Meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber: Fan pictures and video.

Following you will find pictures and fan video taken during the meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. None of the video is professional so bear with us. The video does give you a little taste of what it was like to be there.
I've seen much criticism out there from fans from other cities concerning the number of fans that showed up to the event. MLS asked us to only take 60 people.




Part 1 - Here Dan Courtemanche starts off the festivities, hands it over to the Miami Ultras President Pieter Brown who introduces the Miami Ultras video presentation. (You can see the video in the previous blog post below).

Part 2 - Uncle Ed reads a Fan letter to Don Garber. Pieter Brown and Miami Ultras Vice President Julio Caballero give Don Garber a Miami Ultras Scarf. Don Garber proceeds to talk to all in attendance about MLS. (Video not filmed very well but you can hear most of Don Garbers views prior to the Q & A)


End - Final moments of the meeting.




More pictures can be seen at the Miami Ultras site Miamisoccerfan.com

Meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber: The day after.

Much is being said in the media about the MLS Miami meeting that took place on Saturday at the Marriot Harbor Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. South Florida soccer supporters, the Miami Ultras, have worked for months on a campaign called the MLS Miami Bid, with the purpose of attracting followers and investors willing to work together to bring a team to the area.

Commissioner Garber encouraged us to keep growing and, we will. It's only a matter of time before we get a Major League Soccer team! Notable attendees included Tom Mulroy, founder of the Copa Latina, and Miami FC/Striker and NASL President Aaron Davidson, who were invited by Don Garber.

The event began with Miami Ultras President and founder Pieter Brown thanking Commissioner Garber and the audience for showing up. He also introduced a fan made video. Special thanks to Miami Ultra Erick Perez for making it.

Here is the video:



After the video, yours truly Uncle Ed took the stage to state the case for bringing an MLS team to South Florida. I ended my presentation by pointing out the fact that MLS will only have a true national foothold with a team in the South, a neglected area by the league.

Miami Ultra Julio Caballero then proceeded to give Commissioner Garber a Miami Ultras scarf, which set the stage for a Q&A that proceeded.

During the Q&A, a fan claimed that reliable sources informed him that businessman Marcelo Claure, Simon Fuller and David Beckham were interested in a team in South Florida. Garber deviated the topic of conversation away from Claure and Beckham and began speaking about NYC2. He announced that MLS is committed to bringing NYC2 into the mix. Garber continued by stating that any investor that approaches MLS will be taken to the best possible city. He then said, "We're not going to lead the charge to bring a team here," meaning Miami. But isn't that what MLS is doing with NYC2? I wondered.

Some fans then started directing questions and statements to Aaron Davidson about our local team. They addressed reasons why many people do not know about the existence of Miami FC (soon to be called the Strikers). Davidson vaguely responded by saying, "I am not against a move to MLS," and he left it at that. Regrettably, I think the presence of Davidson was a distraction and a mistake by MLS. Clearly Garber allowed him to attend in order to avoid animosity and so that he didn't feel threatened. I'm in favor of a similar Q&A with Davidson, but this was not his platform. It's not his fault though. The fans should have kept directing their questions to Garber solely.

The new Strikers and Traffic, the owners of the team, have the opportunity to start from scratch and do what they didn't do with Miami FC. They now have the opportunity to properly promote the team! How can they fill up stadium seats if no one knows about the games? We still hear nothing from them: no one announced the launch of the Strikers, there has been no advertising, JUST NOTHING. Time is ticking and, if they truly want to build momentum, they need to start now!

But we must support them, for good or bad, because they are all we have. MLS will come! It's just a matter of time. Fans, get the word out, attend Strikers games, go to the WPS games (I'll write about that in another blog) and support soccer in South Florida!

Further videos and pictures of the meeting with Don Garber will come in the next few days.

Here's what the local media had to say:

Sun Sentinel

Miami Herald

El Nuevo Herald

Total Futbol Featuring GOL TV's Phil Shoen and his take on the truth behind the Miami Fusion demise (A good read for those haters out there that keep saying MLS in Miami failed).

For more pictures and info go to the Miami Ultras site
Miamisoccerfan.com

Haters be hatin on Miami as fans set to meet MLS Commissioner Garber

Hola amigos! Burrito, your favorite and only futbol blogging Chihuahua mix dawg here with the latest on all them haters out there attacking Burrito's compadres the Miami Ultras and South Florida Futbol Fans in general. Why them putos got to be talking smack when they know Burrito gonna hurt them?

What it come down to is that all these carajos are just jealous cause down here in South Florida we got beautiful beaches, hot womenseseses, warm weathers, Lebron James, more hot womenseseses, Burrito the blogging dawg and all the cool things they only wish they had but never will. Most of those haters are freezing now next to fire place while Burrito chilling by pool in 70 degree weather with a bone in one paw and keyboard in other.

