Muscle Milk Batalla de Futbol in Miami at Soccer Roof Top $500 cash prize

Muscle Milk comes to Miami's Soccer Roof Top with a $500 Cash Prize for Local Winning Soccer Teams here is their press release:

Miami, FL (October 25, 2010) – As Miami gears up for the Muscle Milk Batalla de Futbol, Muscle Milk has intensified rivalry by adding $500 in cash to the already impressive grand prize, which includes exclusive CALLE Republic and Muscle Milk prize packs - plus bragging rights, of course.
“Local soccer players and fans are very competitive by nature and this cash prize will only intensify the dynamic of the tournament,” said ESPN Deportes’ Host Humberto Carrera. “It’s going to be even more entertaining to watch the teams go at it.”
On November 6th, registered teams – men ages 16-25 and women ages 16-25 – are set to call-out their opponents in the Latin-infused tournament igniting off Downtown Miami’s elevated “athletic playground” – Soccer Rooftop. Limited, free registration remains open and will close on November 2nd or once 32 teams have been selected.
To register, teams should submit the following information to ivan.hernandez@cytosport.com:
* Team name
* Affiliation (i.e. college, high school, league, club, office, if any)
* Team captain name with phone and email
* Full names of three to five team members with ages (including captain)
For additional product information, visit www.musclemilk.com.
ABOUT MUSCLE MILK
Muscle Milk® is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that helps promotes exercise recovery, lean muscle growth, and healthy, sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins and minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was recently named Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet, New Product of the Year by CSP and 2009 Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World. For more information on Muscle Milk or additional CytoSport products, visit: www.cytosport.com.

Soccer Roof Top is a great place to check out and I have played there before so if you have the means I highly recommend it!
HERE is a past blog I posted about my experience.

MLS Miami Bid. We have a dream... Major League Soccer in South Florida!

Since the regretful demise of the Miami Fusion, South Florida soccer fans have been left hungry for the sport. Out of this need for soccer rose the Miami Ultras, a group that backs Miami FC, a second division team, as well as reaching out to the soccer community's youth teams and any event soccer related. But, our ultimate goal is and always has been to bring Major League Soccer back to this area.

We have contacted many possible investors and have news that at least two have spoken or will speak this week about bringing MLS back to South Florida. We are speaking of L.A. Galaxy player David Beckham, who is interested in a team once he retires and Brightstar CEO Marcelo Claure, a soccer fan who lives and breaths the sport.
They are not the only ones... Traffic Sports, owners of Miami FC have expressed their interest as well as other people and groups that the Ultras are in touch with.

The Ultras are committed and we will not stop until we bring MLS back to South Florida!

Enjoy the video:

Support our efforts in bringing MLS to South Florida. Follow our MLS Miami Bid.

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

Austin... I mean Orlando and Rochester to USL

I really feel for Austin Aztex fans. The rumors of the move from Austin to Orlando that Inside Minnesota Soccer's Brain Quarstad broke out was right on the money. If anyone knows what Austin fans are going through it is us South Florida soccer fans who have been down that road before. The way it was done to Aztex fans seemed like a sneaky exit stage right (or wrong).

The fans didn't even get a chance to help the team find an investor. They had no warning. Did the front office really attempt to find buyers as they claimed? It seems Mr Rawlins had this deal done awhile ago. He just waited for the season to end and bye, bye!

So now its Orlando's team. A team that's headed to the USL Pro, the 3rd division so to speak, though the way they've been posturing it seems USL wants to pretend to be 2nd division. But more on USL Pro later...

