The Ultras at SunLife Stadium for preview of Mexico vs Colombia

Journalist and South Florida's premier soccer supporters club the Ultras met up with a couple of legends this past Wednesday as part of a preview for the clash between Colombia vs Mexico at Sun Life Stadium in Miami February 29, 2012.
The Ultras will be attending this game and have been assigned to section 129 at SunLife Stadium.
Be sure to stay tuned to www.miamiultras.com as they will be revealing a discount code soon.
We hope to see everyone there!
Check out the following pictures and video. More to come including interviews with the legends!

All pictures by Mitch Rivera

Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and Jorge Campos visit Sun Life Stadium on Wed., December 14 to promote Mexico vs. Colombia match

One time Miami Fusion player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and former L.A. Galaxy player Jorge Campos visit Sun Life Stadium on Wed., December 14 to promote Mexico vs. Colombia match

***ATTENTION THIS IS A MEDIA ONLY EVENT
Here is the press release:

Two of the game’s most popular legends joined by Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders for a memorable afternoon on the pitch, including a jersey presentation to the players

MIAMI (Monday, Dec. 12, 2011) – Two of soccer’s biggest World Cup legends, Colombia’s Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and Mexico’s Jorge Campos, will visit Miami’s Sun Life Stadium on Wed., December 14 at 2:30 p.m. ET, where they will participate in an animated photo-op on the pitch with Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders to promote the international soccer match between the national teams of Mexico and Colombia that will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The two soccer icons will receive customized Miami Dolphins jerseys and will be available to the media for interviews.

WHAT: Soccer legends visit Sun Life stadium to promote upcoming international game between Mexico and Colombia

WHO: Carlos “Pibe” Valderrama – legendary Colombian midfielder and World Cup veteran

Jorge Campos – legendary, flamboyant Mexican goalkeeper and World Cup veteran

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders


WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m. ET

WHERE: Sun Life Stadium
347 Don Shula Drive

Miami Gardens, FL 33056


Photo/Video Opportunities:

Interaction between World Cup legends and Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders
Miami Dolphins Jersey presentation
Players “kicking it around” on the pitch
Player soundbytes


NOTES TO MEDIA:

Please arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. ET
Enter the stadium through Gate E and head towards the first-base dugout on field level
Media members must have a valid ID from their organization to attend the event

www.SUMworld.com

Colombia and Mexico meet at Sun Life Stadium on Feb. 29

More Soccer coming to South Florida! Here is the press release:

World-class international soccer returns to South Florida as national teams of Colombia and Mexico meet at Sun Life Stadium on Feb. 29

Match to be played on official FIFA match date; both teams expected to bring their top squads as they continue their paths to World Cup 2014

MIAMI (Tuesday, December 6, 2011) – Top flight international soccer returns to South Florida when the Mexican national team takes on Colombia on February 29, 2012 (8 p.m. ET) at Sun Life Stadium, presented by AT&T. The game, announced today by The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), together with Soccer United Marketing (SUM) and Sun Life Stadium, is part of the annual Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, which has drawn nearly 2 million fans from coast to coast since 2004.

An exclusive Visa pre-sale for the game will begin on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m. ET via www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Dec. 12 at 10:00 a.m. ET on www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster locations. The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol invites fans to use their Visa cards.

The match between Mexico and Colombia in Miami will mark the 28 encounter between both teams, with a record of 12-9-6 in favor of the Aztec nation. The last meeting between the two ended on a 1-0 Mexico victory in 2011.

Festivities surrounding the game will include several days of pre-game sponsor activities and media events, including appearances by team legends, fan giveaways, news conferences and training sessions. On game day, fans are invited to visit “Futbol Fiesta,” a 120,000 square feet interactive soccer fan zone which opens four hours before kickoff just outside the stadium and features live entertainment, sponsor exhibits, and interactive games.

Colombia is a contender in the ongoing South American World Cup qualifiers, currently in sixth place in CONMEBOL with a game at hand. Led by their captain Mario Yepes (AC Milan/Italy) and star Radamel Falcao (Atlético Madrid/Spain), Colombia is coached by former MLS star Leonel Álvarez, who hopes to build from their Copa America 2011 quarterfinal performance.

