Fort Lauderdale Strikers Preview 2011

The Strikers are back and with a vengeance! Gone are the Miami FC Blues as Traffic, owners of the team (And most of the NASL) are ready to put that nightmare behind them. Aaron Davidson set out to make the NASL a legitmate league by hiring new NASL commissioner David Downs. Of course, we here in South Florida know the ultimate move was to bring back Tim Robbie as President of the New Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Robbie hit the ground running and has been all over the papers, radio and TV. He has been hit with a dilemma... Not having enough seats to sell. That is a great problem to have! We can safely say that Davidson finally made the right decisions. Bringing back the Strikers name and appointing the right people in the right job. But what about the players on the field?

Coach Daryl Shore comes back in what will be his first real full season. Shore came in last year turning a Miami FC team around from a losing team to a winner. Unfortunately the team didn't make the playoffs but we come into 2011 with a clean slate and the responsibility of maintaining the historical precedence set forth by the original Strikers: They never missed the playoffs.

Now lets look at the players that are IN and those that are OUT.

OUT
Paulo Araujo Jr Real Salt Lake MLS D1
JP Rodrigues Playing for our rivals FC Tampa NASL D2. Be sure to call him a traitor next time we see him. =)
Christiano Dias NSC Minnesota Stars NASL D2
Lance Parker FC Edmonton NASL D2
Mike Randolph Los Angeles Blues USL Pro D3
Chuckwudi Chijindu Los Angeles Blues USL D3
Gerson Mayen Chivas USA MLS D1
Kyle Veris Pittsburgh Riverhounds USL Pro D3
Edward Santeliz Suchitepequez D1 Liga National de Futbol de Guatemala
Stephan Jerome Sigma Olomouc D1 Gambrinus Liga (Czech Republic)
Jaryd Goldberg ?
Christian Gomez ? China
Caleb Patterson Railhawks NASL D2

IN

Goalkeepers

Matt Glaeser returns after a strong finish as the starting GK with the Miami FC Blues last season.

Phillip Lamarre came on loan for a month last year from Tampa. He made the right decision leaving the hated Rowdies. Phil is from Plantation, FL.

Nic Platter, formerly of the Minnesota Thunder (Now NSC Minnesota Stars) If recent lineups are any indication it looks like Platter will be the starter. Be sure to follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/isnapfotos

Defenders

Aaron Hohlbein A solid defender that came in last year and changed our backline. Formerly with the Kansas City Wizards (Now Sporting KC) A definite starter and team Captain.
Christian Arrieta has played all over. Leece in Italy, Puerto Rico Islanders, Philidephia Union. He has a great track record. I'd put my money on him starting.

Adam "Batman or the Mayor" West (Yes, yes, I'm sure he hear that a lot!) Formerly played for the Tacoma Tide, Milwaukee Wave of MISL and the now self relegated
to D-3 Rochester Rhinos.

Scott "The Commissioner" Gordon (Sorry, I just had too!) Gordon is originally from Boca Raton, FL and has played for FC Dallas and Lynn University.


Zach "Beowulf" Kirby A fan favorite who previously played for the Atlanta Silverbacks, LA Galaxy and Wilmington Hammerheads.

Lance Laing this defender from Trelawny, Jamaica has played for Harbour View FC and Village United.

Martyn Lancaster from Wigan, England has played for Chester City, Wilmington Hammerheads, Atlanta Silverbacks, Queen of the South, Ljungskile SK to name a few. Another fan favorite, look for him to start as well.

Midfielders

Eduardo "Cacho" Coudet from Buenos Aires, Argentina is perhaps the most storied of the Strikers players having shined with River Plate and gone on to other teams such as Celta de Vigo, Philadelphia Union and many more.

Bryan Arguez a local young promise has played with Hertha Berlin, DC United and USA youth teams. Follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryan_arguez17


Lennon Eduardo Carvalho Celestino from Sao Paulo, Brazil was plagued by injury last year. We hope to see more of him this year.

Grant Kerr from Linlithgow, Scotland has played for Fordham University and Southend United.

Paulo Henrique Le Petit from São Carlos, Brazil. Le Petit has shown sparks of his talent last year. We will see what he can bring with the Strikers.