Orlando's new team has come out even saying they want to make the jump to MLS! Thats 1st Division folks, so lets just skip 2nd division and jump up to the big leagues! So much for loyalty to USL Pro...
For more on the move to Orlando check out Brant Parson's interview of Phil Rawlins for the Orlando Sentinel

In other news this Monday, the Rochester Rhinos, a recent NASL member team, also decided they would re-join USL. The Rhinos basically relegated themselves and will now play regional soccer in Division 3.
I spoke to a few Rhinos fans and most are devastated by the move. Will this hurt them at the gate? We will see. More on their move to USL Pro HERE

USL's battle with NASL seemed to be over after USL claimed they would not apply for 2nd Division sanctioning. But, the return of the Rochester Rhinos to USL might be viewed as pay back after most 2nd division teams departed USL for NASL. Add to that a rumored Ft Lauderdale team that would enter USL this year and you might think the war is still on! Its no secret NASL is majority owned by Traffic Sports USA who is also the owner of Miami FC (Soon to be Strikers?) Currently playing in... drum roll... Ft Lauderdale.

Yup, it looks like this off season in the lower divisions of U.S. Soccer will be another one for the soap operas! get your popcorn, sit back and enjoy! I'm sure there is more drama to come.
Btw, check out a letter to The Rawlins by the Aztexan

Paulo Jr makes a case for himself as he scores a brace for RSL

Yeah, Miami FC / Strikers fans can pretty much say bye-bye to Paulo Araujo Jr.
Paulo started last night for Real Salt Lake in their CONCACAF Champions match versus Mexican side Cruz Azul. Junior scored the first two goals in his teams victory.

Everything points out to the fact that Paulo Jr's loan to RSL from Miami FC will become permanent. If not, I'm sure other teams will be ready to pick up this skillful Brazilian.

At least South Florida fans can say they saw this kid before he made it big. We wish continued success to Paulo!

Picture by Robert Scorca.
See video of his goals below:

Soccer great Jose Luis Chilavert fights over $$$

The best South American goalkeeper in the past 25 years according to Diario Vanguardia, Jose Luis Chilavert had a fight in an airport with a homeboy that owed him moneys!

Chilavert said Argentine Pablo Martín Seijas, a soccer agent, owed him mucho dinero! So he went to get his loot pero Pablo tell him he is a "Starving Paraguayan player!" (Paraguayo Muerto de Hambre in Spanish) Chilavert say 'Oh, Hell no, you just didn't say that...' and go to kick his butt! All this happen at the Airport de Ezeiza, Argentina.

You better not mess with Chila or he let you have it!

See video here:

History of the Ft Lauderdale Strikers Part IV NASL is gone what's next?

The original 'History of the Ft Lauderdale Strikers Part IV' NASL is gone what's next? was published on www.miamisoccerfan.com date: August 29, 2009.

Part IV: NASL is Gone, What’s Next?
By Robert Scorca - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers moved to Minnesota because there was no suitable indoor facility here. The irony was after moving, the NASL never played an indoor season. They did play in a tournament before moving to Minnesota. In no surprise the indoor Fort Lauderdale Strikers finished last.

1983 Grand Prix of Indoor Soccer (NASL)
Listed below are teams that participated,order of finish and won-lost record
1.Tampa Bay Rowdies 6-2
2.Montreal Manic 5-3
3.Tulsa Roughnecks 4-4
4. Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1-7

The league folded but all was not lost. While outdoor soccer was dying the indoor game was at its height. With the future undecided several players left. Bernd Holzenbein went to Memphis Americans, Jan Van Beveren went to Dallas Sidekicks (both of the MISL) and Brian Kidd went to England to coach Barrows. The Minnesota Strikers joined the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and played in the Metropolitan Sports Center.
Players of Note: Godfrey Ingram from Golden Bay Earthquake to Minnesota in 1984, then to Las Vegas.

Americans (MISL): Thompson Usiyan from Tulsa Roughnecks (NASL) to Minnesota 1984-87, then to Los Angeles Lazers. Jan Goossens from Golden Bay Earthquakes (NASL) to Minnesota 1984-86 then to Kansas City Comets (MISL). Hector Marinaro comes from Cleveland Force (MISL) to Minnesota 1986-88, than to Los Angeles Lazers. He records his first goal and point while with the Strikers. His career total of 1,222 goals and 1,923 points would be records for indoor soccer.