Mexico, a perennial powerhouse in the CONCACAF region, will begin its run for World Cup qualification in mid 2012, with games on June 8 against Guyana and June 12 versus El Salvador. Under the direction of Jose Manuel de la Torre, the teams boasts a powerful lineup that includes standouts such as Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, New York red Bulls defender Rafa Marquez, and Tottenham midfielder Giovani Dos Santos.

The annual Mexican national team U.S. Tour, a partnership between FMF and SUM, features up to five matches across the United States. The other tour dates will be announced as they are confirmed.

Details for media accreditation will be released in the coming days for media members who plan to cover the upcoming Mexican national team games.

The 2012 Mexican national team U.S. Tour sponsors are adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, Cacique, Coca-Cola, Castrol, Degree Men, el Jimador, Makita, NAPA Auto Parts, The Home Depot, Visa and Wrigley’s Extra® Gum.

2012 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour
Date Opponent Venue City Time (ET)
Jan. 25 Venezuela Reliant Stadium Houston, TX 9 p.m.
Feb. 29 Colombia Sun Life Stadium Miami, FL 8 p.m.

About Soccer United Marketing
Founded in 2002, Soccer United Marketing (SUM) is the preeminent soccer business company in North
America. SUM holds the exclusive rights to the most important soccer properties in the region, including: all commercial rights to Major League Soccer; the United States Soccer Federation; promotional and marketing rights to Mexican National Team games played in the United States; and the CONCACAF Gold Cup™. SUM also manages promotional and marketing rights in the United States for Mexico’s most popular sports team, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).

In 2008, SUM entered into a long term partnership with FC Barcelona which includes tours of the legendary Spanish club. In early 2009, SUM announced the creation of the SUM Digital Network, the only soccer advertising network of its kind, covering all facets of the sport in the U.S., and which allows advertisers to reach millions of soccer fans via online advertising and sponsorships campaigns. In addition, SUM created InterLiga, the former qualifier for Mexican clubs into Copa Libertadores; SuperLiga, the innovative professional tournament between MLS and Mexico’s First Division clubs, as well as the Pan-Pacific Championship, an international soccer tournament that crowned the top club from the Pan Pacific region. These global properties are represented by SUM’s slogan: One Sport. One Company.™ For more information, please visit www.SUMworld.com.

****Attention South Florida fans! There will be a special section with a discount for Ultras members. More details soon so please:
Follow the Ultras on twitter: @miamiultras
and facebook: Miami Ultras
or visit our website: www.miamiultras.com

Strikers players on the move...

As Striker Liker Christopher Walsh put it on the Ultras facebook page "The blood letting continues..." Yes, not long ago Coach Shore assured the fans on Miami Ultras Alive #30 (see minute 21) that he expected to keep the majority of his ALMOST championship team.
We've already seen a number of Strikers players packing their bags and moving to other teams. The latest was fan favorite Martyn Lancaster, who will be playing for the NASL's Atlanta Silverbacks in 2012. Lancaster was the winner of the latest fan voted Ultras MVP award. Martyn had become a symbol of the team. Fans identified with him as he was all heart on the field. He went as far as meeting with the Ultras after almost every game. He will be missed.
Other players the Strikers are losing include midfielder Bryan Arguez who is moving to the Montreal Impact, not to mention Gerson Mayen, who joins him (Gerson was on loan this past season from Chivas USA). Veteran Eduardo "Chaco" Coudet who we know will not return. But most important is the almost certain loss of team scoring leader Brian Shriver who is currently on trial with Swedish side Åtvidaberg AFF.
It seems like the off season will give us a lot to talk about.

Alan Guevara wins the Ultras PS3 FIFA '12 Tournament at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub

This past Sunday South Florida Soccer fans met up at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood to watch the MLS Cup Final between the L.A. Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo. For more on the game go HERE

Just prior to the watch party the Ultras organized their 1st ever PS3 FIFA '12 tournament led by Mitch Rivera (Twitter: @mrivera2010 ) A total of 8 players showed up on time to be included in the roster (A few others were left out for not showing up on time).

Epic battles comenced promptly at 7 pm. Culminating at about 9 pm with a tough final battle between Alan Guevara (Twitter:  @AlanThink) and Zach Reese (Twitter: @ftlRalphsMom )leaving the former victorious in overtime 2-0.