Martin Nuñez from Montevideo, Uruguay is another player that came at the end of last year and impressed. He has played with the Carolina Railhawks and Puerto Rico Islanders.

Patrick Otte has played with the Middlesbourgh Academy, Ventura County Fusion and the U.S. youth teams.

Mike Palacio has played for the New York Red Bulls and Serbian team Radnicki Obrenovac to name a few.

Toni Stahl from Tuusula, Finland has played for the University of Connecticut, FC Espoo and the Philadelphia Union.

Brian Shriver is from Clearwater, Florida and has played with the Carolina Dynamo, Carolina RailHawks and the U-23

Forwards

David Santamaria impressed during Traffic's combine last year and was signed by the Strikers. Keep an eye on this young promise!

Abe Thompson ended the 2010 season as the leading scorer of the team. An MLS veteran who has played for FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo and Kansas City. Look for "Honest" Abe to be the starting forward.

Aaron Wheeler comes to the Strikers from the evil FCTampa, he has since been cleansed and repented. Aaron has also played for the Vancouver Whitecaps and Reading Rage. You can follow his Twitter: http://twitter.com/AaWheeler12

Are you ready to see the Strikers this weekend? Tickets are still available visit www.strikers.com

Be sure to check out the GAME DAY GUIDE for a map of the stadium and events!  Tailgate starts at 5pm! 4 pm if you want to hang out with South Florida United and the Miami Ultras.

All pictures by Robert Scorca
Don't forget to join www.naslguru.com the new NASL game and follow them on:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/naslguru
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NASLGuru
Share this game with your friends! Find the Guru inside you!

SF Soccer News: Robbie takes over Strikers. Ray Hudson 4 Life campaign and Gold Cup

Here is a recap of South Florida Soccer news for today.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers
The Sun Sentinel announced yesterday that the Strikers will have a press conference today to announce that Tim Robbie will take over as the Strikers President, replacing Aaron Davidson who will now concentrate on his role as NASL CEO.
The press conference was scheduled for today at noon at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Reports tell us Robbie has been on the job since Monday. Here are a few quotes from today's event.

"I am convinced that soccer in South Florida is here to stay"
"We are starting a venture that has the foundation for tremendous success"
"We intend to put a team on the field that will...compete for a championship in a reasonable amount of time."
Tim Robbie

The Robbie family has been involved with the South Florida sports community since 1966 when they brought in the Dolphins and the old Fort Lauderdale Strikers to our area in 1977. By bringing Tim Robbie into the mix Traffic Sports, owners of The Strikers (And most of the NASL) have brought immediate credibility to the Strikers name as well as someone that is very much respected in our community for his contribution to soccer and sports in general.

For more information please visit www.strikers.com
UPDATE: Full audio at NASL.com http://nasl.com/media/audioPlayer/id/10336

Ray Hudson 4 Life

South Florida soccer fans and supporters group the Miami Ultras have started a campaign to retire the number 4 jersey belonging to former Strikers player Ray Hudson.

While there have been many great players for the Strikers, there has been only one that truly left his mark on South Florida soccer. When you think of the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers one name comes to mind above all others and that name is Ray Hudson. Ray has left his mark on South Florida soccer like no other. He wore the hoops longer than any other Striker, commentated and coached for the Miami Fusion, still lives in Fort Lauderdale and can be heard on Gol TV.

If you want to read more about this and contribute to this noble cause visit www.miamiultras.com
You can also join the Strikers 4 Life facebook page

Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is coming to Miami and matches are set to play at FIU Stadium on June 10. The games will be :

Jamaica vs Guatemala at 7:00 PM

Granada vs Honduras at 9:00 PM

Major League Soccer players that may be involved are:

Jamaican National team
Dane Richards New York Red Bulls
Omar Cummings Colorado Rapids
Ryan Johnson San Jose Earthquakes
Shavar Thomas Sporting Kansas City
Shaun Francis Columbus Crew
Lovel Palmer Houston Dynamo

Guatemala National team
Carlos Ruiz Philadelphia Union

Honduran National team
Marvin Chávez FC Dallas
Roger Espinoza Sporting Kansas City
Mauricio Castro New England Revolution

