On the heels of an inspiring late-season turnaround, the Miami Fusion has extended the contract of head coach Ivo Wortmann through the 1999 season. Wortmann — whose contract included an option for 1999 — took over the last-place Fusion in July and guided the team to the playoffs in its inaugural season. “We are very happy that Mr. Wortmann has agreed to stay with us for another year, and we hope to have a very long relationship with him after that year,” said Miami COO Betty D’Anjolell. “We’re proud to have one of the best coaches working in the United States. Ivo took the team from a very low morale situation and turned it into a team that was highly motivated to win games. He was able to instill enthusiasm in the team, working closely with each player so that they understand their jobs on the field.” Wortmann – who coached Saudi Arabia in the 1996 Olympics – said he’s looking forward to Year Two with the Fusion. “I am very excited because we did a lot in two months, and now, looking forward to next year, I think we can make this team better and keep the same good environment, the same spirit,” he said. “I’m very excited because I like the organization and I like to live in this area. I like the soccer environment. I was very surprised at how enthusiastic were our fans, and I feel anxious and excited for next season.” Wortmann is the second Brazilian to coach in MLS and the first to make the playoffs. The other Brazilian was Carlos Alberto Parreira, who coached Brazil to the World Cup title in 1994 but failed to make the playoffs with the MetroStars in 1997. Under Wortmann, the Fusion went 7-6 in the regular season, seizing fourth place on August 15th and holding it through the season’s end. Three of the Fusion’s first four wins under Wortmann came on goals in the final four minutes of play. The Fusion scored 27 goals in his 13 games (2.1 per game), more than doubling the team’s previous average.