Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Blues lose in Houston. Landon Donovan on Letterman (Video)

Miami FC fought hard but all for naught as the Houston Dynamo defeated the Blues in Houston. Paulo Araujo Jr and Christian Gomez were constantly mentioned on the radio broadcast for their constant attacks specifically in the first half. The man of the match for Miami in my opinion was Goalkeeper Caleb Patterson who stopped a penalty and many other shots by the Dynamo players to keep it close almost until the end.
Miami FC was eliminated from the U.S Open Cup by the Houston Dynamo (MLS) by a final score of 1-0 at Robertson Stadium in the third round of the competition. Despite numerous scoring opportunities and an acrobatic penalty kick save by Caleb Patterson, the Blues were unable to take advantage and suffered the shutout loss. Miami will travel to Tampa on Sunday, July 4th to square off against the up-state rival FC Tampa Bay Rowdies, for the second game of the “Coastal Cup”.
Read more at www.miamifc.com

Landon Donovan on Letterman
Letterman congratulated Donovan on his and the team’s World Cup performance and for "bringing the country together." Saturday's match between the U.S. and Ghana was the most-watched soccer game in U.S. history, registering 19.4 million viewers on ABC and Univision combined.

"I thought we did a great job," Donovan told Letterman. "I think this time was a little more special 'cause I think we really felt the love back home and that made it really, really special for us."

Caleb Patterson picture by Robert Scorca

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Miami FC take on the Houston Dynamo for the U.S. Open Cup

U.S. Open Cup continues for Miami FC as they take on MLS side Houston Dynamo in the third round of the cup. The game takes place today Tuesday, June 29 at Robertson Field and will start at 8:30 p.m. EST.

As of this moment there seems to be no live video feed (If I find one I'll let you know) but you can listen to the game if you go to Sports Talk 790 in Houston.
It will be the first ever meeting between the two teams and the second time the Blues have faced an MLS team in the U.S. Open Cup. Miami FC dropped a 2-1 decision to FC Dallas in the third round of the 2008 competition.
For a full preview and more visit www.miamifc.com

Below is a picture of Miami Ultra Pedro and Miami FC players Zach Kirby and Sean Cameron who were checking out the USA vs Ghana game over at Wowies in Boca this past Saturday!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Blues lose to Aztex in the final minutes. Miami FC heads to Houston for showdown versus the Dynamo

Despite a hard-fought second half effort, Miami FC was unable to defeat the Austin Aztex at home as a late penalty kick gave the visiting Aztex a 2-1 victory as the Blues prepare for an extended road trip. The Blues will travel out west to take on the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday, June 29 in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The match is set to begin at 8:30 p.m. EST You can read more at NASL.com
Following are pictures taken by Robert Scorca during the Aztex game.





Pictures by Robert Scorca

Friday, June 25, 2010

USA vs Ghana watch party plus Miami FC vs Austin at Lockhart! Soccer Saturday

Join the Miami Ultras at the official Sam's Army watch party at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way Coral Gables, FL 33134-5319 (305) 774-1883 Come watch USA vs Ghana! Show up early and look for Captain America and Uncle Sam. Support the USA as they try to advance to the quarterfinals. Game starts at 2 pm!
Miami FC will be hosting a watch party at Wowies Sports Grill located at 7036 West Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33433-3404 (561)392-5040 For more info go HERE

Be sure to also support GoUSABid Miami at http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/miami-fl/ and help bring the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to the United States. Miami is currently 2nd in the standings with 34,347 people signing up so far, we need to be in 1st place! Vote humans!

Soccer Saturday continues as Miami FC faces Austin 7:30 pm at Lockhart Stadium. Come out and support Miami FC! Get there early for the tailgate.

Road trip to Tampa info:
Miami FC is gearing up for its first road trip to Tampa Bay and is offering fans a chance to travel up-state to watch the Blues take on the Rowdies on July 4 with the Rivalry Roadtrip Package.
The package includes Luxury Motorcoach transportation to and from Tampa, a gameday ticket for the match, refreshments provided by Holy Mackerel Beer, Regalia Vodka, Good Spirits and Powerade, and a post-game fireworks show.
Read more HERE
Join us in Tampa!