For ticket information visit Gold Cup.
You can also join the page on  facebook

NASL Commissioner Candidates

Hola amigos! We all have heard about the new NASL and hope it will one day reach the glory of the old league back in the 70's and 80's. So Burrito listen to "Its called Football" interview of NASL CEO Aaron Davidson and he mentions an NASL Commissioner...
So, Burrito decide to make a list to help out el Senor Davidson and the rest of the NASL teams make a decision on the best candidates out there so they can SIZE them up... hmmm --->

So here it is, in no real order of preference:

Ray Hudson
Currently a GOL TV commentator. Has the best quotes ever in the history of Futbol! Imagine how the press conferences could be!? Just the other day he say: "Ronaldo's gem is a Koh-i-Noor diamond of a hit & bamboozles poor Iraizoz who's got eyes like Marty Feldman seeing that coming at him."... whatever that mean... Ok, so Ray was the coach of Burrito's favorite teams of all time, the Miami Fusion! He also coach DC United and played for such teams as Newcastle United and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers with Nene Cubillas and George Best just to name a few! Who better to lead the NASL than someone who played in the old NASL?

Fernando Clavijo
USA national team player, Ex Coach for the Colorado Rapids, New England revolution, Haitian national team and so on. He even comes out as commentator on Univision sometimes. Fernando is currently working for Traffic Sports owners of Miami FC and has brought youth talent such as Gale Agbossoumonde, among others. Fernando is a very down to earth person who goes out of way to talk to anyone about futbol. Clavijo would be an asset to the NASL guiding them to future glory. Clavijo, Clavijo, he's our man if he can't do it no one can!

Eric Wynalda
Soccer legend, 2nd all time leading scorer for the USA. He one time play for Miami Fusion. Said to be in the eye of Chivas USA for open coach position. He speaks his mind and don't take caca from anyone. If he have to he do what Burrito do when other dawgs that get in Burritos face; Wynalda hump them and dominate them and say "Yeah who's the bitch now?..." like he say to Jim Rome... (ok, ok he didn't say that to Rome but he should have!) but Burrito digress... Eric would work to make NASL a league like no other. Sure, he sometimes doesn't think when he talk but who doesn't? Give Burrito Wynalda or give him death!

Marcelo Balboa
Experienced MLS player, like Clavijo also speaks Spanish. Passionate to the point of orgasm about futbol, Marcelo would do anything for the sport. He once cut his famous hair for charity! Burrito need to point out his hair was never cut since 1994! You no believe? check out video, sorry it in Spanish. (At about the 6 minute mark)
Henry Kissinger
German born, ex secretary of state under Nixon. Nobel peace prize winner. His Love of Futbol is legendary. He was once Chairman of the old NASL. Kissinger is a famous person with all the right connections. He would be an asset to NASL from the start! (as long as he doesn't fall asleep!)
In 1986 Henry Kissinger wrote "World Cup According to Character" for The Los Angeles Times.
Here is a little bit:

Soccer has never taken hold in the United States partly because neither a national team nor a national style has been encouraged. Still, as an unreconstructed fan, I hope for another attempt to popularize the sport...

Read entire article HERE

Kartik Krishnaiyer
Kartik is Burrito's compadre and as mentioned in previous blog entry: "Eats, drinks, talks and even sleeps with soccer. (Burrito hopes he use protection!)" Currently he works as NASL PR and Communication Guru so he already in the loop! He is no 'Yes' man and speaks his mind. Kartik knows a lot about Futbol in USA and more important is so passionate about it that he would work 24 hours a day to make the NASL the best league in the Universe! Aliens beware of Commissioner Kartik!

Zinedine Zidane
What is ZZ doing now? He is a retired French World Cup-winning futballer. Widely considered one of futbols all-time greats, Zidane played for club teams in France, Italy and Spain. A great player on the field and a humanitarian off the field Burrito think Zidane would be perfect as the new NASL Commissioner! Worse case scenario if he no like someone he can always head butt them!

Francisco Marcos
Jajaja! Sorry, Burrito laugh in Spanish here translation to English: "Hahaha" Burrito just kitten! Pero Marcos have over 30 years experience with USL here in USA. Maybe if the money is right he say hasta la vista USL and come to NASL in search of more moneys and look to repair his legacy witch is tarnished by the bad move in selling USL to Nurock. Si, all USL had to do was talk to the teams and none of this would have happened! Que pendejos!

