Whitcaps release video with Zee. Compares practice there to that of Miami FC

The Whitecaps released a Video Interview with their new multi-position player Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze and they asked him to compare practice with that of last years Miami FC (Watch it below). Zee is also asked if the fact the Whitcaps are moving up to MLS influenced his decision to sign for the club.

In December Miami Ultra Robert Scorca interviewed Zee. Here is an excerpt:

Robert Scorca: You came for an open tryout with Miami FC. How many players participated? How many signed on with Miami FC?

Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze: There were 128 players trying out, 4 players were invited back to train with the team, I was the only one who signed.

You can read the full interview HERE

Vote for Burrito! Vote for the Real Football! plus Miami FC info.

Hola Futbol fans! Burrito want to ask you favors. If you love futbol, if you love Burrito's Blog, then please help us beat all those American Football Blogs running against us on Best Of Blog awards over at the Sun Sentinel. Please go to this link: http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/community/ssblogcontest/voting/?vote_for=205#205 for Football in Miami and Beyond to win Sports section of contest. You can also go to this link: http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/community/ssblogcontest/voting/best.php to vote for best overall Blog. Vote for Football in Miami and Beyond and Help us steal pig skin egg they call Football from fish fans! Burrito no hate American Football or Dolphins, Burrito like fish, Burrito bite fish and eat fish and hump fish too! So help us beat them Handeggball people (cause thats what they should call that sport) and Burrito send quesadilla to all you futbol lovers!

Moving on to other news Burrito's compadre Robert Scorca write good piece over at MiamiSoccerFan.com on Miami FC's open tryout that took place this weekend at Weston Regional Park. Burrito was going to tryout pero Ignacio at Miami FC office say dogs not allowed to play on team! Pinche culero! Its ok, Burrito going to pee on his tire next time he see him!
If you want to read Roberto's article go AQUI

Don't forget to vote for Football in Miami and Beyond! Go HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best over all! Let them know what the real Football is!

Burrito is happier then when Uncle Ed give him bone! Why? Because Miami FC have 4 players, Si, 4 players and they are beginning of the teams that will win new USSF Div 2 Championship (What an estupido name!) Burrito can't wait to see our Miami FC Blues beat those ugly Tampon Bay Poopies (Tampa Bay Rowdies) when they come to South Florida. So far Miami FC have Burrito's carnales Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Jarryd "The Hammer" Goldberg, JP "Macho Man" Rodrigues and el rookie Bryan "Negro" Perez!

In case you forget, vote for Football in Miami and Beyond! Go HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog over all!

Burrito want to ask all you vatos to Join the Miami Ultras! The Ultras want you to be part of the craziest group since the Bee Gees... no, since the Beatles! ...since Hot Sauce at Taco Bell? Never mind. Join the Ultras! It's Free! You get to play drums and cow bell and we have best tailgate in town! So Join us by going HERE

Did Burrito mention Football in Miami and Beyond is running for Best of Blogs on the Sun Sentinel? No? Well Go HERE to vote for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog everwhever!

Finally Miami Soccer Fan has re-released the Spanish section of their site. Burrito happy cause Burrito originally from Mexico! Most posts will be translated from English and thats why if you want to write en Espanol then please contact "El Presidente" Pieter Brown at articles@miamisoccerfan.com and help us attract more Spanish speaking fans to the Ultras! GO HERE to read in Spanish!

Football in Miami and Beyond! Best Blog ever! Vote HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog everwhever in the universe! If you don't then Burrito will hurt you and hunt you down!
Just kitten! But vote for us human peoples!Football in Miami and Beyond is not to be held accountable nor responsible for any claims, comments, misspelled insults, bad grammar, nor anything written by Burrito. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Warning: Frequent reading of subjects brought up by Burrito may cause diarrhea, erectile malfunctions or depression. Children please ask your parents for permission before reading.

Miami FC re-signs Jarryd Goldberg and JP Rodrigues

Miami FC brings back two important players to the team. Read team release HERE

Fan Favorite Jarryd Goldberg returns to the midfield. One of Miami FC's standout players. Jarryd was born November 13, 1985 in Livingston, New Jersey. Goldberg attended Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and played college soccer at Boston College and Boston University. While at college, Goldberg took part in the 2005 Maccabiah Games, winning a silver medal with the US team.
Robert Scorca recently interviewed Jarryd. To read the piece go HERE

The second player that returns is John Paul "J.P." Rodrigues. JP was with the Blues during the first two seasons of Miami FC's existence playing alongside Romario and Zinho. JP is a Guyanese international soccer player who plays as a defender. Rodrigues has played professionally for the Nashville Metros and Miami FC, and he made his international debut in 2006. JP is currently playing with the Milwaukee Wave

Miami FC has announced that there will be other additions to the roster this week among other interesting information.

