Thursday, December 30, 2010

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/

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495

https://twitter.com/mlsmiami

Want to make suggestions and join us?
Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Malaysia will win the next World Cup thanks to new Laser technology! By Burrito

Hola Amigos, this just in from reliable news source Gizmodo!
Malaysia will now be Futbol Soccer power thanks to new Laser technology they just get from China! Funny how Chinese not think of it themselves!
Malaysia recently beat Indonesia 3-0 thanks to lasers being shot into face of Indonesian players who could not see and they cry like babies!
Malaysia used their secret weapon against Vietnam and also beat them by 2-0!
Expect this to be the new fad in Asia that will spread across the world! Malaysia will be new champion of the World very soon. Brazil, Spain and rest of the world beware of the Malaysian's and their lasers!

See video bitches!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Barcelona vs. AC Milan to play in Miami August 3, 2011

According to the Barcelona website Miami will be graced with a wonderful soccer game that will involve Barcelona of Spain versus A.C. Milan! Game is said to be scheduled for August 3, 2011.

Two of the best teams in the world in our backyard!

A.C. Milan's current roster includes
Italians Massimo Ambrosini,Gennaro Iván Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Nesta, Filippo Inzaghi, German Kevin-Prince Boateng, Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, American Oguchi Onyewu Brazilians Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Dutch star Clarence Seedorf and Colombian Mario Yepes just to name a few.

Barcelona's current roster has stars such as French defender Eric Abidal, Spanish players Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Pedro, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Víctor Valdés, David Villa, Brazilians Daniel Dani Alves, Mali born Seydou Keita, Argentine Javier Mascherano, Lionel Andrés Messi, Gabriel Milito and so many more.

Stadium has not yet been named but it will likely be held at Sun Life Stadium.
We will give more information once it has been released.

Other games scheduled in the United States are set for July 30 Manchester United v FC Barcelona in Washington and August 6 America of Mexico v FC Barcelona in Dallas.

UPDATE:
For further information on venue and tickets for this event you can follow us at MLS MIAMI BID
or join the facebook event page HERE

UPDATE Tuesday April 12, 2011  
The game has been changed to FC Barcelona vs Chivas
Read more HERE
Join the new facebook page HERE

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Get your Strikers 2011 season tickets!

You want to support soccer in South Florida? Start by getting season tickets for the new Strikers! It's the best deal in town. As you can see from the picture, I got the first seat in section 120 which is the area designated to the Miami Ultras and all (noisy) supporters groups. So if you want to be loud, bring your drums, horns and your voices and get ready to make some noise!For those that just want to enjoy the game without all the ruckus, there are other sections just for you.
Check out the Seating chart:Wondering how you can get your tickets?
Contact Tommy Knapp at 954-829-9213 or email him: tommy@miamifc.com
You can also buy them online. Go to www.miamifc.com

Monday, December 20, 2010

Players the Strikers need to sign.

The new Strikers have big shoes to fill. Their prior name sakes were for the most part powerhouses, with star players, great attendance and a record that boasts never missing the playoffs. Will this new incarnation be up to par?

Traffic (owners of the new Strikers) have given us quite a few quality players in Romario, Zinho, Christian Gomez, among others. We know they have connections and could sign great players for the 2011 season. Let's hope they can pull off a few good transfers and surprise us!

Here is my fantasy list followed by players that might realistically be in the teams budget.

Ronaldinho: Yeah, I'm dreaming. If the Strikers were in MLS it could be realistic considering Traffic has the Brazil connection. Rumors have him going to the LA Galaxy or a return to Brazil.

Carlos Tevez: The Argentina striker has troubles with current club Manchester City and requested a transfer. Imagine watching Tevez at Lockhart Stadium...

Andres D'Alessandro: This Argentine has completed his stay at Internacional of Brazil and just got eliminated from the Club World Cup. Rumors have his sights on a likely return to River Plate in Argentina. A few European clubs are interested too.

Gianluigi Buffon: Wow, talk about dreaming... This Juventus goalkeeper would be any teams dream. He would likely be the reason the team would make it to the playoffs. A russian club is said to be after this 32-year-old shot stopper.