Dennis Rodman
He's a drunk, party animal who now make living doing what he do best... partying and getting drunk! Would he be good for NASL and Futbol in general in the USA? Hell no! Butt Burrito think
he would bring much attention to the sport with his wild antics. Burrito bet NASL would be on ESPN sports center everyday! Hire the vato for 30 days and everyone in USA will know NASL exists, its about getting free advertising!

Diego Armando Maradona
Considered along with Pele the greatest Futbol player to walk the Earth. Suspended for talking bad to the press, his time as Argentina coach was numbered cause you know he bound to do something crazy! Like Rodman he would attract attention to the league but in Maradona's case the whole world would know! He wont be in office long enough anyway, you can expect him to get fired for drugs, women or booze! Offer Maradona an office in Miami and he will be only 90 miles away from his buddy Fidel Castro! Everyone in the world would know about the NASL for sure!

Victoria Beckham
Now here is a woman who's leg Burrito would like to hump! Victoria must be bored with the kids in LA and after years of managing "Golden Huevos" career she must have tons of Futbol connections all over the world. She would be perfect as NASL Commissioner since you know she's got the pants in her family! Wherever she goes Becks will follow or else she put him on restriction!

Burrito hope NASL bigwigs read this list and give Burrito's suggestions a thought.
Burrito like to thank Robert Scorca for giving him bone and ideas (even though Burrito prefers quesadillas!) and Kartik for being a good sport.

The End of MLS Miami? Marcelo Claure meets with Miami FC and FC Tampa Bay

Reliable sources tell us Marcelo Claure (Brightstar) one time MLS Barcelona Miami bid head and Aaron Davidson, President of Miami FC met Thursday at 9 AM at Traffic Sports USA headquarters in Miami.

It is known Claure has already met with FC Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Claure, frustrated after his Major League Soccer adventure and fed up with Don Garber, has been itching for involvement of some sort in Florida Soccer for sometime now and has seen the excellent signings and progress Tampa has made so far this year. Tampa seems like a better investment for now, pending whatever Miami FC could muster up in the next months before the start of the USSF Div2 Season. (A NASL and USL combined league)

Signs indicate Claure has agreed to collaborate with both Tampa and Miami teams though details of the deal if any are not set in stone.

It's a positive sign for Soccer in Florida since we know Marcelo Claure has the resources and know how to make a great contribution to Soccer in this state. But questions still remain... Is any hopes of MLS now dead in the state of Florida? Claure was thought Miami's best hope for MLS but sources tell us he, like many other investors cringe at the thought of MLS's current Soccer monopoly (Single entity system).

More details as this story develops.

Miami FC President Aaron Davidson talks about the New League, the WC in Miami and more

Miami FC President Aaron Davidson was on WQAM 560 yesterday and spoke a little to the Big O about the new, yet to be named TOA League. He Speaks about Miami FC, Traffic Sports and the Miami World Cup bid.

Check it out, Press play:




All South Florida Soccer Fans need to listen to the Big O (Orlando Alzugaray) everyday from 2pm to 4pm. The Big O loves Soccer so be sure to write to him at BigO@wqam.com and let him know you want to hear about Miami FC and Soccer in General.

If you like good Soccer then be sure to follow this weekends World Cup qualifier between Costa Rica and Uruguay. Only one will advance, the other will watch it from home! You can only see this game on pay per view brought to you by Traffic Sports.
As you may know Traffic owns Miami FC so please support them. You can follow Traffic on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/TrafficSportsUS
They also have a blog with game information so check it out:
http://trafficusa.blogspot.com/

We need the Blues to be a powerhouse this coming year so stay tuned and follow South Florida's only professional Soccer team Miami FC here:
http://twitter.com/Miamifc

Talk about support, the city of Miami needs your support to bring the World Cup to Miami. Please go to the link below and fill in your name and email. Thats all you need to do. Help us bring the World Cup to Miami!
http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/MIAMI-FL

A special thanks to Ignacio Rodriguez at Miami FC for a copy of the interview along with WQAM and the Big O!
Picture by Robert Scorca

Claure willing to team up with Beckham and Traffic to bring MLS to Miami

Once again MiamiSoccerFan.com seems to be the site that gets all the exclusives concerning Soccer in Miami. The site lead by "El Presidente" Pieter Brown of the Miami Ultras has scored yet another interview with Brightstar owner Marcelo Claure who lead the failed Barcelona Miami MLS bid.

