Julio Caballero, VP of the Miami Ultras has formed a group called La Academia which is exclusively dedicated to bringing Major League Soccer back to South Florida. They also organize MLS watch party's and will soon lead a pilgrimage of South Florida soccer fans to invade an MLS game to support our bid for MLS in Miami. (Site and information will come out soon, so stay tuned!)
It seems MLS to Miami is only a matter of time. Julio was able to speak to South Florida's best hope for top flight first division soccer, Brightstar CEO and owner of Bolivia's most popular team, Bolivar, Mr. Marcelo Claure.
La Academia Q & A with Marcelo Claure We want to thank Marcelo Claure for taking time out of his busy schedule to respond to the questions posted by La Academia about a potential MLS franchise bid to bring a team to South Florida.
(MC) Before answering questions, I just wanted to say I really like the new name of the fan club – La Academia. My team in Bolivia, Bolivar, is also known as La Academia so the name had an immediate impact on me.
(LA) Success in MLS is now associated with a strong connection between fans and their team, if you were to bid for a franchise, how do you plan to foster that connection?
(MC) Julio and La Academia, as we continue working to bring MLS to South Florida, we will build connections with fans through Q&As like this, organized soccer viewing events, and many other grassroots efforts. We will absolutely want to work with La Academia on these efforts.
(LA) If you move forward with a bid, would you consider using the Miami Fusion FC name or would you prefer a team with a new identity?
(MC) Depending on what the ultimate ownership looks like, we would evaluate the Miami Fusion FC name as well as other options. We want a name that the local fans can completely embrace and own.
This past Saturday marked the return of MLS Futbolito to South Florida. This year the Miami Ultras signed up to play in the tournament for the first time. Uncle Ed, your humble bloggererer was signed on as the Coach. Here are my notes and comments of my debut as coach.
1.- The coach was the last to show up. Incredible, considering I live only a few minutes away from Kendall Soccer Park. I could tell the players were annoyed. From the first moment I realized we had no chemistry. This was going to be ugly!
The Players:
Kyle "Train wreck" Kaly Position: Goalkeeper, even though we were not supposed to have a goalkeeper. He cost us a penalty for crossing the line! Voted Ballsiest player on the team (Read on, you'll find out why). Pros: none Cons: Drinks, smokes, smoked more, burps... you get the picture.
The Reese's pieces bros: Derek "Peanut" Reese and Zach"Chocolate" Reese Position: Right or left wingers. Can't tell which is which, so I just say "Reese!" They both answer... I say "Take a wing". (They think I'm talking about chicken wings). Pros: Both fast as lightning Cons: Can't tell which is which. One is better than the other but I can't tell which one.
David "The Judge" Ito Position: Sweeper The "Judge" laid down the law, immediately establishing his dominance and authority over all. Pros: Tall... that's about it. If only he had his gavel (the little hammer judges use for you laymen folk). Cons: Can't score if his life depended on it!
Jorge "The 561" Marquez Position: Wide Receiver The "Cinco Seis Uno" looked as if he was on vacation out there, he made Palm Beach county proud. Pros: Played great for about 1 minute. A good sleeper. Cons: Played 1 minute and was tired.
Mr. Colombia Alan 'G' Position: Outfielder and Shortstop Highest scorer on the team, started off slow but soon picked up momentum. Pros: Did whatever he wanted. Cons: Did whatever he wanted.
Mr. Mitch "Ultra Cool" Rivera Position: Full back He was our benefactor, organizer and main Futbolito nut. Pros: A good leader. Cons: Can't play for crap!
Uncle Ed Position: Coach First time coach. Did what he could with a rag tag team of imbeciles! Pros: Had a great assistant Cons: Didn't know what the hell he was doing!
Burrito Position: Assistant coach Burrito didn't want to leave his dog house. Considered 10 am too early to get up. Was a no show and missed every game. Pros: A great Blogging Dog Cons: Likes to chew on things and hump them.
2.-No practice does not make perfect. We never got together for even a second of practice and it showed. I asked the players to do a couple of warm ups. They all ignored me. Alan "G" decided to run laps on his own and almost missed the kick off. Not good, not good.
3.- Game #1 Miami Ultras vs Soccer Locker I figured any team with the word Soccer in it is not good. Ultras Starting line up had "561" at Forward, The Reese's Pieces Chocolate and Peanut at Mid and Mr. Colombia at D. The logic behind the formation? None. I figured they were the youngest of the bunch or most in shape. Result: Disaster. 10-0 in favor of Soccer Locker. The enemy was clearly a well seasoned team. They triangulated us to death and made us look like fools. Even the ref was cracking jokes. We had maybe 3 shots all off target in game #1.