Clarence Seedorf: This Dutch player is a midfielder for Italian club A.C. Milan. The 34-year-old is said to be heading to MLS.

Juan Pablo Angel: Yeah, I know, the Galaxy are going to sign him, but this star was made for the Strikers. The huge Colombian population in South Florida would have flocked to see him.

Coming back to reality... Here is a list of players that could be within The Striker's reach.

Jaime Moreno: This former DC United star would be great for the Strikers. Speaking English fluently and originally from Bolivia he could be the face of the team on TV and radio. He is recognizable to most soccer connoisseurs.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto: Former Columbus Crew Designated Player, Schelotto was among the players not taken in the MLS Re-entry draft. He is still a great player and would be the perfect replacement for Christian Gomez if he doesn't return.

Dema Kovalenko: This rugged player will no doubt get carded every other game but no one can deny the man plays with spirit. Could play in midfield or as a back up striker.

Nick Garcia : Recently played for Toronto FC. Was not selected in the Re-entry draft. At 31 he is still a great defender.

Adrian Serioux: Former Houston Dynamo and Canadian international defender, currently a free agent. Would be great for our defense.

Gale Agbossoumonde: Played for Miami FC in 2009 for 6 games, went to Portugal on loan but didn't get playing time. It's time to bring him back and have him play regularly rather than sitting on some bench in Europe. Rumored to be heading to a Swedish team.

Pat Onstad : Canadian goalkeeper is a free agent and a member of the Canadian national team. Last played with the Houston Dynamo.

Franklin Salas: Out of favor at Ecuadorean Champions Liga de Quito, Salas is a skillful dribbling forward with an electrifying pace. His hard shot from 25 yards won the award for the goal of the tournament in the 2005 edition of the Copa Sudamericana.

Claudio Bieler: Forward from Racing Club in Argentina. A proven goalscorer. He is so good that this past February he was called up by then Argentina manager Diego Maradona, but ended up not playing because of an injury.

Diego Serna : Former Miami Fusion and Miami FC player. He was and forever will be a fan favorite. It could be his last hoorah! Wouldn't mind chanting "D-i-e-g-o" one last time!

Can you think of any other players? Suggest a few by leaving a comment below or flood the Miami FC/Strikers email with your player suggestions: fclavijo@trafficsports.com
(He might kill me for giving out his email)

Friday, December 10, 2010

Our Time - MLS Miami (Video)

A long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away, there were two MLS teams South of Washington DC... But that is no more.
Today South Florida soccer fans are still working to bring MLS back to our area by contacting potential investors and sponsors.
In a perfect world the Strikers would be headed to MLS.
As fans, all we can do is support local soccer and continue to push to make our dream eventually come true.

Here is a fan video:

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.
Website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlsmiami
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495
Email us to: info@mlsmiamibid.com

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Soccer legends meet to support the new Strikers. Player movements and Robert Scorca.

Miami FC was able to bring together some of South Florida's most notable soccer legends this past Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Ft Lauderdale.
It was an electric atmosphere! Hearing the stories, laughter and watching these legends of the game reconnect was special. It's what the return of the Strikers is all about - family and passion. We take great pride in perpetuating the Strikers legacy and look forward to writing the next chapter of this storied franchise with the full support of those who embodied the Strikers spirit in South Florida," said Commercial Director Tommy Knapp.
You can read more at www.miamifc.com

We were able to gain inside information from 'sources' that the following ex players were present. Soccer greats Teofilo 'Nene' Cubillas, Arnie Mausser, Nico Bodonczy, Michael Ortiz-Velez, Ernst Jean Baptiste, Eric Eichmann, Branko Segota from the Strikers. Ian Bishop and Jim Rooney from the Fusion. There were also Traffic USA staff and other Soccer personalities.
Jeff Rusnak, of the Sun Sentinel, was present at the event and wrote a piece about the meeting.
The late conversation, as it almost does on such gatherings, centered on how to get more people to support the local pro team, in this case, the new Strikers. "Quality of play," Bishop said. "What you put on the field." Bingo.
Read more: HERE
Notable absences were that of GOL TV Commentator Ray Hudson, U.S. under 20 coach Thomas Rongen, ex coach Ron Newman, and former Ft Lauderdale Strikers owner Tim Robbie.