Tino Letteri leaves Minnesota at end of 1986-87 season and plays for the Hamilton Steelers of the Canadian Soccer League (CSL).

W L Finish
1984-85 Minnesota Strikers 24 24 4th Eastern Division
1985-86 Minnesota Strikers 26 22 2nd Eastern Division
1986-87 Minnesota Strikers 26 26 4th Eastern Division
1987-88 Minnesota Strikers 31 25 1st Eastern Division

Even though the indoor Minnesota Strikers 107-97 record was much better than the indoor Fort Lauderdale Strikers 4-26 record the title was not to be. The 1985-86 team came within a game of winning the MISL Championship Series losing the 7th game to the San Diego Sockers. The loss is especially painful as Minnesota had a three game to one edge but was unable to close out the series. San Diego's Coach Ron Newman and playoff scoring leader Branko Segota (both former members of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers) hoist the trophy for consecutive years. It looks like the Strikers would never become champions.

As the Minnesota Strikers were folding the name did not die. South of Minnesota the Fort Lauderdale Strikers name resurfaced in the newly formed American Soccer League (ASL) in 1988. Many players from the former Strikers appear on this team. Thomas Rongen is to be the first player signed and later goes on to coach the team. Teofilo "Nene" Cubillas comes out of retirement in 1987 to help resurrect his home club Alianza Lima. A tragic plane crash claims the lives of their players and coaching staff. Teofilo plays for and helps recruit players to join Alianza Lima. In 1988 he rejoins the Strikers. The next year he plays for the Miami Sharks of the ASL then retires.Other returning players include Ray Hudson, Arnie Mausser, Dan Canter, and Steve Kinsey. Ray Hudson an original Striker (who also played all the years of the Minnesota Strikers) returns home. He would play until this version of the Strikers fold then go on to retire.

The second year the ASL champ would play the Western Soccer Alliance (ASL) in a National Championship. This would be the crowning achievement for the Strikers as they won their 1st (and only) championship. After a 0-4 start the Strikers came on strong to finish 12-8. In the ASL Championship series they split with the Boston Bolts winning 1-0 then losing 2-0. In the mini game they defeat the Bolts 1-0 to win the ASL Championship. Next they play the champions of the Western Soccer Alliance (WSA), the San Diego Nomads. The Strikers win 3-1 to capture the National Championship. The next year both leagues would merge as the American Professional Soccer League (APSL).

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers finished 1st their first 4 years in the league. They played their home games at Lockhart Stadium. 1990 was an exception with Lockhart closed for part of the season for renovations. They split their home games between Lockhart, the Royal Palm Polo Sports Club in Boca Raton and the Pompano Municipal Stadium.

Winn Dixie was the sponsor of the team starting from their beginning. Although foreign clubs sported sponsor's names on their jerseys it looked odd to see WINN DIXIE across the front of the Strikers jerseys. Pieter Brown mentioned that this led to the " Let's go Winn Dixie, let's go! " chants. Pieter and I agree that what was once mocked now is the norm and clubs are now identified in part by their sponsors.

Players of Note: Eric Eichmann from Werder Bremen to Strikers 1988-92 to Wichita Wings of Major Soccer League (formerly MISL).

Tony Meola from Watford FC in England to Strikers in 1991. In his debut in goal Tony Meola would hold Bayern Munich to a 0-0 tie. Five members of this Bayern Munich team were starters for the 1990 German World Cup Champion Team. He played in 7 games and reappeared in 1994 with the Buffalo Blizzard of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL).
W L Finish
1988 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 14 6 1st ASL Southern Division
1989 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 12 8 ASL Champion
1990 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 15 5 1st APSL Southern Division
1991 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 15 6 1st APSL Southern Division
1992 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 7 9 4th APSL
1993 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 9 15 6th APSL
1994 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 12 8 5th APSL