4.- The men gathered under Tent "Ultras" for a much needed rest. They hydrated, ate donuts (Sent to us by our fellow Ultra and connoisseur Justin "Jellyfish" Yarborough) and smoked cigarettes. To pass the time. Quality players these... True athletes!
5.- MLS player Omar Salgado of the Vancouver Whitecaps came by the tent "Ultras" to say hola. We took pictures with him and even offered him a donut, which he declined. We almost convinced him to play on the Ultras team for our next game but evil MLS people were around and said he couldn't. We tried to bribe them but they didn't want our money. Apparently it wasn't enough.
6.- Game #2 Miami Ultras vs The Has Beens When I heard the name I knew we had a chance! One of their players was in his 50's so things were looking good! This Time Uncle Ed had learned his mistake and shuffled the players around. At Forward it was "561" Mid had Mr. Colombia and Zach "Chocolate" Reese with "Judge" Ito providing rear coverage. The results were almost immediate. But sadly our troops faltered in the end once again falling, this time to the "Has beens" 7-5. A late heroic save by "Train wreck" will almost certainly mean he will never procreate as he blocked a sure goal with his manhood. Ballsiest play of the tournament! (Pun totally intended)
7.- The players retreated back under the tent for one last rest before the final game. The standings were even though and we had a remote chance of advancing if we could pull off a win. Our men were determined to make the playoffs, we would not be denied!
8.- Game #3 Miami Ultras vs ???? The coach took charge one last time. The team was ready and as we took the pitch I had no doubt we would come out victorious! And we did just that! We won the game 3-0! It was a convincing win. There was no doubt we had this one in the bag from the very first minute! Yes! We won! Due to default, since the other team didn't show... We were awarded the 3-0 win. 9.- We decided to play a scrimmage amongst ourselves. The coach came out of retirement and played to show off a few moves here and there. Later inquires on game results determined we almost made the final! The second place team had only won 1 game and beat us only by gol differential.
10.- Next year the Ultras will destroy the opposition. Uncle Ed will come out of retirement and Burrito will be the first canine coach of MLS Futbolito! Check out the video of the games. Shout out to Jane "Poopsykins" Shpiner who filmed it:
Be sure to listen to Miami Ultras Alive #7 for more information about MLS Futbolito, the Strikers, MagicJack and to listen to guests the Bourough Boys who discussed the Cosmos, MLS and the NASL.
UPDATE: Ultras Interview Omar Salgado of the Vancouver Whitecaps. He wants to come and play in Miami and also laughs at the Ultras performance in MLS Futbolito (Thanks to Alan for the clip).
Here is a video of Omar Salgado on Republica Deportiva (In Spanish) with Fernando Fiore.
Our good friend and Miami Ultras member Brian Corey has started a new MLS Meetup group with the intention of catching big MLS games and tonight happens to be one of those days as Real Salt Lake will attempt to be the first MLS team to win a Champions League Final. Come join us at Mickey Byrnes tonight, Wednesday at 10 PM. Please come join us and join this awesome group: http://www.meetup.com/Miami-Major-League-Soccer-MLS-Fan-Club/ .
Talk about MLS... I've never won anything before so when I received an envelope in the mail the other day I was surprised I had won a Major league Soccer T-Shirt. Here is how I won it:
Hey Ed, Thanks for pledging to watch Tuesday night's opening match of the MLS season. I'm happy to report that you were one of the first 2,000 fans to take the pledge, so your free t-shirt is on its way! Russ Findlay Chief Marketing Officer Major League Soccer
MLS asked the winners to post a picture of yourself with the T-Shirt on so I decided to wear the T-Shirt to a Strikers game and sent it in. MLS put the picture up on their facebook page! Check it out below:
The push for MLS to Miami continues and it is being talked about in Bigsoccer and other forums not to mention blogs and other media. Following are videos of recent mentions of MLS Miami, both in Spanish. This one is from ESPN's Jorge Ramos y su banda. They even mention the Miami Ultras.
This video is from an MLS game transmitted on Galavision, one of the Univision channels. They constantly mention MLS Miami in their broadcasts.
Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Then join, follow or visit these sites:
This week we start with MLS Miami expansion news as ESPN is reporting that MLS to Miami might be closer than we thought.
Talk is heating up that Beckham will, when his contract expires after this season, execute the clause in his contract that allows him to purchase an MLS expansion team, and that Miami is the best bet. British tabloid People last month reported Beckham “will be offered a chance” to make Miami the league's 20th team, in part because a clause in his contract won't allow him to invest in teams in Los Angeles or New York.
Do you want MLS to return? Support our efforts in bringing MLS to South Florida. Follow our MLS Miami Bid. You can help by spreading the word. Email your friends and send them the information below.