Claure graciously answers questions and gives South Florida hope as to its future with MLS and soccer in general. Claure states that he is willing to team up with Beckham, Traffic (owners of Miami FC) or both. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

MiamiSoccerFan: If David Beckham calls you would you consider starting an MLS Miami team with him?

Marcelo Claure: Absolutely. David Beckham would bring immediate credibility to a bid and I think Miami would be a perfect match for David to own a MLS franchise. Also, and as I have said repeatedly, I’d be open to pursuing another franchise bid in Miami with the right partners.

MSF: What do you think of Miami FC? why don't you join forces with MFC?

Claure: Miami FC has done amazing things for soccer in South Florida, and I think very highly of the Traffic organization. I have a good relationship with the guys at Miami FC and Traffic so there could be an opportunity where we do something together in Miami.

For more go to MiamiSoccerFan.com

In a perfect world this dream team up would have taken place already. But it is up to the fans to make this happen. We urge Soccer fans in South Florida who want an MLS team back in Miami to write to the following emails and send it out to friends.
David Beckham / 19 Entertainment: oliveira@19.co.uk or simon@19.co.uk
Also email the following possible investors:
Marcelo Claure: marcelo.claure@BRIGHTSTARCORP.com
Traffic / Miami FC : adavidson@trafficsports.com
For those people out there who can't think of anything to write... following please find a sample letter you can copy and paste to your email. Now you have no excuses! Let's do it Miami!

Dear Marcelo Claure, David Beckham and Traffic

I am a Soccer fan who is ready to support a new MLS team.

I believe that with the right ownership group willing to invest in this area, with a competitive team and playing at either FIU or Lockhart Stadiums that our soccer team would be successful. I want Professional Soccer in South Florida!
I ask you to do whatever it takes to make our dream come alive.

Yours Truly,
South Florida Soccer Fan

Lets do something about it Soccer fans!

***I need to voice my concern with local media for not even mentioning the Beckham story nor this interview with Claure. Many criticize South Florida fans for being fickle, demanding and soccer snobs. But this attitude also comes from those that bring us the news. If soccer is to be embraced then the media needs to pick these things up. Not even a mention on the Miami Herald Blog! I invite soccer fans to reach out to our local media and voice your opinions. Please write to the following:

Adam Beasley
abeasley@miamiherald.com
Michelle Kaufman
mkaufman@miamiherald.com

Jeff Rusnak of the Sun Sentinel
jrusnak59@aol.com

Miami Fans send letters to Beckham plus more TOA vs USL info

South Florida Soccer Fans may be the ones that enticed a group of investors to discuss an MLS team in Miami with Beckham.

A recent conversation among South Florida Soccer fans revealed that some time ago a letter was sent to David Beckham urging him to bring a team to Miami. Letters were also sent to possible investors around the country.

I was able to speak to Julio Caballero VP of the Miami Ultras Soccer Fans who confirmed the existence of the letter. Julio went on to say that more information will be revealed shortly. Be sure to check out MiamiSoccerfan.com in the next few days to read more about the letter. Hopefully we can see an actual copy.

If South Florida Fans are determined to do something about bringing an MLS team to this part of the country then we need to do something about it! Support our efforts and make a promise that you will purchase a season ticket by going to http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Tickets.html all information will be given to any potential investor willing to bring an MLS team to South Florida.

If you want to do more as a fan then Please email the above site to your friends and family and tell them to write letters to:

David Beckham / 19 Entertainment: simon.oliveira@19.co.uk or simon@19.co.uk
Also email the following possible investors:
Marcelo Claure: marcelo.claure@BRIGHTSTARCORP.com
Traffic / Miami FC : adavidson@trafficsports.com

Voice your opinion. Tell them how you want an MLS team in South Florida and how you will support the team. Help spread the word Soccer Fans!