While the APSL Fort Lauderdale Strikers were playing their final season there was another Fort Lauderdale soccer club starting up in the United States Interregional Soccer Leagues (USISL). Most likely to avoid confusion they were called the Fort Lauderdale Kicks. This is ironic as the original NASL Minnesota club was the Minnesota Kicks. The original Fort Lauderdale Strikers became the Minnesota Strikers upon moving north. The next year the APSL Strikers folded so the final version was free to change its name. Once again the Fort Lauderdale Strikers name was used in the renamed United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues, Inc. A year later they changed their name to the Florida Strikers most likely to have a broader appeal. If so, it did not work as the club folded after two more seasons. Finishing no higher than third might have been more to blame. During the 1996 and 1997 seasons the Florida Strikers were designated as an official affiliate of the MLS and Tampa Bay Mutiny. The league changed it's name in 1999 to the name we know it by today, the United Soccer Leagues.

Information for team colors, stadium and capacity, players of note supplied from the 1997 Media Guide for the USISL.

Team Colors: white, blue and black.

Stadium: Buccaneer Stadium at Barry University. Stadium capacity 1,000. Nick Megaloudis informed me that attendance was usually between 200-250.

As this was a developmental team, the people of most importance were the ones involved with the team at the management level. Eddie Rodger was the owner of the Fort Lauderdale Kicks. Eddie's influence on the South Florida soccer scene is still very apparent. Eddie is the Owner/CEO of Kics International. Many soccer clubs have utilized his soccer facilities at the Sunrise Holiday Inn. Among these are many national teams, top level foreign clubs, and MLS clubs. Later years Nick Megaloudis (General Manager) and Tom Mulroy (Operations Manager) were active. Tom is the president of and founder of the Copa Latina. Nick who assists Tom was an assistant Coach of the Miami Fusion.

Players of Note: Jeff Cunningham who currently plays for FC Dallas. Also Alen Kozic who played for the Miami Fusion in their inaugural season.
W L Finish
1994 Fort Lauderdale Kicks 5 12 6th in Southeast Division
1995 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 8 12 4th Pro League Southeast Division
1996 Florida Strikers 7 7 3rd Premier League in Southern Division
1997 Florida Strikers 10 8 4th D3 Pro League in South Atlantic Division

I would like to thank the following for their help: Pieter Brown, Teofilo "Nene" Cubillas, Teofilo Cubillas jr., Eddie Rodger, Tom Mulroy and Nick Megaloudis. Also thanks to Jeffrey Duly and his web site www.ftlauderdalestrikers.com . My collection of countless game day programs and media guides were very helpful in locating and verifying information which otherwise would be speculation.

I can not say with 100% certainty that all information is correct. Often I would come across conflicting information. In these cases I would cross reference up to 6 different sources of information to determine the most likely correct entry.

I used numerous game day programs, team media guides and league media guides as my main source of information. These were written closest to when the events occured and were most likely correct. Recalling information many years later has the greatest likelihood of being incorrect but had to be used where there was no existing information to support this article.

Ft Lauderdale Strikers History: PART III: PRO SOCCER LEAVES MIAMI

The original 'History of the Ft Lauderdale Strikers Part III' was published on www.miamisoccerfan.com date: July 23, 2009.

PART III: Pro Soccer Leaves Miami...
By Robert Scorca - After suffering their worst record in history and years of poor attendance it was time for a big change. After 5 years in Miami the Toros moved to Broward. A new name, new stadium (Lockhart), colors etc. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were to become one of the cornerstone teams in the N.A.S.L. Team goes through major changes as the Strikers become an instant success at the gate and in the standings. They went from 19th of 20 teams to 1st place tie out of 18 teams. Lockhart Stadium expanded from 8,000 to 11,000 seats to make room for the large crowds. On the road a playoff game between the Strikers and Cosmos drew 77,691 a record that still stands for a soccer match in the United States.
Coach: Ron Newman. Assistance Coach was Gordon Banks
Players of Note: Gordon Banks, Ray Hudson, David Irving and David Chadwick add an English flavor to the club. 1977 saw Ronnie Sharp retire. General Manager was Krikor Yepremian. Strikers Radio WSRF 1580 AM the voice of the team was Rick Weaver color commentary was provided by Garo Yepremian.