The Blues have advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup after their 2-1 victory in extra time over the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Blues will go to Texas to take on the Houston Dynamo of MLS in the next round on June 29. Read more at Miamifc.com
Here are some fan videos of the Miami FC victory over Tampa by Miami Ultra Matt Berkshire ***Danger, Beware, Profanity Alert***
Abe Thompson Victory Penalty kick


Miami FC Ultras chant drunken rednecks at the Tampa Bay Fannies




End of game chants Miami wins!

Did you know Miami FC will soon be called the Strikers? Check out http://strikers2011.com/

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Lockhart Stadium: Sliding out of history


NOTICE: The opinions expressed are solely that of Kyle Kaly, and not necessarily that of the Miami Ultras, Miami FC, Traffic Sports, or the site itself.

As many of you know, within the next two years, there will be a water park taking over Ft. Lauderdale stadium. Before I get into my rant, I am NOT against the Ft Lauderdale Stadium tear down. However, the thought of running a water slide through/under the bleachers at Lockhart has me irate! I will not stand for it, and I’ll do my best to share my thoughts with you.

Built in 1959, Lockhart stadium’s original purpose, combined with Ft. Lauderdale stadium, was to be utilized a high school multi-sport complex. It was also credited as North America’s oldest soccer specific stadium. In fact, many of today’s professional soccer stadiums are built around the idea the architects of Lockhart used back in 59’: Make a fan friendly soccer specific stadium. Since it’s completion, it has been home to two major soccer clubs: the Miami Fusion, and more importantly the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Many of the world’s premier players have taken the pitch at Lockhart, ranging from the NASL, MLS, and many International match ups. It is also home to High School football and soccer in the FHSAA and BCAA. Lockhart is under appreciated for the legacy it has seen in very close to the same condition it was in 1959. There was a renovation in 1998 that made the stadium a little more fan friendly, but not drastically.

Today, it is occupied by Miami FC. Our team. A team that shows glimpses of greatness, but still falls a little short. I am a diehard for Miami FC, though I am mostly remembered as the Miami Ultra’s lil train wreck this season. Miami FC being rebadged as the Strikers this coming season throws us back to 1977 when the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers called Lockhart Stadium home with one of the greatest squads ever assembled. Though, next year’s squad will likely be a shadow of the legend of the old Strikers, it has sentimental value to soccer fans worldwide. With the closing in of the buyout and construction of the water park mentioned above, we as Ft Lauderdale residents and soccer fans alike should be concerned about the future of the stadium.

The plans of the water park are to stretch a water slide around the property of Lockhart and under the bleachers. The Ft. Lauderdale Stadium portion edging out the Miami FC Soccer Academy plans do not concern me, just the water slide that runs through our bleachers. A water slide pumping millions of gallons of water a day with any small leak may endanger the structural integrity of this historic monument to soccer. Also, to run that slide under the bleachers will ruin the historic feel of our great stadium. With the recent loss of the Orange Bowl in Miami, there isn’t much left in the way of sports history in south Florida. Lockhart is our last hope. If we fight to preserve it today, our kids will be able to enjoy it tomorrow. Will they see Miami FC, or the Strikers? Likely not. But whatever sports team may take over the lease will certainly add to the history of our second home.

My history at Lockhart is different than most. The first time I went to Lockhart was to meet my ex crush Marie to see Ft Lauderdale High School take on Stranahan High School in the other football in 2007. After looking up the history of the stadium, I felt an air of dignity being in such a prestigious building. Then, I found Miami FC. In 2009, I made it to my first game. Decked out in face paint, driving my old Mercedes, I was back in the stadium I admired. Everyone remembers his or her first sporting event, well, this was my first NASL match. I will always remember the smell of jet fuel and the look of our semi run down field. Since then, Ive joined the Miami Ultras and become that one guy you will always see doing something he’s probably not supposed to. And yes, I’ve been thrown out of there before. That is when I knew that Lockhart was my second home.