WPS The Freedom will be moving to South Florida according to the Palm Beach Post. The name of the team will change, for now they are being called "MagicJack’s Washington Freedom". The team will likely play out of Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University.
The Women's Professional Soccer league released its season schedule on Thursday and it contained this little nugget: The home venue for magicJack’s Washington Freedom will be Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. The team might play one or two of its home games in the Washington, D.C. area. “
Strikers South Florida's only professional soccer team the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have just announced the signing of Bryan Arguez.
“We are happy to bring Bryan back from Portugal to join our team,” states Strikers Head Coach Daryl Shore. “Well feel like he will add a great presence in our midfield and are happy to have him on board for the 2011 season.”
Arguez, a South Florida native, began his career with the United States U-17 team in 2005 and continued on with the U-20 team and became the eventual eleventh overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Later in 2007, Arguez signed with Hertha BSC of the German Bundesliga where he played for one season. Arguez was later named to the U.S. roster for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and again for the FIFA U-20World Cup in Egypt, scoring a goal against Cameroon.
The Strikers have also started their preseason practices HERE is a report of day #1. Do you have your Strikers Season tickets yet? If not, Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials are Available! Call 954.829.9213 or go to www.strikers.com
An interesting piece was sent to me about corruption in FIFA. Yeah, that is nothing new but I thought it was a good read. In the picture you can see FIFA President Blatter (left) sharing a drink with alleged Russian criminal Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov (right) and Russian World Cup bid member Viacheslav Koloskov at a Moscow nightclub in 2005.
"It is common knowledge that the race to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was not a fair fight and that Russia and Qatar offered 'special incentives' that were essentially bribes," Kistner told OffshoreAlert. "Indeed, there hasn't been a single voting process to host the World Cup or The Olympics during the last two decades that has not been tainted by serious and reasonable suspicions."
This piece was written to promote the OffShore Alert Conference to take place April 4-6, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami Beach. You can read more about the conference and the article HERE
The answer to counter FIFA's corruption? To vote against Blatter in June when he seeks re-election. Sports Journalist Grant Wahl has tackled this idea head on and has humbly volunteered himself to become the next FIFA President!
After careful consideration, I have an announcement to make: I'm running for the presidency of FIFA in the election to be held on June 1. And no, I'm not kidding. Have you seen who else is running? That's right: Sepp Blatter, the 74-year-old Swiss strongman atop the world's most popular sport, is campaigning for his fourth term.
Read more With Grant Wahl as Fifa President and Burrito (See previous blog below) as USSF President world soccer would be ours!
Beckham to Miami Looks like Beckham to Miami rumors never cease. This time it's the Daily Mail who claims Becks is in search for the best location not only in Miami but in other markets.
Avid Beckham and his 19 management advisors, led by Simon Fuller, have begun exploring possible locations for the Major League Soccer franchise that Becks has an option to buy at a reduced price at the end of his LA Galaxy playing contract in December. Beckham and Fuller are looking at the potential of establishing a team in Miami, San Diego, Atlanta or Montreal. The plan does mean Beckham won't get involved with the New York Cosmos being run by his former personal manager and close friend Terry Byrne.
Strikers Today is the announcement of the Strikers full name. It's not a secret at this point but South Florida Soccer Fans should come out as there will be a few surprise speakers. The event is today Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A.
Hola Amigos! Burrito been in the dawg house (Liter-ally) lately. Pero no problem, He back now!
It's been almost a month since MLS Commisionado El Don Garber came to South Florida to talk to Burrito's compadres the Miami Ultras. Burrito was mad cause they no let in dawgs to Hotel pero Burrito was able to steal pictures from Uncle Ed's cell phone and si the picture not good qualities pero thats life. What you expect from a dog? So check out the picture Burrito bring you:
Here is a picture of Dan Courtemanche with Don Garber with Miami Ultras scarf. They look nice, si? Notice how Don laugh... He like Wonder Woman in TV with chains! Muy Caliente!
El Don feel very patriotic with Uncle Sam in TV screen, Viva USA carajo! (Dan looks like he falling asleep!)
Burrito no know El Don was Star Trek Fan, here with Mister Sulu.
Here El Don try to say "Live long and prosper" to Mister Sock! Burrito mean Mister Spock!
And of course said the horse, here with Spock and el Capitan Kirk! (They also want MLS in Miami)
El Comisionado say he also like Star Wars, here with Obi Wan and Luke.
El Garber say he grow up watching Mister Rourke and Tatu on Fanasy Island!
El Don smiles and compares his teeths with King Kong!
Here you see Godzilla, King of all monsters!
Don with David Beckham... is Becks giving the middle finger? Ay Chihuahua!
Mister Don say he want to bring MLS to Miami cause Abe Vigoda says so!
Finally best picture evers! El Comissionado Don Garber with Burrito!