1978 saw expansion to Lockhart as 4,000 more seats were added to total 15,000. The big addition was acquiring George Best in a trade with the Los Angles Aztecs. Roberto Aguirre retires being the only person to play for the Gatos, Toros and Strikers. 1979 saw Arnie Mausser replace Gordon Banks who retires. Coach Ron Newman is fired, becoming a thorn in our side as coach of the San Diego Sockers. Also gone are David Irving (Tulsa Roughnecks) and David Chadwick who becomes joint head coach of the Atlanta Chiefs.

Players of Note: Teofilo "Nene" Cubillas, and Gerd "der Bomber" Muller. 1977 Gordon Banks 1st team all star
Team Colors:
1977 hot orange, yellow and black
1978 red, yellow and black

North American Soccer League (Division I)
W L Finish
1977 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 19 7 1st Eastern Div.
1978 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 16 14 3rd Eastern Div.
1979 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 17 13 2nd Eastern Div.
The NASL was on the down slide. The NASL lost their drawing card when Pele retired after the 1977 but attendance did not drop. Over expansion is the big problem as many people with no soccer experience bought their way into the league.

The next 2 years the Fort Lauderdale Strikers play both an outdoor (1979,1980) and indoor schedule (1979-80, 1980-81) The 1980 team was the only Strikers team to make it to the Soccer Bowl losing to the Cosmos 3-0. The indoor team was a different story. In 2 seasons they had a combined 4-26 record. The Hollywood Sportatorium was used for indoor soccer and also left a lot to be desired. 1980 Arnie Mausser plays for the New England Tea Men and Gerd Muller returns to Germany.Players of Note: Jan Van Beveren joins the club in 1980 and Branko Segota (from the Rochester Lancers) and Bernd Holzenhein in 1981.
1980 Teofilo Cubillas 1st team all star
1981 Jan Van Beveren, Teofilo Cubillas 1st team all stars
North American Soccer League (Division I)
W L Finish
1979 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 17 13 2nd Eastern Div.
1979-80 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 3 9 4th Eastern Div.
1980 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 18 14 2nd Eastern Div.
1980-81 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 1 17 4th Eastern Div.
1981 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 18 14 2nd Eastern Div.

The NASL days were numbered. 1982 saw the NASL lose 7 teams. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers play their final season.
Player of Note: Brian Kidd who comes here from the Atlanta Chiefs in 1982.
1983 Jan Van Beveren 1st team all star

North American Soccer League (Division I)
W L Finish
1982 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 18 14 1st South Div.
1983 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 14 16 2nd South Div.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers become the Minnesota Strikers. The NASL looks to indoor soccer for the survival of the league. Unable to find a sufficient facility the Robbies move north. Branko Segota goes to the Golden Bay Earthquakes. The team plays in the Hubert H. Humprey Metrodome Stadium and retains the same colors adding yellow to their away jerseys. Teofilo Cubillas opts to remain here playing for the Fort Lauderdale Sun of the United Soccer League.
Player of Note: Tino Letteri coming to Minnesota from the Vancouver Whitecaps in 1983
1984 Ray Hudson 1st team all star

North American Soccer League (Division I)
W L Finish
1984 Minnesota Strikers 14 10 3rd Western Div.

Would like to credit the following for help on this article: " The History of American Soccer " by Steve Holroyd and Dave Litterer. Also of help was www.ftlauderdalestrikers.com a site hosted by Jeffrey Duly.

Stay Tuned for PART IV: THE NASL IS GONE, WHAT NEXT?