TOA vs USL

As most of you have read on this site, it seems USL has kicked our team (Miami FC) out of the league by eliminating all evidence of the teams existence from their site. The same was done to the Minnesota Thunder and the Carolina Railhawks. My calls to USL have not been successful but our friend Kartik Krishnayer of the Kartik Report wrote the following:

I can confirm Vancouver, the reigning USL First Division Champion, who knocked out Portland last night in quest of a second title will be joining the TOA in a potential breakaway league. Vancouver, I can confirm has not renewed for next season and will take their cue from the TOA as to the next step. Expect Whitecaps players to get the same email from Tim Holt that the Carolina, Miami and Minnesota players did, at the conclusion of the USL First Division Championship Series.

Montreal, the other finalist this year has yet to renew with USL for next season, but still may do so independently of the TOA per a well placed source. It is also possible that Montreal will stick with the TOA whether it is within USL or a “breakaway” league.

The way things are going it seems the new TOA league would have the following teams:

Miami Blues
Vancouver Whitecaps
Montreal Impact
Minnesota Thunder
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Carolina Railhawks
St. Louis United
Atlanta Silverbacks

It is believed that the Puerto Rico Islanders would join the TOA and possibly New York FC as well but its still up in the air.

USL would be left with the following teams:

Rochester Rhinos
Charleston Battery
Cleveland City Stars
Portland Timbers
Austin Aztex
Ottawa

There is still the rumor that the TOA league might be the fabled MLS-2. We have a number of sources with this information but none willing to place their name on it. Everyone is tight lipped about this. We will keep you informed if anything comes up.

The good news is that Miami FC is still operating and they are conducting business as usual! They have announced that in collaboration with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as well as nine other South Florida premiere sports teams have come together to offer the South Florida Sport Super Pass. What does that mean? Well, fans will have the option of choosing between 10 different sporting events spaced out through next year. It's pretty cool, read more HERE

TOA vs USL UPDATE 10/06/09 11:13 AM

Inside Minnesota Soccer has new info concerning a meeting between the USSF, TOA and USL taking place in NY.
It's about time USSF does something about this. IMS also informs that an MLS official will also be present. For more information go HERE
It's a good read!

My personal opinion is that nothing will come out of this meeting. USL/Nurock should have approached the TOA as soon as they took over in order to make peace and open dialogue. Instead they ignored the issues and made the situation worse.

TOA vs USL UPDATE 10/06/09 7:40 PM

Brian Quarstad of IMS has done it again, this time they have the actual letter sent by USL President Tim Holt to the players. If there are any lawyers out there we'd like your input. Check it out HERE

Miami FC will be back next year! Burrito's list of players to keep and Cheerleader Pictures!

Saturday night was last Miami FC game of season and Burrito saw how Miami lose against the Islanders. But the good thing was watching the Miami Ultras. They were loud and they had one hombre with a cowbell who was great! The pinches Ultras also give Burrito's compadre Zach "Beowulf" Kirby the players of the seasons award. Funny thing is Beowulf get red carded out of game! Chingada madre! The referees a wanker!

Burrito try to talk to Aaron Davidson presidente of Miami FC to see if homeboy going to keep the team in USL, MLS or some other League pero he no want to talk to Burrito. Burrito did hear Aaron talk to reporter who ask him about the meetings in NY with MLS. El Senor Davidson only say that they were exploring every option. He did say Miami FC would be back next season but didn't know in what league. Ay Virgencita de Guadalupe, please bring MLS back if not MLS then MLS-2 or something better then USL. Burrito promise to be good and not sneak into games anymore!

