter Miami CF Announces Splendor Water as Club’s Official Premium Water | Inter Miami CF

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Inter Miami CF Announces Splendor Water as Club’s Official Premium Water | Inter Miami CF


The partnership debuts this Saturday, with Splendor Water as the presenting partner for Inter Miami’s all-or-nothing Game 3 playoff against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium

Inter Miami CF is thrilled to introduce Splendor Water, an Ecuadorian volcanic artesian water, as the Official Premium Water of Inter Miami CF. As an Official Club Partner, Splendor Water joins Inter Miami’s world-class roster of partners, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to building a portfolio of top-quality brands for its dedicated fans.

As Inter Miami is reshaping the fútbol landscape in the United States and globally, Splendor’s award-winning mineral water is set to hydrate and replenish the Club’s passionate fans on gameday as they enjoy every moment of the action on the pitch.

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The partnership will debut this Saturday, Nov. 9 with Splendor Water as the presenting partner for the all-or-nothing Game 3 of the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at Chase Stadium. As part of the excitement, the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited-edition co-branded rally towel from Splendor Water and Inter Miami CF. Additionally, as fans leave the stadium, the first 3,000 fans will receive a complimentary 250ml bottle of Splendor premium water.

“We welcome Splendor Water with open arms as our Club’s Official Premium Water,” said Euan Warren, Inter Miami CF Vice President of Partnerships. “We are proud to have another prominent international brand within our family of partners that will not only enhance the gameday experience at Chase Stadium for our passionate fans, but also shares a strong commitment to offering the best.”

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“The Splendor team is honored to join the Inter Miami family of partners at a time when both our brand and the Club are seeing increasing excitement and success,” said Sara Couch, Splendor Water Director of Growth and Operations. “We feel Inter Miami’s values and dedication to the growth of their team and athletes align perfectly with our mission and dedication to sharing this incredible water with the world, and providing access to all who seek its superior hydration and replenishment.”

As part of this multiyear collaboration, Splendor Water will become the entitlement partner of Chase Stadium’s East Club in the 2025 season, and launch engaging fan giveaways at select Inter Miami CF home matches. Additionally, Splendor Water will be prominently featured with in-stadium signage throughout Chase Stadium.

Splendor Water is a volcanic artesian mineral water, which filters naturally through the Cotopaxi Volcano and is bottled at its source in the Andes rainforest of La Maná, Ecuador. Splendor is one of the only waters in the world with naturally occurring colloidal gold and silver nanoparticles as well as natural electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium–a rare, naturally isotonic mineral combination. In efforts to promote environmental change, Splendor is actively working to become a certified B-Corporation with a commitment to recover and reuse at least 70% of its bottles and raw materials. Splendor is also a Smart Planet Certified brand, adhering to the mission of fostering environmental conservation. To share its appreciation for the land that helped create it, Splendor gives 1% of its gross sales back to environmental protection organizations and the people of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as a proud member of 1% for the Planet, through which one of their partnerships has deemed them the Official Conservation Ambassador of the Galapagos Islands.

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For more information please visit intermiamicf.com and splendorwater.com.





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More people sue Miami manufacturer after customers claim tabletop fire pits left them with severe burns – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

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More people sue Miami manufacturer after customers claim tabletop fire pits left them with severe burns – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale


(WSVN) – A Miami company that made tabletop fire pits is facing several lawsuits from customers, who said, they were badly burned. 7’s Heather Walker investigates.

We want to warn you, some of the pictures you’re about to see might be disturbing.

The ads made them seem warm and cozy. The tabletop fire pits were sold online.

Kayla Hominski said, for her, the flames sparked pain and suffering.

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Kayla Hominski, fire pit burn victim: “It’s life-altering, but my life is forever altered — physically, mentally, emotionally, in many ways.”

Kayla was burned on more than 40% of her body.

Kayla Hominski: “It just happened so quick.”

She was using her Colsen Fire Pit while entertaining friends one night.

When the flames appeared to go out, she asked her husband to re-light it.

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Kayla Hominski: “He went to pour the liquid in. As soon as that liquid was in the fire pit, it just was kind of like a fire ball, kind of an explosion.”

That explosion is called flame jetting. It occurs when someone pours a flammable liquid over an exposed fire. The flames can shoot out as far as 15 feet or more, burning people nearby.

Stuart Ratzan, attorney: “Flame jetting is not something people are familiar with. It’s an absolutely horrific situation, because it can burn somebody to death in a matter of seconds.”

Stuart Ratzan is representing Kayla in a federal lawsuit against Colsen Fire Pits LLC and two other companies.

According to the lawsuit, the product “produces flames that may not be readily visible,” “which increases the risk of flame jetting.”

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Kayla Hominski: “I just remember hearing screams and saying ‘You’re on fire!’ And I just remember kind of trying to slap off the fire, if you will. In those types of moments, you are in so much shock that you’re just kind of working to stay alive.”