Ft Lauderdale Strikers History: PART II: PRO SOCCER COMES TO MIAMI

The original 'History of the Ft Lauderdale Strikers Part II' was published on www.miamisoccerfan.com on July 7, 2009.

By Robert Scorca - In this second part soccer grows to the level many of us fans remember. Professional soccer comes to Miami, the Miami Gatos are born. The N.A.S.L. has crowds of over 70,000. No that is not a typo.

PART II: PRO SOCCER COMES TO MIAMI

The birth of South Florida professional soccer starts with the birth of the Miami Gatos. They are owned by Garo Yepremian of Miami Dolphins fame. President of the club was John Bilotta. General manager was Norman Sutherland. They struggle at the gate and also in the standings.

Stadium: Miami Dade North Stadium

Players of Note: Warren Archibald, and Roberto Aguirre, 1972 Willie Evans 1st team all star
Team Colors: purple and white
North American Soccer League (Division I)
W T L Finish
1972 Miami Gatos 3 3 8 4th in Southern Division


The team changes name to Miami Toros, colors and ownership. The gate and standing are getting better. They have 4 people listed as General Partners most notably was Elizabeth Robbie. She was listed in this position as a rule prohibited her husband Joe Robbie from owning a second professional sports franchise. The 1974 team makes it all the way to the championship game losing to the Los Angeles Aztecs on penalty kicks 4-3. The game was played in the Orange Bowl and sadly was the closest we would come to winning the N.A.S.L. Championship. 1973 Warren Archibald wins MVP award.

Stadium: Orange Bowl and Tamiami Stadium
Player of Note: Ronnie Sharp and Steve David. 1973 David Sadler, Warren Archibald 1st team all stars, 1974 Ronnie Sharp, Roberto Aguirre 1st team all stars.
1973,1974 Team Colors: red and white

North American Soccer League (Division I)
W T L Finish
1973 Miami Toros 8 6 5 3rd in Eastern Div.
1974 Miami Toros 9 6 5 1st in Eastern Div.

Early in 1975 the New York Cosmos failed in an attempt to sign George Best.
June 3, 1975 was to be the biggest day in professional soccer history in the United States as the New York Cosmos of North American Soccer League signed Pele.This was international news and led to many major signings in the league. Even though he had yet to play for any team in the N.A.S.L., his signing lead to many international stars joining the league. On a lesser note the N.A.S.L. did away with tie games and the Miami Toros changed colors. 1975 Steve David wins MVP and scoring title. Steve David goes to the Los Angeles Aztec, Warren Archibald goes to Rochester Lancers and Bill Nuttal plays for 2 years than leaves to coach at F.I.U.

Player of Note: Bill Nutttal, Ronnie Sharp, Steve David 1st team all stars
Team Colors: 1975 maroon and white
1976 fire engine red and white
Played in the Orange Bowl

North American Soccer League (Division I)
W L Finish
1975 Miami Toros 14 8 2nd in Eastern Div.
1976 Miami Toros 6 18 5th in Eastern Div.

Coming Up Next : Part III Pro Soccer Leaves Miami
and Comes to Ft. Lauderdale

Credit the following for help on this article: " The History of American Soccer " by Steve Holroyd and Dave Litterer. Also of help was www.ftlauderdalestrikers.com a site hosted by Jeffrey Duly.

Stay Tuned for PART III: Pro Soccer Leaves Miami...

Ft Lauderdale Strikers History: PART I HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

With the second coming of the Strikers to South Florida in 2011, we here at FMB (Football in Miami and Beyond) think it's a good idea to educate the fans that have no idea of the history behind the name.

We thank Robert Scorca for taking the time to do this project.
The original 'History of the Ft Lauderdale Strikers' was published on www.miamisoccerfan.com on June 25, 2009.

