Miami FC Blues 2010 Season Preview

Brian Quarstad over at Inside Minnesota Soccer came up with an idea to create a 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League Season Preview.
It consists of:

* 12 Teams
* 12 Stadiums
* 12 Coaches
* 12 Previews
* 12 Authors

Best of all is a preview of each team. The previews are written by a representative in each team’s area who, in most cases, writes for an online publication that covers the team.

Here is the portion I wrote (with some help by Brian) about Miami FC:

MIAMI FC BLUES

Founded 2006
Stadium: Lockhart Stadium: Multi-use – Grass (capacity: 18,500)
Conference: NASL
Last season’s record: 8W-12L-10D (9th Place)
Head coach: Victor Pastora (1st Year-former asst. coach)
Key players: Christian Gómez, Zach Kirby, Abe Thompson
Team Website
Roster

by Uncle Ed - Football in Miami and Beyond

After a few years of fielding mediocre teams, 2010 seems to be the year of the Blues. Miami FC General Manager Luiz Muzzi and Fernando Clavijo have brought together an almost new team from last year. It started with the hiring of new coach Victor Pastora, who South Florida fans hope will put this team together with a little magic.

Returning to the team is fan favorite Zach “Beowulf” Kirby, Zach’s MLS career came to a halt as he was released to free up a roster spot for David Beckham on the L.A. Galaxy. Nonetheless, Kirby’s tenacity will be tested on the pitch. Zach is a solid central defender with great vision and a touch of genius that reminisces the great Franz Beckenbauer.

The midfield will be lead by the star signing of 2010, Christian Gómez. Christian will be a true general on the pitch for the Blues, something they lacked in past seasons. The former DC United play-maker was not offered a new contract with MLS this season and their loss is Miami FC’s gain! This veteran of many battles will no doubt infuse his experience to the many young players on the Blues roster this year including former U-20 Guatemalan forward Edward Santilez. But we can’t forget forward Abe Thompson, who spent the last four years in the MLS and recently with the Houston Dynamo. Both Edward and Abe have been in top form this pre-season and Blue’s fans hope to celebrate many of their goals. Vamos Miami!

In the last two months of the 2009 season, Miami FC could conjure up only 1-win with 9-losses and 2-draws. With an improved roster, look for the Blues to be a more competitive team in 2010 which will help this team down the stretch.

To read about the other teams in the league click on the 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League logo to the top right or go HERE

Blues win in Ft Myers, Season ticket ideas and Miami MLS hopes not dead?

Miami FC continues their pre-season; this time they beat Florida Gulf Coast University 1-0 in Fort Myers on Sunday. The goal came from Guatemalan Forward Edward Santeliz who flicked the ball in after Sean Cameron got a head on the ball which hit the post from a Bryan Perez corner-kick. This gives the Blues a 4-1 pre-season record so far with their only loss coming against the New York Red Bulls of the MLS. The Blues will play their last preseason game this Friday, April 2 at the Holiday Inn Soccer Complex in Sunrise at 5:00 p.m. For more information visit www.miamifc.com
Season Tickets
As some of you may know Miami FC has so far armed themselves with some strong talent for this coming 2010 season. The Blues will have players such as Christian Gómez, Lance Parker, Abe Thompson, Mike Randolph, Chris Gbandi, just to name a few that have Major League Soccer experience. We have a team that at least on paper looks pretty impressive. So on that note we ask people to get the word out and support South Florida's only professional soccer team by buying 2010 season tickets calling 305-728-2606!
Miami FC starts its season on Saturday, April 10 when they play against the Rochester Rhinos at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale at 7:30 p.m.
Talk about Season Tickets, check out this real cool video of Jonathan Bornstein of MLS's Chivas USA showing up to their season ticket holders homes to deliver the tickets! Imagine having Christian Gómez deliver your season tickets to your house?Miami MLS hopes not dead?
One of our own Miami Ultras recently sent a letter to MLS commissioner Don Garber asking him to not forget South Florida in their expansion. The Don himself responded saying they are working to get that done!
As most South Florida Soccer fans know; we twice got our hearts broken by MLS. The first when they pulled the plug on the Miami Fusion right when the attendance was increasing and after we had won the supporters shield for having the best record in the league in 2001. Then, just last year we saw another disappointment as a "shew in" bid by Marcelo Claure and Barcelona of Spain mysteriously fell apart. Many Soccer fans have placed comments all over this blog and that of fellow Miami bloggers voicing their opinions on how they will only support Soccer in this town if its MLS. If you want to be heard do as our Miami Ultras comrade did and write to Don Garber at DGarber@mlsnet.com and voice your opinions!
While we at FMB (Football in Miami and Beyond) would love to see MLS come back to South Florida we believe the only way that will ever happen is if you show up to Miami FC games. Why? Because then we can prove to MLS and the world that 1st Division soccer needs to come back to this part of the country. Where are those 11,000 fans that used to show up to Fusion games? I think we only need half of that to show up to Miami FC games to make Traffic think that this market could make the jump up to MLS.
On that note check out this video of the Sons of Ben on their trip to Seattle to support the Philadelphia Union (who incidentally lost to the Sounders 2-0). Watching this video makes me think of how it should have been the Miami Ultras filming this video and making the road trip. We have a long road ahead but we can start by organizing a road trip for the July 4th game versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies! Vamos Miami!