I digress. If we lose Lockharts historical value, we lose everything the stadium has stood for over the years. We’re already putting a big smudge on the name of the Strikers, do we really need to drag down the stadium too?

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Miami FC Road trip info plus Ignacio Rodriguez Blues PR Manager makes Miami New Times Best of List

Miami FC's front office has heard our plea for a bus to take us to Tampa! Seems we have enough folks signed up for the road trip that Miami FC has stepped up and are providing us with a Bus to see our Miami FC Blues play against the Tampa Bay Rowdies this coming Sunday July 4th! It's 40 beans and it includes the entrance ticket to the George M Steinbrenner field plus other goodies such as refreshments by Holy Mackerel Beer, Regalia Vodka, Good Spirits and Powerade!
The Rowdies from what I hear are planning a good tailgate that we can only hope will top the one they experienced when they came to South Florida.

So if you haven't done so already be sure to call 954-829-9213 and reserve your spot on the bus! Special thanks to Tommy Knapp for always going above and beyond the call of duty for the fans and giving us great tailgates and now this bus trip!

Ignacio Rodriguez makes Miami New Times Best of List
The Miami New Times has given Miami FC's Ignacio Rodriguez quite a distinction naming him for his continued efforts here is what they had to say:
Ignacio Rodriguez's title for South Florida's chronically anonymous pro-soccer team is a bit oxymoronic — like being a real estate agent to the homeless, or head of the Israeli shellfish harvesters' union. Attendance at the team's tin-bleachered Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale rarely exceeds the single-digit thousands, and the front office has taken to frequent gimmicks in order to stave off extinction: They signed elderly one-named former fútbol demigod Romário and then two recently defected Cuban phenoms, and the players volunteered to shave their heads if fans showed up. But the bleachers remained nearly empty. Through all of these thwarted shenanigans, Rodriguez has remained friendly, attentive, and upbeat — the kind of flack who literally won't let us off the phone until we promise to show up at either media day or the season opener. Given that most sports flacks act like they're guarding a stable of 25 popes rather than a bunch of dudes who get sweaty on Sundays, its awfully refreshing to deal with a PR shield eager to make even the most audacious press requests happen, and always prefers a sit-down lunch to an email exchange.
Read the real McCoy HERE
Congrats to Ignacio!
Thanks to Cali Ramsey for the heads up on the Best of List! Cali has a cool blog called Made in Miami Music be sure to check it out.

Monday, June 14, 2010

The Two Escobars showing in Coral Gables and Miami FC Open Cup match

To quote my girlfriend: "If it's free, it's for me!" ... And it should be for everyone!

Two events will be free tomorrow Tuesday so you need to go check one of them out!

The Two Escobars
ESPN Deportes brings to Miami ‘The Two Escobars,’ a fascinating documentary that presents the glory and the tragedy that soccer brought to Colombia and explores the surprising connection between the murder of Andrés Escobar, the popular captain of the National team, and Pablo Escobar, the infamous drug baron.
WHEN: Tuesday June 15, 2010
7:00 pm – Film Screening
8:40 pm – Q&A with Jeff and Michael Zimbalist

WHERE: Bill Cosford Cinema – University of Miami
1111 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
(Use university entrance located on Granada Blvd. with the US-1 and follow the directions to the Bill Cosford Cinema) For map visit: http://com.miami.edu/cosford/directions.php

RSVP: Event opened to the public • FREE entrance • Limited space
RSVP before June 11 at 1-877-387-4804
or ESPN@prconexion.com
You can see a clip of the movie HERE


Miami FC Open Cup match
Miami FC kicks off the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at home against the Central Florida Kraze of the PDL on June 15 as the Blues try to make a splash in the largest club soccer tournament in the United States. Game time is at 7:30 p.m. at Central Broward Regional Park and admission to the game will be free. Central Broward Regional Park (known locally as “Cricket Stadium”) is located at 3700 N.W. 11th Pl., Lauderhill, FL.
For more information go to www.miamifc.com
So there you have it. Don't ever say I didn't let you know when free events were taking place!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Saturday Soccer Marathon in South Florida, USA ties and Miami FC wins!