Burrito been reading all the hate for MLS in Miami and decide to divide blogs and media pieces in 2 categories. Hatererers for those cabrones who hate for the sake of hating. Burrito will pee on their tires if they ever come here. And the Not Haters who when they come to Miami, as soon as we get a team, Burrito gonna let them stay at his dawg house and let them feed him scooby snacks!

Burrito shocked by all the hate from the comments on these sites. It's as if Burrito had humped their pets or something... sheesh! Most are ignorant of facts and Burrito will address that after he eat a quesadilla.

Mmmmm, quesadilla was good. Burrito think the hate for Miami is good for the sport.

But before he continue, check what this chump write to Don Garber on twitter:Dear Stupid Tampon fan, (That's the backwards town of Tampa for you other haters that don't know). Why don't you get off your lazy culo and do somethings to get MLS in your ugly town instead of talking smack to El Don? Burrito would like nothing more than to see Miami's team beating your sorry team in MLS and make you our bitches (As usual).
As you can see those 2 or 3 Miami fans you criticize got things going on and they are going to meet with the Don. Have fun having hancky packy with family members! That all Burrito have to say. Fin.

Now back to the haters list...

The Not Haters

The Examiner "Miami Ultras making noise with Garber meeting"

Juanito Arango is first (After Uncle Ed on this blog) to announce the meeting with Garber.

MLS Rumors "MLS The Daily Talks About Upcoming Meeting Between Miami Ultras and MLS Commish Don Garber."

MLS Rumors is like a good Mexican telenovela (Soap opera) nothing but drama and Burrito like that! They no criticize and think adding Miami is okeydokey. They even make timeline of past articles they write! Burrito give them 5 bones on the Burrito scale of goodness!

MLS Talk 'Time for South Florida Soccer Fans to Stand Up and Meet Don Garber"

The Gaffer talk about all the pain South Florida Futbol fans have gone through in the past. This a must read for all you haters who just say Miami sucks. Go read it and learn!

The Offside "What to expect from 2011"

Ben gives preview of the year that just start and include the meeting South Florida Soccer fans going to have with Comish Garber. While everyone say Cosmos is going to happen and be 20th team in MLS; Ben's the only one that knows there is more than meets the taco... or eye. Taco de ojo!

The Shin Guardian 'Where does MLS go after lucky number 20?"

This piece talks about everything. A little long (Burrito fall asleep 3 times) but good.

Hatererers

SB Nation Don Garber Will Talk To Miami Ultras: This Is What He'll Say

This homeboy all over the place and think he psychic predicting what El Don will say! Jajaja... sorry, Burrito laugh in Spanish... Hahaha, so you gringos understand.

Match Fit USA "Garber throws a bone."

Que? Burrito wish he throw bone! Burrito would be all over it! This guy not so much hate but says the same things that people who don't know anything about what happen with the Fusion say, that MLS "Failed" in Miami. Ok, for the last time ignorant hatererers the owner of the team Ken Horowitz didn't have the money to keep the team afloat. That is why the team went bye, bye. Not the fans.

WVHooligan "Put up or shut up time for Miami"

This one not so much of a hater but Burrito no like the title and por favor stop teasing Burrito with bone reference! Then hero go on saying Garber meet with Ultras just so they stop emailing him. Que pendejo!

In conclusion:

Burrito want to make prediction for all you hatererers. Miami will get a team and soon!
***Burrito just hear that Marcelo Claure, Simon Fuller and David Beckham are very interested in bringing a team to Miami. This from very credible sources.
You hear it from Burrito first!
Burrito expect the signing of Ronaldo and Chad Ochocinco for 2013!Ochocinco & Ronaldo picture taken from Twitpic

Don't forget! Our time is now!
Wear your Ultras and MLS gear, don't forget your scarf!

This Saturday, January 8 at 1 PM
Don Garber / Miami Ultras Get-Together
3030 Restaurant @ Marriot Harbour Beach Hotel (3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)

Burrito very sad. Hotel no let pets in! Discrimination!

UPDATE 12:24 PM

GOL TV's Phil Shoen posted a blog called "South Florida Deserves Another Shot". It has some great information for all you haters. Read it and get informed and stop this "Miami Failed" rant you pinches pendejos!

U-20 vs Strikers Exclusive 1/6/2011

NOTE: Views on this blog post represent those of Miami Ultras member Kyle Kaly. Please note the Strikers / Miami FC line up is not the actual team that will be playing the 2011 NASL season.
It was a warm, sunny day today at Ft Lauderdale Stadium when the U-20 USMNT played a scrimmage against our Strikers. It was all around an odd setting for a match such as this, but it was an interesting game none the less.

