Prelude to the 2014 World Cup

Dr. Anthony Ferrara and Student Doctor Melamed were co-directors for the medical teams participating in the International "friendly game" between Nigeria and Mexico last night at the GA-Dome. This is the second major soccer game they have participated in this year. Dr. Ferrara said, "It is always a pleasure bringing our medical expertise and love of soccer to the same platform in one night as well as be part of such an enormous event." With nearly 70,000 people in attendance, it was the highest number of fans to ever see a soccer game at the Georgia Dome.

During the game Dr. Ferrara and the medical team successfully took care of one of the Nigerian soccer players. Both the player and the team were extremely grateful for the quality medical care and genuine concern.

Even though the game ended in a tie, the level of excitement and demonstration of great athletic skills kept the near-capacity crowd on their feet and cheering throughout the event. In fact, the organizers are already talking about another match-up, in Atlanta. The popularity of soccer in Atlanta is obvious. Bringing high hopes and more than a little speculation toward the possibility of creating a Major League Soccer team for our city, in the very near future.