Burrito think Miami FC need to start working on the next season today!
So Burrito going to tell you what players we need to keep for next season. Ok, Burrito love all players of Miami FC (in manly way vatos, Burrito no es puñal !) but Burrito ask players who read this blog to not cry if Burrito no mention you, sorry pero Caca pasa!
Here we go:
The Cheerleaders, ok they not players but Burrito like to look at them! Ay Chihuahua! They muy calientes! They need to come back, check out pictures!Join the Blue Angels on facebook HERE
Ok, back to players
Gale Agbossoumonde, is young player that have mucho potential! He did make bubu but we forgive him cause he young. See bubu HERE
Paulo Araujo Jr. the best player Burrito has seen since Pele! Ok, maybe not pero he is muy buen jugador de futbol!
Cristiano "Kaka" Dias like Paulo Jr he is from Brazil, many good things come from Brazil, like the tanga, las garotas (hot brazilian mamacitas) and good futbol players. So keep him cause he a good player!
Jarryd "The Hebrew Hammer" Goldberg, this vato is a work horse who play with hearts. He small like Burrito pero he is muy macho!
Pat "the Man" Hannigan, now what can Burrito say about the guy who keep Miami FC in playoff hopes? The best goalkeeper we have in a long time! Ok, ok they make 9 goles on him pero that was an off day. Burrito trust Pat as keeper so much that Burrito would trust him to guard Burritos sisters virginity, thats how much Burrito trust him!
Aaron "El Rey" King He new player who come to team and score like Burrito score with the hot mamacitas. He is opportunist and Burrito like that.
Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Miami Ultras player of the year. Burrito no need to say more.
Tim Merrit, like Goldberg he one of those silent vatos who play with heart and no say much.
Brian Shriver another new player who in little time became fan favorite. Burrito want to see him play some more.
Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze,what Burrito like about Zee the most is that he is multifunctional players. He play defense, he play forward and he has cool name and no hair!

Burrito so-so favoritos:
These players make the so-so list cause sometimes they play good sometimes they make bubu pero they can stay on team cause Burrito nice dawg! Leo Inacio, Jack Traynor, Walter Ramirez and Alen Marcina

Burritos caca list includes all players not mentioned, sorry holmeses you guys go find other team.
Burrito hope the head honchos with ponchos at Miami FC and Traffic read this list and recognize Burritos abilities as talent finder. Maybe they give Burrito Fernando Clavijo's job! Burrito be much cheaper too! Burrito only ask for a few bones and quesadillas!
All Pictures by Robert Scorca
Want to see more pictures? Check out these pictures by Victor Palkaninec HERE
Do you agree with Burrito's list? What players would you keep next year and which would you give the ax?

Miami FC Challenge, last game of the season at Lockhart Stadium! Come see them shave their heads.

The final game of the year is here! ...and to show their level of commitment to South Florida, Miami FC players and staff are willing to shave their heads if fans fill Lockhart Stadium!

When: Saturday Sept 19th 2009 8:00pm
The game: Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders

For every 500 ticket sold, one player will shave his head.

There are 22 players willing to do whatever it takes to make Miami FC your team.
And to show their dedication and passion for this soccer club.
If you come out to see Miami FC play against the Puerto Rico Islanders even coach " Zinho" and Club President Aaron Davidson are willing to shave their heads.

So let's do it South Florida come out and support your only professional Soccer team! Come out and paint your face, join the Miami Ultras at the Tailgate (starts at 5 pm) for free beers and If you want MLS then bring signs and tell Miami FC what you the fans want.
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

UPDATE 9/18/09 2:45 PM
Tailgate Starts at 5 PM,FREE BEER while supplies last so get there early! There will be a parade and "El Presidente" Pieter Brown of the Miami Ultras will present the Ultras Player of the Year just prior to the game. Let's go to Lockhart people! We all want Aaron Davidson's hair!
Read more at the Ultras site CLICK HERE

New League to start in 2010. Eight teams to break away from USL

We all know about the USL drama after the sale to NuRock by Nike. Now it seems 8 teams will be playing in 2010 under the new structure.

Jeff Rusnak of the Sun Sentinel writes:

The five USL-1 clubs and three other organizations, including 2010 expansion club Tampa Bay, are aligned with the Team Ownership Association (TOA), which wants the clubs to run the league, rather than a management entity such as NuRock.

"We will have an owner-controlled league by next year," Miami FC President Aaron Davidson said. "I'm not sure what it will be named and how it will be structured, but it will start with these eight teams."

Davidson said the club's "two-stadium solution" of playing in Broward and Miami-Dade will not continue in 2010

Here is my take, on the Stadium issue first and you can leave your opinions below:

1.-If they stay at Lockhart they need to re-brand to Strikers but call them Florida so to not alienate the Miami fans. I don't like the old Striker colors though... They need to put signs out front and make the fans park towards the front of the Stadium on Commercial Blvd so people know something is going on.

2.-They might go back to Tropical Park, it's cheap and if Miami FC and Traffic want to start from scratch and build, they can do it there but they need to do it right. I think it's the worst stadium, the field is just too far from the stands.

