Soccer Saturday: Strikers vs Islanders - USA vs Mexico

This weekend we have a soccer Saturday in South Florida.
It begins at 7:30 pm when the Fort Lauderdale Strikers play against the Puerto Rico Islanders at the Mecca of South Florida soccer, Lockhart Stadium.
The Strikers are on a 5 game undefeated streak and look to extend that at home against an Islanders team that come off a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Silverbacks.
The last match the Strikers played was a 0-0 tie away at Montreal. Strikers defender Martyn Lancaster made a last second save to deny the Impact a goal. While the Strikers had a legitimate goal denied by the referee. Also of note on that play was the absence of video coverage on the highlights by the Impact. Something to make you go hmmmmm... But as you can see from the screen shot taken by a fan (Red Harvest on bigsoccer) you can see the ball clearly cleared the goal line. It looked in to us!

But now we must put that in the past and concentrate on the Islanders!
For a full guide to game day visit strikers.com 

Gold Cup Final USA vs Mexico 
The Gold Cup comes to an end Saturday night as the dream final comes true, the United States will play Mexico at 9 pm at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
South Florida soccer fans that view the Strikers game live can actually walk a few blocks away to The Frog and Toad Pub located at 5782 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale,FL 33309 Telf: 954-491-3697 where you can watch the remainder of the USA vs Mexico game.
You can also head out to the official AO Bar, Mickey Byrnes in Hollywood located at 1921 Hollywood Blvd  Telf: 954-921-2317
We hope to see you at the games!
Join Uncle Ed, the Miami Ultras  a few of the American Outlaws and the rest of South Florida United at the Strikers game. We will start tailgating at 4:30 pm and after the game head out to Frog & Toad.
Go Strikers! Go USA!

Strikers vs Islanders plus USA vs Spain watch party.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced there will be a double header this Saturday as Lockhart Stadium. Starting at 5 pm. Palm Beach United and the Jacksonville-based Florida Sol of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) will be playing prior to the Strikers versus the Puerto Rico Islanders to be held at 7:30 pm.
To get ticket and game information visit www.strikers.com

As an alternative South Florida United (The Unified Supporters groups of south Florida) and The American Outlaws have organized a watch party this Saturday at 4:00 PM when the United States takes on 2010 World Cup Champions Spain at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

If you’re not fortunate enough to be traveling to the match, American Outlaws: South Florida invites you to join us for a watch party at the Fox & Hound pub in Fort Lauderdale. Our usual spot for watch parties will be Mickey Bryne’s in Hollywood, but since there is also a Strikers home match at Lockhart Stadium this Saturday at 7:30 PM, we figure gathering at F&H will make it easier for everyone to get from the watch party to the Strikers game.

So come on out and cheer on the Yanks as they get a final tune up before the 2011 Gold Cup, and then join us at Lockhart for some exciting local soccer as the Strikers take on the defending D2 champion Puerto Rico Islanders.

For more information visit the Facebook events page and remember to make it a soccer Saturday by going to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers game. We hope to see everyone there.

Beach Soccer Worldwide on Miami Beach this weekend!

This weekend come out and see the Beach Soccer Worldwide!
It's Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 29 to May 1) and includes tons of fun activities for everyone that loves the beautiful game.

The magic of beach soccer comes to Miami´s South Beach with The Beach Soccer Worldwide Miami Cup immediately following the Miami Beach Polo. A temporary stadium set between 20th and 22nd streets will host the thrilling action of this electric sport, and soccer fans will have the chance of enjoying the most spectacular version of ¨the beautiful game¨ on the pristine sands of Miami Beach.

Read more HERE

The game I'm most interested in is the Mexico v. USA game on Friday!

Full schedule:
29/Apr/2011 15:30 Mexico - USA
29/Apr/2011 16:45 Brazil - Spain
30/Apr/2011 15:30 Spain - Mexico
30/Apr/2011 16:45 Brazil - USA
01/May/2011 13:00 USA - Spain
01/May/2011 14:30 CELEBRITY GAME
01/May/2011 16:00 Brazil - Mexico

I hope to see everyone out there!
Note: If you can't make Friday's matchup between USA vs Mexico, it will be on FOX soccer channel!