By Robert Scorca - The history of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers goes back before Fort Lauderdale. The team even goes back before the North American Soccer League. The N.A.S.L. was soccer in it's heyday. Players like Pele, George Best, Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, "Nene" Cubilas, etc., all graced the fields in the United States and Canada but I am getting ahead of myself. Before we get there we start with humble beginnings

PART I HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Things started out with very humble beginnings. Up north the Washington Britannica was formed. They were an amateur club playing locally on any field that was available. They were formed in 1963. I could not find any records or players for this team as information is almost nonexistent. Even proving the existence of the Britannica proved to be a challenge. Here is the only information I was able to gather. Playing in the Washington DC league

1963 Washington Britannica

1964 Washington Britannica

1965 Washington Britannica

1966 Washington Britannica

9 wins 3 ties 0 lost 18 pts winning

That year they won the Maryland State Open (Rowland ) Cup and the Virginia Festival Cup.

The Washington club goes through a name change and becomes a professional team. In 1968 Lincoln Phillips became the first African American to coach professional Soccer in the United States. He was also the teams goalkeeper. The Washington Darts played 2 years composed of 3 seasons.

American Soccer League (Division II)

W T L Finish

1967-68 Washington Darts 7 2 6 3rd

1968 Washington Darts 9 1 1 Champion

1969 Washington Darts 14 5 1 Champion versus the Syracuse Scorpions winning the first leg on the road by 2-0 and then winning at home by the same score.

The Washington Darts join the N.A.S.L. finish with the best record but get eliminated in the playoffs by the Rochester Lancers. The Washington Darts were founded by Norman Sutherland. In 1970 the team had 30 owners and 15 players!

Team Colors: Silver, Blue and White.

North American Soccer League

W T L Finish

1970 Washington Darts 14 4 6 1st Southern Div.

1971 Washington Darts 8 10 6 3rd Southern Div.

BR: John Muir, Leroy DeLeon, Vic Gamaldo, Selris Figaro, Lincoln Phillips, Winston Alexis, Bert Grell, Frank Donlevey, Willie Evans
FR: Warren Archibald, Gerry Browne, Roland Crispin, Johnny Kerr, Victorio Casa, Billy Fraser, Joseph Gyau
1970 Washington Darts

I would like to extend the help I received to work this article. Many game programs along with media guides were used for this article. Also of great help was " The History of American Soccer " by Steve Holroyd and Dave Litterer.

Stay Tuned for PART II: PRO SOCCER COMES TO MIAMI

Burrito's greatest Hits! Evo Morales and more Presidents playing futbol

The season is over for our South Florida team so now is when Burrito take over the blog and writes mucho stuffs about futbol.
Today Burrito bring you some of his greatest hits! We start with Videos of Presidents playing Soccer.

The first is of Bolivia President Evo Morales who hits political rival cause he give him ouchie in previous play. Don't mess with Evo!


Here video of everybody's favorite Communist! Hugo Chavez of Venezuela who even scores gol at end of video.


Here video of many presidents! (In Spanish) Sorry gringos pero muy funny. Staring King of Spains and lots of Latin American Presidentes!


And to say good bye Burrito leave you with hot womenseses playing futbol! Enjoy!

Miami FC's JP Rodrigues on loan to DC United?

Hola amigos! Burrito here with latest gossips.
You gots to love facebook! Just get players to add you on as a friend and they will eventuallys spill the refried beans on somethings the team they play for might want to keep secrets.
This time Burrito's amigo JP Rodriguez does it and here is what the carnal had to says today:

Wow how things change... Going on loan to D.C United! Leave bright and early in the morning! The soccer gods are on my side!

Si, this is second player to go on loan for Miami FC. The first was Burrito's amigo Paulo Jr. who went to Real Salt Lake.
Well, if its true JP then Burrito wish you much successeses and don't for get the little people (or in Burrito's case the little chihuahua!)
If you want to Join the JP Rodrigues Fan page on facebook go HERE
Hasta los huevos amigos!
Burrito

Picture by Robert Scorca

The End of an Era. Good bye Blues, hello Strikers!