3.- If they go back to FIU they need to do things for the students. Make double headers with the FIU soccer team or something. Get the student population interested in the team. Put signs outside on 117th, 107th Ave and 8th Street.

Now about the New League:

Someone mentioned the TOA talked to MLS in the past. Maybe they'll do it again and seek to become MLS 2. This is the only option that I see will make them credible.
A brake off league might not be approved by FIFA. As it stands USL is the 2nd division, but with all these teams leaving who knows what will happen. Will they be able to get into Concacaf tournaments and the Open Cup? There are a lot of questions.

This could be good if all these teams bring quality players. No matter what I will support Soccer in South Florida.
Vamos Miami!

Miami FC has gone Viral! Videos storm the internet

In my last blog post I wrote how this new viral campaign was a step in the right direction for Miami FC. Goalkeeper Pat Hannigan, Coach Zinho and even President Aaron Davidson are willing to go bald if the Stadium gets filled! I hope this is a sign of things to come. I hope that Miami FC can close this season off with a bang and a full Lockhart Stadium.

Some people call this move desperate, but I think this is brilliant! Miami FC taught us a lesson on what needs to be done to show the fans how passionate they really are for this town. There is a month left before this game and it's enough time to bring attention to their cause.

All South Florida needs to mobilize and join Miami FC's campaign. Go to their Facebook page MIAMI FC CHALLENGE and join them . Send emails and text messages and be part of History. Attend the Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders game Saturday September 19th 8 pm at Lockhart Stadium!
Check out the different versions in Spanish, Portuguese and English!
Coach Zinho in Portuguese

In Spanish Walter Ramirez and Orlando Bueso

Yes, even Mascot Hotshot wants to shave his head...

Miami FC President Aaron Davidson wants a hair cut!

We will shave our heads to fill up the Stadium! Miami FC coach Zinho and players!

Yep it's come to this folks... Miami FC is going to extreme measures to get the Stadium packed Coach Zinho first volunteered his scalp if Miami FC made the playoffs.
I've got to say I called them out on this one, I thought they wouldn't take advantage of this idea but they went way beyond just the coach.
Now, for every 500 fans who go to the Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders game Saturday September 19th at 8 pm there will be 1 player who will shave their head. Lockhart Stadium is said to hold 20,000 souls, give or take so if we fill it, then that's 40 people that will be bald! I think they only have 20 something players and some are already bald so staff members including the President Aaron Davidson are willing to do it! Let's go people lets fill the stadium!
For more info check out the Miami FC site!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Cheerleaders to the rescue!

Miami FC has been working on getting fans to FIU Stadium and one strategy is to work with the FIU Cheerleaders.

FIU recently had a budget reduction which affected the Cheerleaders and other Athletic Department programs. I was able to get in touch with Tommy Knapp, Director of Tickets/Hospitality for Miami FC and he pointed out the following:

First, the FIU Cheerleaders will be at the games from here on to help raise funds for their program through a number of initiatives. They will be cheering at the remainder of our home games. They will be selling tickets to Miami FC home games on campus and in the S FLA community. They will also be joining in promotional outings such as festivals, soccer related tournaments, charity events, etc. The objective is to join forces and develop greater awareness, community support and revenue streams for both organizations.There are 42 girls on the team who will all be involved, with 15 of them acting as the main Miami FC cheer team. The team is lead by Maria George, a former Dolphin cheerleader.
For more on the Cheerleaders be sure to visit http://fiucheerleading.com/
Support your FIU Cheerleaders and support Miami FC!

All pictures by Robert Scorca
Be sure to check out the most recent podcast at miamisoccerfan.com Ultras President Pieter Brown interviews Tommy Knapp and Aaron Davidson of Miami FC and later discusses the games, cheerleaders, marketing and just about anything with me, Uncle Ed! Go HERE

A great blog to view is The Kartik Report. Kartik gives a Miami FC Midseason Report worth reading so go do it! HERE

Miami FC Fans! Be sure to meet up with the Ultras for a Watch Party at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables this Friday July 24 at 8pm as the Blues play away versus the Minnesota Thunder. Come out and support the Blues. You get a special 10% discount if you say you are with the Ultras!