Kayla was badly burned from head to toe. She spent weeks in the hospital enduring two skin graft surgeries and daily bandage changes.

Kayla Hominski: “I had to learn how to re-walk again. I basically had to relearn how to do most physical, everyday, day-to-day things that you don’t really think about.”

Even now, she still struggles with everyday life.

Kayla Hominski: “My children want to go to, like, a haunted house, and there’s a line that’s an hour long. I can’t stand in that line with them.”

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A total of 19 people claim the Colsen Fire Pit caused burn injuries.

We went to the Miami manufacturer, but no one answered the door or our phone calls.

Their website is shut down. The home page now has the recall notice urging customers to “stop using” the fire pit and “throw it in the trash.”

Kayla Hominsko: “I can proudly say I was part of that.”

Kayla is proud she helped bring about the recall, but now, she’s hoping her lawsuit will get her back on her feet financially.

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Heather Walker, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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MATCH PREVIEW: Inter Miami CF to Host Atlanta United for Decisive Third Match in Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3-series | Inter Miami CF

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MATCH PREVIEW: Inter Miami CF to Host Atlanta United for Decisive Third Match in Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3-series | Inter Miami CF


Inter Miami CF carries on with its playoffs campaign at home this Saturday, Nov. 9, hosting Atlanta United for what will be the third and decisive final match between the sides in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3-series. Kick off at Chase Stadoum is set for 8 p.m. ET.

Tickets

Secure your tickets HERE and support Inter Miami from the stands at Chase Stadium on Saturday!

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Parking

Before heading to the game, view Chase Stadium’s matchday parking information HERE! We encourage Fans to buy parking passes in advance of arrival to Chase Stadium. Buy your gameday parking pass HERE!

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Brightline – GOOOL Getter Trains

Inter Miami and Brightline are returning for another action-packed season! Take GOOOL GETTER trains and complimentary shuttles from Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station directly to all the Inter Miami CF matches this season at Chase Stadium!

Where to Watch

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV will broadcast every match of the postseason, including the MLS Cup Final presented by Audi. MLS Season Pass is available through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, as well as on the web at tv.apple.com. Fans can also access MLS Season Pass from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro, where they can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space; within an Environment, so the screen feels 100 feet wide; and in Spatial Audio for an even more immersive viewing experience.

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All matches feature commentary in English and Spanish, while select matches involving Canadian teams will also offer commentary in French.

Previous Match

Inter Miami CF fell 2-1 against Atlanta United on Saturday night in the second match in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series. Defender David Martínez scored the team’s goal on the night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the goal being his first for the Club.

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Inter Miami Leaders in 2024

Suárez lead the team in goals with 21, followed by captain Lionel Messi with 20. Messi is the top assist provider with 17, followed by Alba with 15.

Player Records and Milestones

Messi and forward Leonardo Campana are the two active leading scorers in Club history. Messi has 33 goals across all competitions (21 in MLS) and is the leading scorer in Club history, while Campana follows with 32 (28 in MLS). Messi (18 in MLS), meanwhile, is also the top assist provider in Club history with 24 across all competitions, followed by versatile attacker Robert Taylor (15 in MLS) with 22 across all competitions.

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Drake Callender and Taylor are the players with most appearances for Inter Miami with 114 and 108 across all competitions respectively. In terms of MLS appearances, In terms of MLS appearances, Callender leads with 92 (three in playoffs), while Taylor follows in second place with 88 (one in playoffs). Additiionally, Campana is the third player with most games for Inter Miami with 99 across all compeitions and is nearing the 100 appearance milestone.

Inter Miami CF in Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs

With a win on Saturday, Inter Miami would advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the winner of the Round One series between Charlotte FC and Orlando City. The first semifinals game would be played the weekend of Nov. 23.

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MLS Cup Playoffs Experience

Inter Miami faces its third playoffs campaign in Club history with championship experience in its roster.

Head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino led Atlanta United to the MLS Cup title in 2018, with versatile midfielder Julian Gressel being a member of the winning team. Gressel also won the MLS Cup in 2023 while playing for the Columbus Crew.

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Additionally, goalkeeper Callender, defender Ryan Sailor Sailor and attacker Taylor featured in the Club’s previous MLS Cup Playoffs appearance in 2022.

Previously Against Atlanta United

Inter Miami and Atlanta United will meet for the fifth time this MLS campaign and 17th time in Club history. In all, the Herons have recorded six wins, six losses and four draws in the previous encounters between the sides.

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Scouting Atlanta United

Atlanta United will visit South Florida currently holding a record on the road of four wins, eight losses and six draws this MLS campaign, including the 2-1 loss against Inter Miami in the first match of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3-series.

Midfielder Saba Lobjanidze has been the team’s leader this MLS season, tallying 10 goals and seven assists thus far.

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