A 1-1 tie with the Puerto Rico Islanders marked the end of the Miami FC Blues after 5 years of existence. The team will be re-branded under the Strikers name that was perhaps the only truly successful team in South Florida history. The Blues, hot off a 4 game winning streak were looking to end the season with yet another win but meet up with a strong PR Islanders team that had just defeated Mexican powerhouse Toluca in Concacaf Champions. Miami FC dominated the game but could not come away with the victory.

For more details on the game visit www.miamifc.com

Prior to the Miami FC game there were two preliminary games the first saw U15 youth teams clash as West Pines United FC defeated Real Madrid SAA by a 2-0 in a U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Premier League match. Read more HERE
The second game was the Final of the first ever Miami FC Pub Cup where Sci Sci defeated Lion & Eagle Pub. It was a hard fought game that ended tied at 3-3. It came down to a shootout which saw Sci Sci come out on top. For more details go HERE

The Miami Ultras fan club awarded their annual player of the year award to Christian Gomez. Read all about it at www.miamisoccerfan.com
Following is a video of the trophy being given to Gomez by Miami Ultras President Pieter Brown:

Following are pictures taken by Robert Scorca

Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders. Pub Cup Final and U15 West Pines United FC vs SAA Real Madrid

Miami FC will play its final game of the season this Saturday October 2 at 7:30 pm versus the Puerto Rico Islanders who came off of a come from behind victory in Concacaf Champions game versus Mexico's last champion Toluca. It will be a difficult match for the Blues who will see the end of an era as they retire the Miami FC name and start off the next year under the name of the most successful team in South Florida History. That's right folks, The Strikers will be back in 2011!

Join the Ultras in the stands as we will wear our Miami FC jerseys and wear the Red and yellow of the Strikers underneath. At the Final whistle we will shed the Blue for the Strikers!

Miami FC will look to close out its regular season on a high note at home with a match against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Lockhart Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start time.
“We are looking to finish the season strong against a very quality opponent. We are on a good run now winning four in a row, but we hope to get that fifth victory not only for us but for our fans,” said Head Coach Daryl Shore

For a pre-match info go to www.miamifc.com

Be sure to join the Ultras as they award the Fan player of the year just before the start of the game. You can still vote by going to www.miamisoccerfan.com

Pub Cup

But, before the Miami FC game we have 2 games. The preliminary game will be the first ever Pub Cup Final, which will be awarded prior to the Miami FC game:After two months of competition, the stage has been set for the PubCup Final. Lion & Eagle will square off against Sci-Sci this Saturday, Oct 2nd at Lockhart Stadium. The winner will be declared the first ever champion of the Pub Cup. Kick off is set for 6pm.
The coveted Pub Cup trophy will be presented to the winning team at the end of the game topped off with Holy Mackerel's special championship edition of their handcrafted Golden Ale. In true pub fashion, tradition dictates that the winning team slam the contents of the Cup on the field immediately following their victory," said Commercial Director Tommy KnappRead more HERE

Region III Premier League

The first game of the day will begin at at 4:30PM, it is a Region III Premier League (R3PL) match between West Pines United FC and SAA Real Madrid, both are U15 teams. Real Madrid is the present Florida State Champion and West Pines is the previous State Champion, so needless to say this is a "Clasico' rivalry match.

Last year -Real Madrid-Miami U14- won the Early Season Championship, the Disney Showcase Championship, the Regular Season Championship and the Florida State Championship. This year at U15 they are competing in the R3PL, which is the top teams in the region at a National level. Most of the games are taking place in Savannah, Jacksonville and Gainesville with only two games in the South Florida area. This is why Saturday's game is a major event.

Tailgate starting at 3 pm

Join the Miami Ultras at the Tailgate starting at 3 pm. Enjoy BBQ and free beer. Plus live band A Beautiful Cage starting at about 5:30 PM Be sure to get out there and enjoy a great day of Soccer at Lockhart Stadium!