The most vocal of the group was said to be former Strikers Arnie Mausser and Nico Bodonczy, and Ex Fusion Ian Bishop. Discussions ranged from what the name of the team should be (Most agreed that if you bring the name back you should go all the way and name it Fort Lauderdale Strikers) to ways of bringing more people into the stands. No doubt that with the support of ex-players and fans the Strikers will be successful!

Strikers Announce new Historian.

If you didn't know his name you knew who he was just by looking at him. It seems a soccer game in South Florida is never the same if he is not there roaming the stadium. Robert Scorca is one of those people that you always see at soccer games, a character rivaled only by Hot Shot the team mascot himself. Robert missed maybe one or two games since the beginning of the Miami Football Club and I can remember him from back in the Miami Fusion days too. But Robert was at Lockhart during the old Striker days and even attended Miami Toros and Gatos games! Well folks, Miami FC /Strikers have recognized his commitment and named Robert the new team Historian.
"Robert's unparalleled passion and knowledge of South Florida soccer history and that of Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium, the home of the Strikers make him a natural for this position," stated NASL Communications Director Kartik Krishnaiyer, who has known Scorca for years.
Read more HERE
Robert has been a contributor to this blog as a photographer and writer, interviewing players and local soccer personalities for a couple of years now. He has also contributed to www.miamisoccerfan.com and other blogs. Robert was also a founding member of the Miami Ultras Soccer Fan club.
We wish Robert much success and we will miss his witty blogs. (Burrito, the blogging dawg will miss him the most).

Miami FC / Strikers players on the move.
Looks like Defender Aaron Holbein will not be back next season with Miami FC / Strikers. Holbein, played with Miami FC this past season on loan from Kansas City and contributed to the unbeaten streak at the end of the season which still stands. Turns out Aaron was selected in the MLS Re-Entry draft by the Columbus Crew. But Holbein still has options... read more HERE
JP Rodrigues (pictured at left) has had a busy year when it comes to his playing time. He has played for Miami FC, the Milwaukee Wave (MISL), DC United and the Guyana national team. But it seems he hasn't stopped there. JP is on his way to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to be exact. More details will follow when we get it.
In case you missed it, the new Strikers have already confirmed 4 players. Forward Aaron Wheeler from FC Tampa Bay and Miami FC veterans defender Zach Kirby, Midfielder Paulinho Le Petit, and Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser.
We've heard rumors of a few more players that have been signed. If we hear a name we'll let everyone know!
Player picture by Robert Scorca.
Alumni meeting pictures courtesy of Miami FC.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Miami Marine Stadium, the new Soccer stadium of Miami?

SEE UPDATE BELOW!
Closed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Miami Marine Stadium could perhaps be the most spectacular Soccer Stadium in the United States if investors are found interested in such a project.
New life has already started to sprout as a group called Friends of Marine Stadium have dedicated themselves to reviving this architectural wonder.
I was able to contact Don Worth, Co-founder of the group leading the charge to bring the Stadium back to life. Here is his take on the Miami Marine Stadium and soccer.
Recently, there has been interest in using the Miami Marine Stadium for soccer. We here at Friends of Marine Stadium (website: www.marinestadium.org) are excited by the concept and believe that it is a very intriguing idea.

Actually, this has already been done. Check out the attached photograph of a floating soccer field in Singapore.Since our group formed in February of 2008, the effort to restore Miami Marine Stadium has gained a lot of momentum. The initiative is now endorsed by the World Monuments Fund, singer Jimmy Buffett, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Stadium, which was designated historic by the City of Miami in October 2008 is a key priority for Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado. In April of 2010, the Miami Dade County Commission, under the leadership of Commissioner Carlos Gimenez, approved by a 12-0 vote an appropriation of $3 million for the restoration of the Stadium. We will need a lot more-and there are conditions attached to accessing this money-but it is a start.

Our group has been discussing the concept of soccer at the Marine Stadium with various groups and potential operators and the response is always positive. There are logistics to work through. The field would have to be movable and storable (due to the wide variety of events that will be held at the Stadium, flexibility is key) and we would have to figure a way to add more seats as the Stadium holds 6,500. Possibilities include floating barges or boats on the other three seats.