Miami Ultras in New York. Fans visit MLS and watch USA vs Argentina.

ALERT: Be sure to listen to Jorge Ramos y su Banda on ESPN Radio 1450 AM in Miami or go HERE to listen online as Jorge Ramos will have a chat with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Jorge will be asking Don about a future MLS team in South Florida among other MLS related subjects. Be sure to check it out starting at 4PM and call in to 1 800 Deportes You can also follow and send questions on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ESPN_JorgeRamos
Radio address if anyone wants to go is: ESPNDeportesRadio
 Alhambra plaza - 9 floor Coral Gables, FL 33134
Ultras in New York
Miami Ultras were spotted this past weekend in New York City. A group of Ultras, led by Mitchell Rivera visited the Big Apple to watch the USA vs Argentina match that took place this past Saturday.



But before the USA game Mitch decided to visit MLS digital where he was greeted by David Agrell. The Ultras were given a quick tour and were told that we are the first supporters group to visit MLS Digital. David did tell us that FutbolMLS (The Spanish version of the MLS website) will soon get its own front page link. Mitch asked where does MLSsoccer.com, get the most hits outside the US. David replied that it was from Europe and the Middle East only because gambling is legal and they find that MLS is unpredictable and there is parity in the league.

As you will see in the pictures below there is a collection of scarves there. We found that the Miami Ultras scarf was already amongst the MLS supporters scarves. We don't know how they got it, perhaps from Garber's last visit and meeting with the Ultras in January, but either way it's a good sign of things to come. (Click picture to enlarge)

Below you can see more pictures at MLS, the USA game and around New York.

You want to help bring MLS to South Florida?
Visit our website www.mlsmiamibid.com
You can also follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
and Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/mlsmiami
Have suggestions and want to be part of the group send us an email to: info@mlsmiamibid.com

USA vs Argentina watch party at Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub

Hola Amigos! You wanna see some good futbol? Then come to Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub in Hollywood this Saturday March 26 at 7:00 pm to see the USA vs Argentina game.
This event will be hosted by South Florida United which is an umbrella group that wants to bring all South Florida Soccer groups together. So far the SFU consists of the Miami Ultras, Flight 19 and City of Sunrise Elite. But they invite all groups and fans to join. It's about coming together to celebrate the beautiful game no matter who you support!

Here is a brief description:

Who are the South Florida United?
South Florida United (SFU) is an independent supporterʼs association, supporting all soccer in South Florida, primarily the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL. The group also fully supports and actively pursues the return of a Major League Soccer franchise to the South Florida area. SFU consists of both independent fans as well as supporter subgroups that represent different aspects of South Florida.

The SFU logo represents all of South Floridaʼs soccer fans coming together for one cause: to support local soccer. The nuclear symbol represents the high energy and passion of South Floridaʼs soccer fans joining together to produce an unmatched, unified force, as well as being a nod to the old Miami Fusion. The 3 area codes represent Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and the colors !represent our support of our current team, as well as the most successful team of the past, the Strikers.

How to Join
New members can join online via the SFU -or- subgroup websites, or join in person at any Strikers game or other SFU event. Membership is free.

For more info go HERE

Sam's Army Miami Brigade World Cup Watch Party and Miami FC Tie night!

Folks let's start out with Miami FC. As some of you might know Miami FC will become the Strikers in 2011!
More on that HERE.

But, to commemorate the Blue's record breaking "Tie" streak (7 ties in 10 games) fans have decided to wear ties to the next game this Saturday June 12, 2010 at 7:30 PM versus the Portland Timbers. If you forget your tie at home be sure to stop by the Miami Ultras tailgate just outside gate C at Lockhart Stadium and ask for a tie but hurry supplies wont last! The Tailgate might start early for the Miami Ultras because of the USA vs England game that same Saturday at 2 pm.

Here is the scenario:

Some of the Ultras will be watching the USA vs England game at America's Backyard where Miami FC will also be present. Expect giveaways and other tomfoolery and whatnot's! America's Backyard is located at 100 S.W. 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Main Phone: 954-727-0950.