Burrito hope you all enjoy these pictures commemoratings the 1 month anniversarys since El Don came to South Florida. Now Senor Garber, Give Burrito his MLS team back alreadys! Hasta los Huevos amigos! Su amigo el perro mas chido! Burrito!
The main topic of the week so far was the decision by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to pull its provisional Division 2 sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL). What bothers me is that for years the USSF sat there and watched the United Soccer Leagues (USL) do anything they wanted to soccer in this country from division 2 down. We saw dozens of teams fold, instability reign and nothing was done to correct it. The moment a proposed league run by the team owners themselves was created, due to the USL's inability to work with its teams, is the moment the USSF decides to create rules and regulations that in my eyes looks like a road block to those opposing the incumbent league they were so used to dealing with. Suddenly, they decided to get strict... kinda makes you go 'hmmmm'. So, the USSF says the issue was money. Well, the NASL just put up 6 million to cover that hole. If that doesn't ring stability I don't know what does! Let's see if the USSF comes up with another excuse. If they do then I think its obvious that there is more then meets the eye going on behind closed doors. My message to the USSF: Work with the NASL to get them sanctioned. Create the stability you claim to want and get MLS, NASL and USL to work together for the good of soccer in this country.
Strikers The NASL has invested too much time and money to stop and not continue business as usual, having said that our local team the Strikers have released their 2011 schedule. You can see it by scrolling down to the previous blog post below. The Miami Ultras are planning ahead for road trips to Tampa and one to Atlanta. Stay tuned for more information on that!
Beckham to bring MLS to Miami The news of MLS to Miami continues this time People U.K. states David Beckham is being offered a deal to bring a team to the Magic City. While MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida for his meeting with the Miami Ultras, he did mention Beckham has the option of starting a team anywhere in the United States at a reduced price. Apparently the only condition is that it can't be L.A. nor N.Y. More news from Ministry of Soccer says Beckham Might Buy Miami FC for MLS and Tribal Football has the same report.
Miami Marine Stadium The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium were graceful enough to include this blog in their monthly news letter after a blog post we published made a little noise. Here is what they had to say:
The blog Football In Miami And Beyond provides up-to-date information on all things soccer in Miami and South Florida. Recently, the blog posted a story about placing a temporary floating soccer field in front of the Miami Marine Stadium. We don't know if this is fully feasible as the field would have to be easily moved and stored- but one already operates in Singapore. This particular story "went viral" and was posted on various soccer and sports blogs nationwide. Think of the possibilities the Stadium offers!
South Florida is a magnet for Soccer news and will continue to make headlines as Major League Soccer teams get ready for preseason training in our area.
D.C. United The first team to pay a visit to our area will be D.C. United as they announced the club's preseason schedule this week. DC visits Fort Lauderdale, where they will train from February 1 until February 12. During United's stay in Florida. We hope one of the teams they play will be local NASL team Miami FC / Strikers. We do know United will play two exhibitions in Florida, vs. the Canadian under-20 national team and an opponent to be determined. DC has a few players on trial, one known in our area is forward Abe Thompson who played for Miami FC last season and helped the Blues gain a 7 game unbeaten streak at the end of the season (which still stands). Other notable players are goalkeepers Chase Harrison, Joe Willis (third-round draft pick from Denver); midfielder Brandon Barklage; defender Chris Korb (second-round pick from Akron); and forward Blake Brettschneider (supplemental pick from South Carolina).
MLS Miami While the Cosmos keep making news in the big apple, the same could be said of Miami, as the buzz continues following MLS Commissioner Don Garber's visit to South Florida. Now, another possible investor has poped out as MLS's very own site reports Boca Juniors of Argentina have been in talks to bring a team to the league. South Florida, after New York, seems to have the most possible investors lined up. Rumored investors are Miami FC owners Traffic, Brightstar owner Marcelo Claure, Galaxy player David Beckham and now Boca Juniors.
Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Visit http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/ and sign up for season ticket dedications. It's just a promise that if Miami gets a team that you will buy season tickets. So far we have collected over 1,000. You can also follow MLS Miami Bid on facebook and twitter Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com
Strikers The Strikers will have open tryouts this weekend January 22 and 23 at Ft Lauderdale Stadium. If you are an aspiring player and have not received a confirmation email from someone inside the Strikers front office or from PayPal, you DO NOT have a guaranteed spot at the tryout. Be sure to contact Ignacio Rodriguez at (305) 496-7780 or email Ignacio@miamifc.com
Miami Ultras Are you a passionate Soccer fan who wants to be part of something special? Join the Miami Ultras, South Florida soccer supporters as they get ready to follow the Strikers in 2011! It's free, just visit www.miamisoccerfan.com and sign up for more information. You can also join their facebook page.
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