The U-20 came out with a full 25 man roster against a Strikers scrimmage team wearing all black Soccer Locker sponsored kit. With planes flying in the background and construction equipment in the background, it didnt look like it was a serious setting for such a big match. On the U-20 side, the only notable name was Gale Agbossoumonde, on the Strikers side were Chris Gbandi, Martin Nunez, and Bryan Arguez The first half was pretty one sided. Bryan Arguez came out looking like David Beckham. He was fast, accurate, and had the U-20's number. Chris Gbandi was a force in the backfield as always. Martin Nunez was aggressive, decently quick, and ready to take out anyone who got in his path. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. The U-20 had a pretty average half with no real standouts. Gale looked moderately out of form, but was able to make a few key stops. The rest of the U-20 was able to make the ball up pitch, but was unable to make anything happen. At the break, the score was nil-nil.

The second half showed a new squad of U-20 and only a few new Strikers. The Strikers only real standout from the bench was a kid named David Santamaria Jr. He was a participant at the Traffic combine back in October, but little was heard about him since. His presence on the field was undeniable. He was quick, was able to get the ball past defenders and midfielders alike, and has shot power unparalleled by any former Miami FC player. He knew what he needed to do on the field like a veteran striker, only he was a 20 year old rookie with no experience. If he can continue to perform like this, a spot on the Strikers is imminent. Nunez, Arguez, and Gbandi remained strong for the rest of the match, but the game was still scoreless. The only real scoring opportunity for either team was a Strikers penalty kick in the 72nd minute that the keeper guessed correct and punched out of harm's way. Overall, the match was pretty even and the score definitely reflected that with a 0-0 final score.

The squad that played today will more than likely not be a reflection of our 2011 Strikers, but it showed a glimpse of hope that we may be able to pull off a successful season. Today was indeed a great day to be a Striker Liker.

Strikers Open Tryouts January 22-23

Think you have what it takes to be a Professional Soccer player?

The Strikers announced that they will be hosting their sixth annual open tryouts (Their first as the Strikers) for aspiring soccer players over a two-day span from January 22th to the 23rd at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, home of South Florida's only men’s professional soccer team.

“We are always looking for talent and South Florida is one of the best places to do that,” said Traffic Sports Executive Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo. “Every year we find at least one player who has been able to earn a spot on the team. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to play at the professional level.”

Soccer players from around the world will have an opportunity to make the Strikers’ roster and join one of the youngest professional soccer leagues in the country. The cost to try out is $99 per player. Tryouts will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.

Last year’s tryouts were a success as more than 150 skilled athletes were present to showcase their football skills to Miami FC and Traffic Sports scouts. Since the club’s birth in 2006, Miami FC has signed over a dozen players that participated in its tryouts, including J.P. Rodrigues, Stephane Guillaume, and Zurab Tsiskaridze.

Important Notes

The Strikers are not providing transportation to the combine or equipment. If you are traveling from outside South Florida you must also arrange your own accommodations.
You must come prepared for the tryouts with your own cleats, socks, gloves, shin guards or any other equipment related to your position.

Due to the limited enrollment of the event, once a player pays and is accepted into the tryouts, there are NO REFUNDS. There are no exceptions. We hold the right to refuse and/or decline any player we feel will not benefit from the tryouts.

To register click on the link below

http://miamifc.com/page/strikers-2011-open-tryouts

You can also contact Ignacio Rodriguez at 305-377-2700 or email him ignacio@miamifc.com

Miami Ultras on MLS The Daily

The Miami Ultras, South Florida soccer fans were mentioned on MLS the Daily today.

It's all due to the meeting they will have with MLS Commissioner Don Garber this coming Saturday. We will have a full report.



Also this weekend is the MLS Combine which is taking place this weekend. South Florida Soccer fans need to come out and support! For Combine info go HERE

Check out the video:





Want to know about the meeting with Don Garber?

Don Garber / Miami Ultras Get-Together

Saturday, January 8 @ 1 PM

3030 Restaurant @ Marriot Harbour Beach Hotel 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

MLS Miami News! Don Garber to meet with the Miami Ultras Saturday January 8, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen, MLS is coming to South Florida!
Don't get too excited folks, it's not a soccer team yet. But, it's a start! MLS Commissioner Don Garber will be in town for the MLS combine and while he is here he wants to talk to the Soccer fans. More specifically the Miami Ultras who have spearheaded a campaign to bring MLS back to South Florida.

Our time is now! Here is the information:

WHAT: Don Garber / Miami Ultras Get-Together

WHEN: Saturday, January 8 @ 1 PM

WHERE: 3030 Restaurant @ Marriot Harbour Beach Hotel (3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)

NOTES:
-MLS plans to additionally invite a few key media members and local soccer community representatives.

Want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Do the following:

Check out our website:
http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

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