The remaining Ultras will meet up at the official Sam's Army Miami Brigade Watch Party at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way Coral Gables, FL 33134-5319 (305) 774-1883 A number of members will be there as early as 10 am! Now that's hardcore!

Be sure to join us at any of the above locations and don't forget to continue the soccer marathon by attending the Miami FC vs Portland Timbers game at 7:30 pm! The Ultras will be at the Tailgate at Lockhart Stadium right after the USA game.

Let's go U.S.A! Beat England! Vamos Miami! Chop down them Timbers!

UPDATE:
The Miami Ultras came out on the front page of the Sun Sentinel this morning. Check it out! HERE

Bornstein's Boots Score For Haiti

Jonathan Bornstein's boots raise $1,725.00 with 100% of the total going the American Red Cross. This donations along with others will help in the relief effort for the people in Haiti and around the world.

Jonathan used his head scoring what might be the most important goal in the history of Honduras. With seconds remaining in stoppage time on Oct. 14th he scored the equalizer against Costa Rica. This goal allowed Honduras to qualify for the World Cup. It is only the second time ever and the first time in 27 years.
In a selfless and thoughtful act Jonathan gave from his heart the boots from this match. Kudos to Jonathan Bornstein and the American Red Cross!

Enclosed is the eBay listing posted for this item for your viewing. Click on picture to enlarge and read text. Anyone wishing to help with a donation to the America Red Cross be sure to read the final paragraph for help directing you to this cause

100% of the final sale price will support American Red Cross (Small deduction may apply. Learn more)

About this nonprofit: You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by supporting the American Red Cross, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need around the world. This is an eBay Giving Works charitable listing (Administered by MissionFish)

U.S. Men's National Team defender Jonathan Bornstein’s last gasp goal against Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying aided Honduras in their quest to reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and now he’s hoping the shoes he wore that night will give a bigger assist to relief efforts benefiting Haiti.

Bornstein has autographed and donated the shoes he wore during the historic match for an online charity auction on eBay, with 100 percent of the money raised to be donated to the American Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts in Haiti.

The auction begins today (Friday, Jan. 22) and will run through Wednesday, Jan. 27.

“The devastation and suffering in Haiti is a tragedy for everyone,” said Bornstein. “One of our teammates, Jozy Altidore, is the son of Haitian immigrants and still has many family members there. It’s heartbreaking to see what is happening, and we hope to be able to help in any way we can.”

Authorities estimate that the devastating earthquake that struck near the capital of Haiti has affected three million people. Hundreds of thousands are feared dead; many more people are injured or without basic supplies or shelter. The Red Cross is part of an enormous relief operation in Haiti following the massive earthquake there on January 12. It will be a long-term recovery effort and the Red Cross will be there throughout.

Fans interested in donating directly to the relief efforts can text the word HAITI to 90999 to contribute 10 dollars to the Red Cross or visit RedCross.org to make a donation.

South Africa's World Cup has its 32 teams

On Friday December 4th we will find out how the group stages will look for the XIX World Cup to take place in South Africa next Summer.

We now know the 32 countries that qualified for the world Cup:

For CONCACAF it was The United States, Mexico and Honduras.

For CONMEBOL it was Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.

For Africa it was Algeria, Camerun, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and the host South Africa.

For Asia it was Australia, North Korea, South Korea and Japan.

For UEFA: England, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Greece Serbia, Portugal, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands,

Oh and Last but not least New Zealand.

There are really no "Virgins" that will participate in the South African World Cup though some might argue Slovakia and Serbia are first timers. The Slovaks were part of Checoslovakia and the Serbs have a long tradition with Yugoslavia and the last WC played as Serbia and Montenegro.

Who will win? My bet is with Spain and Brazil!

USA and Miami FC lose, Ultras at Republica Deportiva and more

It was a tough Sunday in many ways for the Miami Ultras. Once again we were invited to attend Univision's Republica Deportiva for the USA vs Mexico Gold Cup final. Everything was great, confidence was high. The Mexican fans chanted their typical Mexican tunes while the Ultras began to drown them out with our incessant USA! USA! USA! One of us started to yell "USA es tu papa" (USA is your daddy!) and that became the hymn until the second half when the Mexicans were awarded a penalty. It was to mark the end for the U.S. After that we received such a whooping that it will last us a life time!