Miami FC signs Christian Gómez! Blues unveil their new 2010 Jersey

Yes, its true! Miami FC sign Argentine Christian Gómez!

Gómez will be a true general on the pitch for the Blues, something they lacked in past seasons. The former DC United playmaker was not offered a new contract with MLS this season and their loss is our gain!

Christian began playing at 17 with Argentine club Nueva Chicago, a 2nd division team at the time. He played with the team from 1991 to 1996, appearing in 155 games and scoring 46 goals. In 1997 Gómez moved to Independiente and played for them from 1997 to 1999, scoring 12 goals. He went on to Argentinos Juniors, returning to Nueva Chicago, where he would help the team earn promotion to the first division, scoring 14 goals. He returned to Independiente in 2002 and went on to Arsenal de Sarandí, where he would play in 30 games, scoring 6 goals, between 2002 and 2004.

In 2004 he came to D.C. United where they reached the MLS Cup. In 2005 Gómez was named to the MLS Best XI. In 2006 Gómez won the MLS Honda MVP award. In the 2007 he scored 10 goals and 9 assists. Gomez was named an MLS All-Star in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2008 he went on to the Colorado Rapids but was traded back to D.C. United during the 2009 pre-season.

The Blues now have a player that can be the face of the team. Check out the original press release HERE
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Last night Miami FC unveiled their 2010 jersey at America's Backyard in Ft Lauderdale. Check it out folks! Picture by Victor Palkaninec. For more pictures check out MiamiFC2
or check out MiamiSoccerFan.com

Miami FC need to do Guerrilla Marketing! with video By Burrito

Before Burrito start a little remindererer... Los Azules (Blues for you gringos) will unveils their new 2010 uniforms this Thursday March 25, 2010 from 6 pm until 9 pm at America's Backyard.Its free so go or else Burrito hit you on head with quesadilla! For more information click HERE print the flyer and show up for a good time with the players and staff.

Burrito can see that Miami FC is getting some nice players this year most are very young and have mucho promise in the futures. Burrito believes Muzzi, Clavijo and the rest of the gang are creating a team of players that are the future of USA soccer!

Pero, whiles the team is looking good on papers we still need peoples to come to the stadium! Burrito in his 11 years of existence has been banned from Bigsoccer, kicked out of Lockhart, FIU and Tropical Park stadiums for discrimination (Cause they no allow dawgs... but Burrito still sneak in!) and now Burrito will be even more hated! Following are "Burritos Guerrilla Marketing Tactics":

Let's face it homeses we dawgs like pretty ladies! Last year they have FIU cheerleaders/ Blue Angels. Burrito like them mucho so bring thems back. Also get some in stands, Burrito going to go to strip joints and invite some hot mamacitas from there too! Yeeehaaa!

Tailgates with sponsors! The best part for the fans is when we sits back and talk futbol before the games. Get local Ft Lauderdale shops to sponsor with food or drinks and everyone win! This will attract hungry and alcoholic fans.

A few signs close to stadium don't hurt either. Problem with Miami FC is that many peoples no no they exists. When there is game no one can tell cause everyone park in back of Lockharts Stadium. Put sign in front of stadium!

Miami FC staff need to be tricky! Last year they think up the "We'll shave out heads" idea that was good at first but they never cut anyone's hair!!! Fans demand a re-count!They say they have no budget, that they are cutting back... then do something smart like these Heineken vatos did.

Heineken told a group of futbol fans via girlfriends, bosses and professors that a classical concert was to take place at the same time as the huge championship soccer match between Real Madrid and AC Milan. More than 1,100 soccer fans got tricked and 1.5 million people saw their reactions on live TV. Heineken received five million visitors to their site and a great deal of news coverage shortly after. Check out this video.

You have more Guerrilla Marketing ideas the Blues can do to get people in the stands? Leave a comment!
Hasta los Huevos amigos!

The Return of Beowulf (a.k.a. Zach Kirby)

Zach Kirby was born and grew up in Georgia. After high school his pursuit of knowledge and soccer took him north to Boston University. His final season he was the 2006 All-America East Conference Defender of the Year, College Soccer News All-American, among other honors. This bought him to the attention of Alexi Lalas and he was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Zach became the answer to a trivia question as he was released to free up a roster spot for David Beckham. He finished out the year playing for the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. 2008 saw him return home to play for the Atlanta Silverbacks. With Atlanta sitting out the 2009 Zach traveled south and became a member of the Miami FC Blues.
Our good friend and Miami Ultra Robert Scorca asked him a few questions:

Robert Scorca: Marietta is only 15 miles from Atlanta. Were you a fan of the Silverbacks?
Zach Kirby: Yes. I also remember attending games when they were called the Atlanta Ruckus.

RS: During your childhood who was the athlete you look up to?
ZK: There was never one athlete in particular. I enjoy talent from a very wide spectrum. If the person was fun to watch I would take a liking to them.