It was a Soccer Marathon for South Florida Soccer fans. A few of the Ultras / Sam's Army Miami Brigade started off their day as early as 8 am at Fritz & Franz in Coral Gables. South Korea beat Greece 2-0, Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and the main event had USA take on England. Expectations were high to see what the USA could do. But it was England that started things off with a bang! Steven Gerard scored early making a few of the over 300 people at Fritz & Franz think the worst. A few thought it would be a blowout. Good thing we had English keeper Green on our side conceding a seamingly easy save and giving the USA a tie thanks to the efforts of Clint Dempsey. While at the watch party we were able to see Captain America and Uncle Sam! Check it out followed by the video of the goal that might just put the poor English keeper on the bench for the next game:

The perfect way to end a good soccer marathon is to watch live soccer. So the Ultras headed up North to Lockhart Stadium to witness Miami FC beat the MLS bound Portland Timbers 1-0 on a goal by Kyle Veris. To read more about the game go to www.miamifc.com
It was "Tie Night" at Lockhart as fans commemorated Miami FC's record breaking Tie streak (7 out of 10 games until tonight) . Fortunately for the team the players got the message and ensured the fans will not wear their ties again!
Here are some game night pictures:












Pictures by Robert Scorca

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Blues vs Timbers, WC recap and USA Watch Party Today by Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito, South Florida's top dawg see Mexico game on Uncle Ed's big screens and was sad Mexico lindo an querido no wins against South Africas. Pero thats life. Burrito CAM was on and ass you can see picture is up on right. (That chingado camera Victor Palkaninec put on Burritos head weigh too much!) Anyways, after that, Burrito take nap an wake up to see Uruguay vs French peoples and Virgen Santisima de Guadalupe that was a borings game that Burrito fall asleeps while chewing on chicken bone! So both game end in ties (1-1 and 0-0) like 7 of last 10 games that Miami FC play!

USA play against English mens today at 2pm! Did you hears about the elephant that get in way of USA bus? See it at Burrito's amigo Brant site The Other football

Want to know where to see game in South Florida? Ok here list of Burrito's favorites places!
You live in Palms Beech County? Go to Wowies! That where Burrito's compadre Kartik gonna go. Wowies Sports Grill located at 7036 West Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33433-3404 (561)392-5040.

You live in Broward? Go to America's Backyard! That where Miami FC will be at! America's Backyard is located at 100 S.W. 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Main Phone: 954-727-0950.

You Live in Dade? Miami 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

After USA vs England game is over all South Florida Futbol Fans need to continue Soccer Marathon at Miami FC game!
To celebrate all Ties in the World Cup and Miami FC games, fans gonna wear Ties to game today at Lockharts Stadium vs Portland Timbers! Game start at 7:30 PM so bring Tie or Burrito hit you on head with quesadilla! Uncle Ed says he giving away ties if you no have somes. So go to Miami Ultras Tailgate and get your TIE!
You want to reads a good game preview? Our amigos at Dropping Timber have a good one on their site read it HERE or read the one on www.miamifc.com
Vamos Miami! Let's go Strikers 2011... Burrito mean Blues!

Friday, June 11, 2010

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

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Miami FC tie against Crystal Palace Baltimore

In a vibrant 2nd half the Blues came back in the 80th minute from a 3-1 deficit to tie for the 7th time this season. This time against Crystal Palace Baltimore , final score was 3-3. For Miami FC fans this was almost a victory due to the incredible comeback at the death of the game. For more on the game visit www.miamifc.com

Following are pictures of the fans during the game:
Pictures by Robert Scorca