I've always been a critic of Bob Bradley, never liked his methods or tactics, but his recent good luck at the Confederations Cup and now the recent Gold Cup results; considering we played without any first team players (save Ching who I never thought was that good anyway) will preserve him inevitably as the coach, even though we lost another final this time by 5-0. Ouch!

Asking for his head is futile at this point. Too close to World Cup Qualifying to do that and we've managed to stay in it and should make it to the WC unless some major catastrophe develops.

The Ultras were crushed by the USA loss and to add insult to injury while on the Univision set we received the information that Miami FC also lost against the Carolina Railhawks 4-0... read more HERE . it was not a good day for the Blues and a terrible day for the Ultras.

Check out some pictures at Univision:

For more pictures check out the Ultras site

I need to point out 2 great pieces over at the Miami Ultra site. First, Robert Scorca's piece on the history of South Florida Soccer. He takes us back to the days of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers! Great pictures and great history check it out HERE

Derek Reese then takes us on a ride with his dream piece "If I were a billionaire" with Stadium pictures and enough detail that I do hope somehow Derek becomes a Billionaire!

Why Bob Bradley's head needs to be chopped off by Burrito

Burrito get to it pronto pronto carnales! (Click over words you don't understand)
'Boob' Bradley's head needs to be chopped off! Why? Porque? How can a coach in a final of a championship let his pinche team lose a 2-0 lead? Especially knowing you play Brazil and their chingados players who are born with balls when they born! (Not those balls pendejos, soccer balls)

Burrito cant claim he could be a great coach, Burrito cant even say he is a good futbol player, hell Burrito can't even make a good quesadilla without burning fingers on pans pero Burrito can yell to players at half time "Damn it muchachos! This is for your country, play with some huevos chingada madre!" But no, Boob Bradley probably tell players to play defense and let the Brazilians attack... and thats what the players do they play defense which is the worst thing to do versus Brazil. Why not attack the weak Brazilian defense? Did they not watch the videos like Burrito watch porns?
No, Bradley have no excuse. If they not chop his head off they need to put him in firing squads and shoot him on his culo! USA needed to hold their balls and not give them away, they needed to put in players that can hold ball like Adu or Torres. Why not play Torres? Chingado Boob know about strategy less then Burrito know about making a chimichanga!
The only thing that will make USA better is to get rid of Bradley ASAP! They need a coach who has vision and make the USA be a dominatings force in the world. Now dont get Burrito wrong, when it come to Mexico vs USA Burrito take a good taquito over a Hamburger any day! Pero, when Burrito see how close USA was to winning Confederations Cup and realize this culero Bradley make bad prosti... substitutions then thats when Burrito get mad.
So wake up USSF time to get another coach cause if you think about it USA lost 3 of the 5 games they play and were lucky to play the final. Burrito has spoken!

Miami Ultras on TV, pictures and video. USA can't hold the lead and fall to Brazil

The Miami Ultras appeared on Univision during the USA vs Brazil game and Republica Deportiva. It was a fun event that also saw Miami FC players Danny Vasquez and Richard Perdomo interviewed by Presidente Fernando Fiore.

Here are a few pictures and video (In Spanish)
For more pictures and video head over to the Miami Ultras site.


A special thanks to Miami FC Media Relations/PR Manager Ignacio Rodriguez-Argote for putting this together.

While at Univision's studio we watched the USA drop a 2 -0 lead in the second half, a heart breaker for the USA fans in the studio. Could this be time for a change of the U.S. head coach? I mean it's great we got to the final, but we need to remember we got there by mere circumstance on goal aggregate, We lost 3 of the 5 games we played at this tournament... Still, falling to Brazil by 3-2 isn't as bad as losing to them 3-0 like we did in the first round.