If we can solve these logistical issues, we would undoubtedly have the most spectacular setting for soccer in the world.

There are opportunities for other sporting events as well. The Stadium once hosted boxing and wrestling. Why not tennis and basketball? But soccer is undoubtedly the most exciting prospect.

For more information on Friends of Marine Stadium, please go to our website, www.marinestadium.org and sign up for our email list. Your support is vital to our success and getting on our email list is the best way to be involved. We send out updates about once a month. We welcome all ideas, contacts and suggestions. You can get also in touch with me directly by email at dontonton@gmail.com

Yours truly

Don Worth
Co-Founder, Friends of Marine Stadium

Following is the location of the Stadium on a map and a further depiction of how the stadium layout might look like.

Stadium Designs by Derek Reese

UPDATE: Monday December 6, 2010

After viewing the response to this blog and others that picked it up, Mr. Don Worth, of Friends of Marine Stadium wanted to make a few points. He hopes this will clear a few things up:

I appreciate that the Football In Miami blog posted my comments on the concept of a floating soccer field. I can see that other sports and soccer related blogs picked up the post-and assumed that the concept was absurd because....who would possibly build a Stadium on the water?

People should understand that the Miami Marine Stadium actually EXISTS now. It was built in 1963 primarily to watch boat racing-but featured many performers such as Jimmy Buffett on its floating stage.

Yes, the Miami Marine Stadium is a truly unique and remarkable structure. That's why it was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "11 Most Endangered" list for 2009 and the World Monuments Fund watch list for 2010.

The Stadium was shuttered in 1992 and our group, Friends of Miami Marine Stadium (website: www.marinestadium.org) is working hard to bring it back. Check out the attached photographs of the Stadium in its heydey, the floating stage-and the Stadium as it looks today,(the current photo was taken by photographer Rick Bravo).

We know the soccer field could be built-as a marine related contractor has already approached us on this. It would have to be movable because of the wide variety of other events that will be held at the Marine Stadium.

The concept of a floating soccer field in Miami is not as far fetched as some may think.

This last picture is a view of the Stadium today.

Sites that picked this story up:

WVHooligan

The Offside Rules

SB Nation

UnProfessional Foul

UPDATE: Thursday December 9, 2010
The Miami Herald picked up this piece on their printed issue dated Monday December 6, 2010 on page 2B. Section "Best of Blogs". Click on picture to read.
Special thanks to Don Worth of Friends of Marine Stadium for spotting it in the Miami Herald and scanning a copy.
We ask anyone who reads this piece to please support the restoration of the Miami Marine Stadium by visiting their website www.marinestadium.org

More mentions this weeks:

South Florida Daily Blog

THE 305

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Strikers are back! Season tickets now available.

Yes folks, the Strikers are back in 2011! I already bought my season ticket and so should you! Tommy Knapp brings us this special; good only till this Friday December 3rd! 14 regular season games for only $99!!! What? That's just over 7 bucks per game...
Check it out:Tons of events are being planned out as we speak. Support South Florida's only professional soccer team as they prepare for the 2011 season.
Get your season tickets now by calling Tommy Knapp at 954-829-9213 or email him: tommy@miamifc.com

Saturday, November 27, 2010

NASL Commissioner Candidates

Hola amigos! We all have heard about the new NASL and hope it will one day reach the glory of the old league back in the 70's and 80's. So Burrito listen to "Its called Football" interview of NASL CEO Aaron Davidson and he mentions an NASL Commissioner...
So, Burrito decide to make a list to help out el Senor Davidson and the rest of the NASL teams make a decision on the best candidates out there so they can SIZE them up... hmmm --->

So here it is, in no real order of preference:

Ray Hudson
Currently a GOL TV commentator. Has the best quotes ever in the history of Futbol! Imagine how the press conferences could be!? Just the other day he say: "Ronaldo's gem is a Koh-i-Noor diamond of a hit & bamboozles poor Iraizoz who's got eyes like Marty Feldman seeing that coming at him."... whatever that mean... Ok, so Ray was the coach of Burrito's favorite teams of all time, the Miami Fusion! He also coach DC United and played for such teams as Newcastle United and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers with Nene Cubillas and George Best just to name a few! Who better to lead the NASL than someone who played in the old NASL?