Miami Ultra President Pieter Brown wrote a great post called "Miami FC Good and Bad", it's about the current criticisms Miami FC parent company Traffic Sports is receiving by fans. Be sure to check it out. It all stems from the announcement of an Academy and fields proposed by Traffic in Ft Lauderdale. Many soccer fans would like MLS to return to South Florida and see this move by Traffic as a hindrance to their dreams. My recent blog post on this same subject see it HERE shed over 50 comments. My opinion is that this move is a positive thing for Soccer in South Florida. MLS is not going to come any time soon. We need to come to terms with that and support Traffic's willingness to commit. An Academy means we will see our future players develop right here in our hometown. It's time for true Soccer Fans to get behind this and join supporters groups, such as the Ultras. Go and Join them HERE

Miami Soccer Fan has also re-started their Spanish Language site. Be Sure to check it out! I will be translating for the site but if you are interested in contributing please contact Pieter Brown at the site.

Vamos Miami!

Interview with the newest Miami FC player, Bryan Perez

Bryan Perez is the newest member of Miami FC. His journey started in Costa Rica. At 6 or 7 years Bryan was enrolled in C. D. Saprissa's Futbol Academy where he played Attacking Midfield a position he would play for most of his career. Saprissa is Costa Rica's most successful futbol program. At 11 is was chosen to be a member of Saprissa traveling youth club.

This was not to be as his family moved to South Florida and he played for Glades Middle School. He went to Killian High School where he twice lead the team in scoring.
After high school he continued his education and soccer career at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he played Attacking Mid/Forward. he ended his career there as the teams all time leader in goals (29), points (70), shots(160), and games played (78).
He is a huge fan of Walter Centeno who plays for C.D. Saprissa and the Costa Rica National Team.

Robert Scorca: Who was most instrumental in your development as a player and a person?
Bryan Perez: My parents have played a huge part in my development as a player and definitely as a person. They were always there for me in the good and in the bad. Victor Pastora, Rick Benben and Fred Schliting were coaches throughout my soccer career that taught me the game.

RS: What was your biggest soccer moment?
BP: I had many big soccer moments in my club team and in my college team but if I had to pick I will pick the one with my club team. I played for Renegades from the age 13 to 16. I was a big factor in why Renegades were winning and had success. As the club got bigger they were more interested in bringing in the best players than making a team. At 15 years old I started losing my spot and my confidence. I started having problems with the team and was thinking of leaving when I was 16. I departed the club under less than friendly terms. Victor Pastora found out and thank God, he was forming a team in West Kendall in my age group. We formed a good team with chemistry and humbleness. We made it to the State Championship and it was against the team that I had problems with, the Renegades. It was an intense game because it was not just for the championship but to prove that a team is made with more than just talent. We played in front of a lot of people and it showed how much this game meant. We scored and were on top, and we got a red card with 20 minutes left. Coaches Julio Perdomo and Victor told me, you made that team now destroy it! I defended and gave it my all. We than became the champions of Florida. I can not find word that describes the feeling of winning that game. That is a feeling I'm never going to forget.

RS: When Costa Rica plays the United States who do you cheer for? Which national team would you rather play for, Costa Rica or the United States?
BP: I cheer for Costa Rica. I am often asked who I would rather play for. Even though the United States is a place that made me and opened doors for me my heart is with Costa Rica and I would play for Costa Rica.

RS: Do you have any superstitions or game day rituals?
BP: I have a few. I can't play without taking a shower before I go to the game even though I showered before.

RS: You played for the University of Missouri-Kansas City. What will you miss most about your time here?
BP: I'm going to miss the moments I had there with my friends and teammates. There I learned how to survive and become a man. I met special people there that I'm always going to have in my heart.

RS: What do you feel will be your biggest adjustment from the college game to the pro game?
BP: Definitely the speed of play, but that is something you pick up quickly.

RS: Did you follow Miami FC before you left for college or while you were in college?
BP: I did follow Miami FC but never attended any of the games. I even played a scrimmage against Miami FC in 2006. Victor coached a select group against Miami FC's reserve players.

RS: How much did returning home factor in your decision to play for Miami FC?
BP: A lot, it made my decision real easy. Starting my professional here in Miami is a dream. This is the city where I grew up.

RS: How did Miami FC and you get in contact before they signed you?
BP: Coach Victor and I stayed in contact while I was in college. After I was not picked to be in the MLS Combine my interest in Miami FC grew. After a few phone calls I decided to return from Kansas City.

RS: Do you have a nickname? If not I advise you to come up with one. If not I am sure the Miami Ultras (Miami FC Supporters Group) will give you one to use in their chants.
BP: I get called BP and Negro.

RS: Anything you would like to say to the Miami FC fans?
BP: I would like to say that I am going to work hard to show my best, and for Miami FC to win games and hopefully win a championship.

RS: Any closing thoughts before we close out this interview?
BP: I want to thank you for doing this interview, and the organization for giving me the chance in the Miami FC family. I am looking forward to a great season and a great experience.