Soccer Fans! Miami FC returns home to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the first place Puerto Rico Islanders. This game will be played at FIU Stadium and will include fireworks immediately after the game. For more info go to the Miami FC website and get your tickets!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Miami Ultras on Republica Deportiva during the USA vs Brazil game

Be sure to check out the USA vs Brazil game on Univision and watch Republica Deportiva at 1 pm this upcoming Sunday the 28th. You will see some of the Miami Ultras on the show wearing USA and Miami FC colors as Univision will be airing the final of the Confederations Cup live from South Africa.
Selected Ultras are to appear at Univision's studio address:
9405 N.W. 41 Street Miami, FL 33178 at 11 am
Show time: Two sets for this show: First one will start at 1:00 pm until 2:30. Then they will air the game live from South Africa and the show will re-start from 4:30 until 5:00 pm.

The Ultras will join Miami FC players, the lovely Senadoras, Presidente Fernando Fiore and a number of guests.

Those that can't attend are invited to join the watch party at Fritz & Franz and cheer when you see the rest of us! Fritz & Franz Bierhaus is located at 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables Fl. 33134 - Tel: 305 -774-1883 get there early to get a good seat.
Let's go USA!

USA vs Brazil watch party at Fritz & Franz, History of South Florida Soccer at the Ultras site

We now know the finalists for the Confederations Cup taking place in South Africa. Our very own red, white and blue surprised the world and shocked #1 ranked Spain by 2-0 and will now meet Brazil who dispatched the hosts South Africa yesterday by 1-0.

South Florida Fans led by the Miami FC's official fan club the Miami Ultras will lead the festivities this Sunday June 28 at 2:30 pm at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables Fl. 33134 - Tel: 305 -774-1883

Look for the guys dressed in Blue Miami FC colors and Ultras Scarfs! Join us for a beer!
Come out in force and wear the U.S. colors and support the nation we live in as they make history participating in their first international Soccer Final.

Be sure to check out South Florida's own Miami FC when they return home to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the first place Puerto Rico Islanders. This game will be played at FIU Stadium and will include a fireworks extravaganza immediately after the game. For more info go to the Miami FC website and get your tickets!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues

Be sure to check out a great piece written by Robert Scorca in the first of a multi part series detailing the history of Soccer in South Florida called "Humble Beginnings". They didn't start in South Florida at all, it began in Washington and here is a little of the story:

The history of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers goes back before Fort Lauderdale.
The team even goes back before the North American Soccer League. The N.A.S.L.
was soccer in it's heyday. Players like Pele, George Best, Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, "Nene" Cubillas, etc. all graced the fields in the United States and Canada but I am getting ahead of myself...

For more please go to the Miami Ultras website

Let's go USA! Vamos Miami!

Ultras part of Sam's Army? Free Miami FC Open cup game, USA watch party and more

After their dismal performance against Costa Rica this past Wednesday, the United States gets ready to face Honduras Saturday June 6, 2009 at 8pm.

I urge all Soccer fans to come out and support the US Men's National Team at Fritz and Franz located at 60 Merrick Way in Coral Gables.

Did you guys know the Miami Ultras are in the process of becoming a part of Sam’s Army? Check this out:

The Miami Ultras have been avid supporters of U.S. Soccer since our inception in February of 2008 (One-year and four months ago). We are currently in negotiations with Sam’s Army, the insane unofficial fan club of US Soccer since 1994, to become a brigade.

For more info on this and the tailgate go here

Talk about Ultras, Julio Caballero wrote a great piece on the importance of Marketing at the Miami Ultras site. Be sure to check it out, a must read. Go here

Since we are on the Marketing subject, our new friend and future Tampa Bay Rowdies fan Jim Willis has a new blog called Against the Run of Play and he wrote a post titled "Marketing 101 according to Miami FC". It's short but worth the read. Jim also tells me a group of Tampa fans are thinking of making a road trip to either the Gold Cup or a Miami FC game.
Come on down guys, let's get the rivalry started!

South Florida Soccer Fans can look forward to FREE Soccer, you read it, FREE Soccer this coming Tuesday June 9, 2009 8pm at Tropical Park as Diego Serna and Miami FC take on Lynch's FC of Jacksonville for the US Open Cup! There are no excuses, lets fill up the stadium and support our team! Time to Bleed Blue!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!
Pictures taken from the Miami Ultras site