Fernando Clavijo
USA national team player, Ex Coach for the Colorado Rapids, New England revolution, Haitian national team and so on. He even comes out as commentator on Univision sometimes. Fernando is currently working for Traffic Sports owners of Miami FC and has brought youth talent such as Gale Agbossoumonde, among others. Fernando is a very down to earth person who goes out of way to talk to anyone about futbol. Clavijo would be an asset to the NASL guiding them to future glory. Clavijo, Clavijo, he's our man if he can't do it no one can!

Eric Wynalda
Soccer legend, 2nd all time leading scorer for the USA. He one time play for Miami Fusion. Said to be in the eye of Chivas USA for open coach position. He speaks his mind and don't take caca from anyone. If he have to he do what Burrito do when other dawgs that get in Burritos face; Wynalda hump them and dominate them and say "Yeah who's the bitch now?..." like he say to Jim Rome... (ok, ok he didn't say that to Rome but he should have!) but Burrito digress... Eric would work to make NASL a league like no other. Sure, he sometimes doesn't think when he talk but who doesn't? Give Burrito Wynalda or give him death!

Marcelo Balboa
Experienced MLS player, like Clavijo also speaks Spanish. Passionate to the point of orgasm about futbol, Marcelo would do anything for the sport. He once cut his famous hair for charity! Burrito need to point out his hair was never cut since 1994! You no believe? check out video, sorry it in Spanish. (At about the 6 minute mark)

Henry Kissinger
German born, ex secretary of state under Nixon. Nobel peace prize winner. His Love of Futbol is legendary. He was once Chairman of the old NASL. Kissinger is a famous person with all the right connections. He would be an asset to NASL from the start! (as long as he doesn't fall asleep!)
In 1986 Henry Kissinger wrote "World Cup According to Character" for The Los Angeles Times.
Here is a little bit:
Soccer has never taken hold in the United States partly because neither a national team nor a national style has been encouraged. Still, as an unreconstructed fan, I hope for another attempt to popularize the sport...

Read entire article HERE

Kartik Krishnaiyer
Kartik is Burrito's compadre and as mentioned in previous blog entry: "Eats, drinks, talks and even sleeps with soccer. (Burrito hopes he use protection!)" Currently he works as NASL PR and Communication Guru so he already in the loop! He is no 'Yes' man and speaks his mind. Kartik knows a lot about Futbol in USA and more important is so passionate about it that he would work 24 hours a day to make the NASL the best league in the Universe! Aliens beware of Commissioner Kartik!

Zinedine Zidane
What is ZZ doing now? He is a retired French World Cup-winning futballer. Widely considered one of futbols all-time greats, Zidane played for club teams in France, Italy and Spain. A great player on the field and a humanitarian off the field Burrito think Zidane would be perfect as the new NASL Commissioner! Worse case scenario if he no like someone he can always head butt them!


Francisco Marcos
Jajaja! Sorry, Burrito laugh in Spanish here translation to English: "Hahaha" Burrito just kitten! Pero Marcos have over 30 years experience with USL here in USA. Maybe if the money is right he say hasta la vista USL and come to NASL in search of more moneys and look to repair his legacy witch is tarnished by the bad move in selling USL to Nurock. Si, all USL had to do was talk to the teams and none of this would have happened! Que pendejos!

Dennis Rodman
He's a drunk, party animal who now make living doing what he do best... partying and getting drunk! Would he be good for NASL and Futbol in general in the USA? Hell no! Butt Burrito think
he would bring much attention to the sport with his wild antics. Burrito bet NASL would be on ESPN sports center everyday! Hire the vato for 30 days and everyone in USA will know NASL exists, its about getting free advertising!

Diego Armando Maradona
Considered along with Pele the greatest Futbol player to walk the Earth. Suspended for talking bad to the press, his time as Argentina coach was numbered cause you know he bound to do something crazy! Like Rodman he would attract attention to the league but in Maradona's case the whole world would know! He wont be in office long enough anyway, you can expect him to get fired for drugs, women or booze! Offer Maradona an office in Miami and he will be only 90 miles away from his buddy Fidel Castro! Everyone in the world would know about the NASL for sure!