Traffic to take over Ft Lauderdale Stadium? Report says they would build Soccer Academy and Fields...

For those that question Traffic's commit- ment when it comes to Miami FC, The Sun Sentinel wrote an interesting piece about the Ft Lauderdale Baseball Stadium, the one that the Baltimore Orioles used to use as a Spring training facility. (Next door to Lockhart Stadium)
The report indicates talks between Traffic and Ft Lauderdale have been going on for sometime.

Sarah Talalay writes:

Earlier this month, Traffic Sports, which owns and operates the Miami FC soccer team, made a pitch to city commissioners to operate the stadium and redevelop it as a soccer academy that could be used by the pro team and the community.

Aaron Davidson, Traffic vice president of sales and marketing and Miami FC president, said Traffic would fully fund the transition of the baseball stadium and surrounding practice fields for soccer. He reminded commissioners of the history of soccer at the complex. Next door Lockhart Stadium is the former home of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Miami Fusion, and Miami FC played half its games there last year. The team is in discussions about playing all its 2010 games at Lockhart.

"In pro soccer, you usually look to develop your players from the youth up in the same venue or near the same venue as your team practices," Davidson said. "Depending on where the FAA wants to go with that land, there might be an opportunity to develop a much larger complex with Lockhart."

The idea appeals to city officials because of the need for soccer fields.

"We've got soccer programs throughout the city looking for more field space," Seiler said.

Full article with video HERE

Could this mean Soccer is here to stay in South Florida? Perhaps this is the reason for the slow start with Miami FC? Will the Strikers name be revived? Is Lockhart Stadium part of the deal? We hope to get more information on this in the days to come.

Copa Latina 2010 Schedule Released, Miami FC Open tryouts this weekend

Copa Latina 2010 is here!
Official Release Follows:

Hialeah, FL (February 17, 2010). On Tuesday, February 16, 2010, El Nuevo Herald Copa Latina held its tournament draw at the Rusty Pelican restaurant in Key Biscayne. Using the same format as the World Cup Draw, all 32 teams selected to compete in this year's tournament were seeded, and the first-round schedule was announced.

The seventeenth edition Copa Latina saw some very interesting and competitive rivalries. As Tom Mulroy, President of Se Habla Fútbol, orchestrated the traditional draw of the teams, last year’s champions Honduras 5 Estrellas will open the tournament against Mexico Starlight. Other first round matches include Selección Hati vs. Colombia Atletico Jrs , Est. Del Guayas Ecuador vs. Unity Jamaica, and Haiti All-Stars vs. Sel. Cuba to name a few.

El Nuevo Herald Copa Latina is America's most prestigious adult soccer tournament, representing nearly 20 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Kickoff for Copa Latina 2010 is Saturday, March 6th, 2009 at 8 p.m., with opening ceremonies starting at 7:00 p.m. All games will be played at Ted Hendricks Stadium (Milander Park) in Hialeah.
First-round schedule follows:

Miami FC Hosts Fourth Annual Open Tryouts

Open tryouts will take place on February 20 and 21, at Weston Regional Park. On both days, the tryout will last from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. with registration taking place from 8-8:30 A.M. For more information on Weston Regional Park, go HERE
Applicants can fill out their information (Name, age, contact information, legal status in the U.S., soccer experience, etc.) and pay to register at Miami FC’s 2010 Open Tryout Page.
If you have any questions regarding the 2010 Tryouts, please email tryouts2010@miamifc.com.
Good luck!

Ochocinco and his Football (Soccer) friends, Beckham, Ronaldinho, etc

I'm sad I sat on this for 5 days while waiting for some " Important information " that never came. Since then The Offside jumped on this. Last time I wait for anyone! So here it is:

Are you Addicted to Twitter? Someone that's a self confessed addict is Miami native and Cincinnati Bengal Player Chad Ochocinco

I started to follow Ochocinco after I heard he supported Miami's World Cup Bid and realized he was a Football (Soccer) Fan. Chad never fails to mention the beautiful game in his tweets and just last week he bombarded twitter with some real cool pictures of himself with famous Soccer stars. Be sure to check out the original pictures and leave a comment for Ochocinco (links under the pictures). Let him know how cool he is for loving the king of all sports.

Chad also mentioned something about playing for a team in Spain during the NFL off season and said it was thanks to Thierry Henry, but Chad never specified. I'm curious to see what he meant. We will see if we can get him to show up to a Miami FC game. As you can see he already has his own Jersey! Vamos Miami!


Ocho with Ronaldhino
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Materazzi
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Ibrahimovic
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Thierry Henry
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Ashley Cole
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with David Beckham
Original Picture and Comment


To follow Chad Ochocinco on Twitter go to http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco
You can also join him on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ogochocinco

You can also follow Football in Miami and Beyond at http://twitter.com/footballsoccerm

Don't forget to follow Miami FC at
http://twitter.com/Miamifc