RS: Who is the person who was most influential in your development as a player and a person?
ZK: There are multiple people that contributed to my success on and off the field. As a youth player, the primary mentors were my Olympic Development Program coach Kerem Daser who is currently at the helm of Georgia State University and my club coach, Dave Smith, who is the kingpin of club soccer in the greater Atlanta area. My collegiate profile was strongly influenced by two coaches from Boston University, Andy Fleming and Neil Roberts. Their guidance helped me become the person I am today. Lastly, none of this could have been remotely possible without the unconditional support, motivation, and love from my parents and grandparents.

RS: You had a successful college career and were drafted by the L.A. Galaxy. Even though your stay was brief are there any memories you care to share?
ZK: Yes. I remember it like it was yesterday. Defending Landon Donovan was one of the many highlights.

RS: Last season, on July 19th Johan Claesson and you went up for the ball in a game against the Portland Timber. The ensuing collision was heard in the stands and knocked both players out of the game. Can you recap the injury for us?
ZK: The injury I received was a tough setback. I jumped into the air to head the ball up the field and was blind sided by an opposing player resulting in a large wound and a concussion. The team doctor put ten stitches in my head shortly thereafter and then I proceeded to the emergency room. The hospital stay was brief, but the residual effects of the collision lasted for approximately three weeks. It was difficult to come back from, but I slowly eased my way into the field.

RS: It seemed natural that you would come to the attention of Jason Smith, Head Coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks. When did you first come in contact with him?
ZK: At the 2007 MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale.

RS: Alex Pineda Chacon was a coach of yours with the Silverbacks. He is also a fan favorite from the Miami Fusion days. Please share some observations or items of interest.
ZK: Alex is a great person and an extremely talented player. He would always train with us in Atlanta and has not lost a beat in his game.

RS: After the Silverbacks decision to sit out the 2009 season you ended up playing for Miami FC. How did this come about?
ZK: I took a leap of faith. I packed my car to move to Miami on a whim, and it definitely worked out for the best.

RS: One of the Miami Ultras (Brian Corey) nicknamed you Beowulf. The name stuck so we will not change it. If you had to pick a nickname for yourself what would it be.
ZK: Only Beowulf. Although Thor and Beckenbauer are some other nicknames that I have been honored with in the past.

RS: Rumor alert! The first winner of the 2008 Miami Ultras Player of the Year award (Alex Afonso) upon receiving the trophy immediately left to Brazil. The location of the 2009 Miami Ultras Player of the Year trophy won by Zach Kirby is a mystery. Rumor has it Pieter Brown (President of the Miami Ultras) kept it for himself. Another rumor has it used as a flower vase. Last, in theBeowolf tradition it is being used as a beer mug on South Beach. Can you shed any light on the mystery of the location of your Ultra Player of the Year Trophy?
ZK: The last thing I heard was that it was stolen by my old roommate Tim Merritt and was on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. God only knows what he has been doing with it...

RS: Any advice for young footballers?
ZK:Set your goals high and you will achieve what you want through hard work and commitment. Most importantly, enjoy what you are doing. Happiness is an essential ingredient to success.

RS: Closing thoughts and remarks?
ZK: I am looking forward to a successful season with Miami FC and I would like to thank all of the fans for their continued motivation and support.

Miami FC Sign Lance Parker and more...

Today Miami FC announced 4 more players starting with former Chivas USA keeper Lance Parker. fighting for that starting goalkeeper position will be Caleb Patterson while in midfield we get Sean Cameron and local product Gabriel Hoyos.

It's great to have these two quality goalkeepers on the team. They are both very young but have the necessary experience to come in and make an immediate impact. In the midfield, Sean has played with us before and we're glad to have him re-join Miami this year. Gabriel is an exciting young prospect with international experience under his belt. This is shaping up to be an exciting 2010 roster, " said General Manager Luiz Muzzi

For more on the players go HERE
The Blues are finally looking good!

Be on the lookout for more interviews by South Florida Soccer Guru Robert Scorca!
Picture by Victor Palkaninec, see more over at Striker's Supporters

Miami FC add Abe Thompson, Re-signs Paulo Jr. and 4 more Brazilians

Abe Thompson joins the Blues!

Abe is a special player. His pace, ability to finish and experience will take our front line to another level," said General Manager, Luiz Muzzi

More at the Miami FC site HERE

Brazilian forward Paulo Jr has also been added.

Five players will join the ranks of the Blues including one of Miami's best forwards from last season, Paulo Araujo Jr. Terms of the signings were not disclosed

Further Details HERE

The Miami FC Blues have so far, in addition to the above, confirmed the following players on this years roster:

M-Ariel Germiniani
M-Lennon Celestino
D-Euzebio Neto
M-Paulinho Le Petit.
D-Mike Randolph
D-Chris Gbandi
M-Jarryd Goldberg
D-JP Rodrigues
F-Bryan Perez
D-Kyle Veris
D-Cristiano Dias
F-Edward Santeliz
D-Zach Kirby

Be sure to check out videos of the new players over at Miami FC TV

But don't think its over! Word out of Miami FC Central is that there are more players in the horizon and they are going to be some good ones!