Victoria Beckham
Now here is a woman who's leg Burrito would like to hump! Victoria must be bored with the kids in LA and after years of managing "Golden Huevos" career she must have tons of Futbol connections all over the world. She would be perfect as NASL Commissioner since you know she's got the pants in her family! Wherever she goes Becks will follow or else she put him on restriction!

Burrito hope NASL bigwigs read this list and give Burrito's suggestions a thought.
Burrito like to thank Robert Scorca for giving him bone and ideas (even though Burrito prefers quesadillas!) and Kartik for being a good sport.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen, we give you The Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

...Or at least we hope to hear this soon.

The news is in, the new North American Soccer League has been sanctioned (More on that HERE) or should I say 'Provisionally' sanctioned, whatever that means. The USSF says the official sanctioning will be in February. So unless there is some major drama, it's all good.

The NASL will have 8 teams in 2011: Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, FC Tampa Bay, Miami FC, Montreal Impact, NSC Minnesota Stars and the 2010 champions Puerto Rico Islanders. The late addition of AC St Louis was thought as an almost certainty which would have brought the league to 9 teams in 2011. But reports are saying St Louis is done.

With all this mentioned, concern lies in whether the NASL will really "undertake an extensive marketing campaign in the months leading up to its inaugural weekend". More important is my concern that the soon to be announced Strikers will not get the attention it deserves.

It's no secret Traffic Sports, owners of Miami FC and majority owner of the new NASL have been somewhat stingy when it came to Miami FC. With exception of their inaugural season, when they brought in aging star Romario, little has been done to actually capture the attention of the general public in this admittedly unfriendly sports town. Sparks of promise came with the signing of Fusion great Diego Serna in 2009 and the same happened with the signing of Christian Gomez in 2010. But in both cases Miami FC failed to market these (arguably) high profile players.
In recent random unscientific polls made by the Miami Ultras throughout Broward and Miami Dade counties, we asked the average person outside of supermarkets, at pubs and random places if they were soccer fans? If they were, we asked if they had heard of Miami FC? Out of 10 people claiming to be soccer fans I asked in Miami Dade 1 had actually heard of Miami FC and asked me if Romario still played with the team?... Most people don't know Miami FC exists and no matter how much I try to reach out via this blog or passing out flyers there is not much a fan can do to make their team any more known in the community. Word of mouth is not enough.
Soccer is a poor mans sport. It is the working man of Europe, South America and other regions that fill the stadiums of the world in an effort to escape their daily 9 to 5 jobs. So when you go to Traffic Sports offices in Miami's exclusive Brickell and pay $20 for parking... Well, you kinda get the picture that these folks are not in touch with the average "Joe" fan.
Makes you wonder why? Why having offices in such a prestigious area in Miami does not equal to Miami FC being the flag ship team of the USL or NASL? Hell, why not MLS? Shouldn't this team be full of superstars? Or is all the money in the budget going to paying the rent?

But fear not fans, Miami FC has moved the 'TEAM' offices (Not Traffic Sports and perhaps NASL headquarters, they remain in Brickell) to Ft Lauderdale Stadium just across the road from the 'Mecca' of South Florida soccer; Lockhart Stadium. Now, the soon to be Strikers staff will be in the middle of a working class area. The place they should have been from the start. Can this be a sign of things to come? Is Traffic finally getting the picture?

I still worry. The more I read and find out about the Strikers, the more I realize that the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers were arguably one of the most talented sides in the old NASL. If the Cosmos were the Real Madrid of its day then the Strikers was Barcelona. You can't really argue when the Strikers had such stars as Nene Cubillas, Gordon Banks, Gerd Muller, Elias Figueroa, George Best and the list goes on.

Some of the old timers have not embraced the idea of Miami FC becoming the Strikers. Evidence of this is a piece written by Jeff Rusnack of the Sun Sentinel titled Transformation of Miami FC to Strikers has begun
I think it's unfortunate some of the people like (Tim) Robbie and (Ray) Hudson are wary of Traffic and MFC using the Fort Lauderdale Strikers name, but it's the fans that really matter. It makes no difference that this team will have no real connection, organization wise, to the old Strikers team(s). The Pacific Northwest clubs and the SJ Earthquakes have little or no connection to the old NASL teams in their cities. And in the end the old timers will come around and support the new team because they are the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
I think we all could live with a name like Strikers FC or South Florida Strikers, but it just wouldn't be the same as going all out with the Fort Lauderdale name.
Now Traffic has the opportunity to start fresh and erase all the bad decisions made with Miami FC. But I guess the question will be: Can Traffic promote the league and not neglect the Strikers?
The Strikers need to be the Flagship of the league. The example to be followed and of which the rest of the league strives to emulate. I realize Division 2 is a difficult sell but Traffic needs to start to put the team together NOW! Put together a winning team and use the Strikers name as they should and no one will ever blame them for not trying. If we have learned anything from our experience so far with Miami FC is that even a soccer company can fail to run a soccer team if they don't embrace the community.
Now is the time for them to prove all the haters wrong! The ball is in Traffic's side of the field, lets hope they intend to attack.
Are you a Striker liker?

Friday, November 19, 2010

Soccer Movie of the Month: El Chanfle aka the original Waterboy movie

Hola Amigos!
Today Burrito bring you the soccer movie of the month! It's called "El Chanfle" It's like the original Waterboy movie except in Spanish and with the real Football not that pig skin thing Burrito like to chew on. "El Chanfle" is a movie created by Roberto Gómez Bolaños, also known as Chespirito. El Chanfle is the main character and he is club America's waterboy. It was filmed in Mexico in 1978. Chespirito should sue Adam Sandler for stealing his idea!

Go get you some popcorns or make you some taquitos! Get you some drinks, a cervecita or some tequila! Sit back and enjoy "El Chanfle"!

See Video in Spanish Here:

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Jamaica and Costa Rica tie at the 'Mecca' (Lockhart Stadium) with Video

Ricardo LaVolpe's debut as a coach for Costa Rica was not the best during Wednesday night's match versus Jamaica .

Costa Rica and Jamaica's game ended in a 0-0 tie in front of about 5,000 fans at Lockhart Stadium.

Costa Rica barely created chances and it was the Reggae Boyz that had the best scoring opportunities.

Read more here: Miami Herald
or Sun Sentinel Here

Video:

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Ex Miami FC player Gale Agbossoumonde gets first cap with the US National team

Ex Miami FC player Gale Agbossoumonde had his first cap for the U.S. National team today (on his birthday) as the USA beat South Africa 1-0. Five players made their national team debuts with Juan Agudelo and Mikkel Diskerud coming off the bench to create the game's only goal.

Gale Agbossoumonde came on in the 87th minute. Gale played 6 games for the Blues and was signed by Traffic Sports in a deal that took him to Portugal.
See the video.

Estoril - Gale Agbossoumonde from Comprimido on Vimeo.

Picture by Robert Scorca

Monday, November 15, 2010

Jamaica vs Costa Rica, Lockhart Stadium November 17 at 8 pm

It's on folks! Come out and support Soccer in South Florida. Here is the press release for this great match up to take place at South Florida's 'Mecca' (Lockhart Stadium).

Traffic Sports, one of the premier soccer marketing companies, in collaboration with Kics International, announces an international friendly between Costa Rica and Jamaica. The Reggae Boys, in hopes of defending its current Digicel Caribbean Championship will play its final warm up match before traveling to Martinique on November 27th. Costa Rica will play its first match under Ricardo LaVolpe who led Mexico to its 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup title and to the second round of World Cup 2006. Kickoff is set for 8pm EST at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday November 17th.

“Traffic Sports is proud to bring this high level international match to South Florida. This should be an exciting match featuring two teams who have a history of fine play in the CONCACAF region. We expect both teams to be in full form with all of their stars. Ricardo LaVolpe will begin his tenure as “Ticos” manger in this match and we are excited for that. Jamaica will be looking to continue its outstanding play of recent months heading into the Digicel Caribbean Championship,” said Vice-President of Traffic Sports USA Enrique Sanz de Santamaria.

Last Time Out
In September Jamaica defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in Kingston. Ryan Johnson scored in the 66th minute to give Jamaica only its fourth win in 20 matches between the countries. Costa Rica leads the overall series with 10 wins versus four losses. The teams have drawn six times. Jamaica looks to regain its form and return to its second World Cup after an admirable performance in France ’98.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is currently the fifth highest ranked CONCACAF nation in the most recent FIFA World Rankings. This will be the first match for under renowned head coach Ricardo LaVolpe who brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the job. LaVolpe was hired as the new manger of Costa Rica on September 9th. Costa Rica’s newest manager aims to qualify Costa Rica to the 2014 World Cup that will be held in Brazil. The Ticos lost in the CONCAF/COMNEBOL playoff to eventual semi-finalist Uruguay after finishing just outside the automatic qualification spots in CONCACAF.

Jamaica
Jamaica’s most recent match was a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Independence Park in Kingston. Jamaica has won four of its last seven matches, suffering its most recent lose at Lockhart Stadium against the Peru national team. Jamaica aims to defend its Digicel Caribbean Championship on November 27th.

Ticketing Information
You can purchase tickets to this exciting match from as low as $25 dollars. You can also purchase tickets on the phone or online at 877.877.7677

Compreboletos.com or ctstickets.com. You can also pick up buy tickets at the following authorized ticket distributers:

WEST PALM BEACH- SEA BREEZE - 5075 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach (561) 478-8651
POMPANO BEACH – DONNA’S - 2617 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach (954) 979-7047
FT. LAUDERDALE – AUNT I’S - 1178 N State Road 7 Lauderhill (954) 321-0190
DONNA’S - 5434 North University Drive, Lauderhill (954) 578-6970
CARL’S SEAFOOD - 2934 N State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes (954) 676-5700
BOSTON JUICY JERK - 5530 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill (954) 484-2620
RAINBOW RECORDS- 4124 NW 21st St. Lauderhill (954) 733-6580
PEMBROKE PINES – BARBICAN SQUARE - 11030 Pembroke Rd, Hollywood (954) 885-5422
CARIBBEAN EXPRESS - 6033 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL (954) 981-4989
MIAMI – JUNIE’S - 18400 Northwest 2nd Ave, Miami, FL (305) 654-2955
You can also purchase tickets on the phone or online at 877.877.7677
compreboletos.com or ctstickets.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

NASL AGM 2011 press release.

As we reported Tuesday, many teams and groups attended the NASL AGM including a representative from Austin.

Today the NASL will sent out a press release confirming they have applied for Division 2 status with 8 teams. The USSF should have an answer during the weekend of MLS Cup.

The teams that will play in Division 2 next year will be:
Puerto Rico Islanders, Carolina RailHawks, Montreal Impact, Miami FC Blues, FC Tampa Bay, FC Edmonton, Atlanta and the NSC Minnesota Stars

For the full press release go HERE

Look for a late St Louis addition to the list for 2011 and San Antonio and Baltimore for 2012. Could Austin make it in 2012?

Rumored future teams include San Diego, Phoenix, Hamilton Canada.

Veterans Day Commemoration Match‏ at Fort Lauderdale Stadium

Join the City of Fort Lauderdale, Miami FC and the Commissioning Committee of the United States Navy Destroyer USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) at a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor the men and women who have valiantly served in the United States Armed Forces. The ceremony will celebrate the commissioning of the ship and pay special tribute to its namesake, Marine Corps Corporal Jason Dunham, Medal of Honor Recipient, who died in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom bravely sacrificing his own life to save the lives of his fellow Marines.
This event is today Novermber 11, 2010 at 2:30 pm It is free to the public and will be followed by a soccer Exhibition match set to start at 3:45 pm
Miami FC vs. Crew Members of the USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) at Fort Lauderdale Stadium 1301 NW 55th Street - Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Players set to play are former professional soccer stars such as Ian Bishop, Fernando Clavijo, Mark Chung, Eric Eichman, Pete Marino, Ivan McKinley, Jim Rooney and many more.

For more information, visit www.fort lauderdale.gov or www.miamifc.com