The Ultras want to thank everyone who showed up to the watch party and tournament. Congrats to Alan Guevara for winning the Championship. For his victory Alan received a Trophy, an Ultras scarf, a quarter and a beer courtesy of Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub. (Thanks to Mark Rowe!)

Following is a video and pictures of the event:

Calling all South Florida Soccer fans!
Do you love soccer?
Then join the Ultras, South Florida's premier soccer fan club. We support The Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL (Div 2), we have MLS and USA watch partys (In conjunctions with the American Outlaws South Florida), we organize events, we have a soccer team and soon we will have sponsors.
Join us, it's free!
Go to http://www.miamiultras.com/
Follow us on Twitter @miamiultras
Facebook: MIAMI ULTRAS
To join our email list for events and news or if you have questions go here:
http://miamiultras.com/contact-us/
Get ready for Ultras 2012!

Pictures by Pabony and Mitch Rivera.
Video by Zhenya Shpiner

Ultras host South Florida MLS Cup Final watch party at Mickey Byrnes...

The Ultras will host South Florida's MLS Cup Final watch party at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub this Sunday! Be sure to show up early as there will be food and drink specials.Game time is 9 PM.

Prior to the game we are having a Playstation FIFA 12 Tournament! If you'd like to participate let us know so we can include you in the bracket. Games start at 7PM and so far these are the players and their teams:
INTER-Mitchell Rivera. NAPOLI-Paul Shawncy Mordente
BARCA-Alan G. WOLVES-Zach Reese
AC MILAN-Elvis Moran. MAN U- Pabony Rivera
SHEFFIELD-Derek Reese MAN CITY- Adam Nessim

The draw for the games will be at 7 pm at Mickey's.

All players be there on time.
Alternate players so far are Ed Serrano and Juan Ruiz

Rules FOR PS3 FIFA 12 TOURNAMENT:
1) 10 MINUTES GAMES EVEN FOR FINAL
2) WEATHER ALL CLEAR FOR ALL THE GAMES
3) CAN NOT USE CREATION PLAYER OR TEAM
4) COIN FLIP FOR HOME FIELD
5) IF A TIE, ALL GAMES GOES INTO EXTRA TIME AND PENALTY SHOOT OUT EVEN THE FINAL
6) TELE VIEW FOR ALL GAMES AND THE FINAL

Before for the Tournanment Ultras will hold a draw, one for the first round and for the semi finals.

Come out and watch the MLS Final with us!
Check out the facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301294156566434

The Ultras hosted the MLS Cup trophy at Mickey Byrnes Pub.

The Miami Ultras organized a Major League Soccer watch party at Mickey Byrnes Pub in Hollywood this past Sunday which also had the gracious presence of former Los Angeles Galaxy playmaker and ex Salvadoran national team player Mauricio Cienfuegos.
It was a great experience to be next to the MLS Cup and to be able to pose with it in pictures before it headed West to L.A. for the final between the Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo.
Major League Soccer also featured the Ultras on their website. You can read the article here:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/fans/article/2011/11/07/mls-cup-visits-south-florida

The Ultras will again organize a watch party for the MLS final at Mickey Byrnes on November 20th. We hope to see all the fans out there.

Below are a few pictures taken during the event:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you want MLS in South Florida? Then join MLS Miami Bid on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
You can also visit the website www.mlsmiamibid.com

Did you miss the latest episode of Miami Ultras Alive? Listen to it HERE
Our guest was Franco Panizo who writes for Soccer by Ives. We spoke about the MLS event, Strikers and more!
Stay tuned for the next Miami Ultras Alive on Monday November 14 at 10 PM when we will have NASL's Kartik Krishnaiyer and Fort Lauderdale Strikers President Tim Robbie!

MLS Cup trophy in South Florida this Sunday at Mickey Brynes pub in Hollywood!

The Miami Ultras invite everyone to watch the Major League Soccer Playoffs featuring the genuine MLS Cup trophy!
Our special guest will be one of Major League Soccer’s best playmakers of all time, LA Galaxy and Salvadorian national team legend Mauricio Cienfuegos.
Come by Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub & Restaurant http://www.mickeybyrnes.com/ in Downtown Hollywood on Sunday, Nov. 6, to catch some MLS playoff action and take a photo with the beautiful MLS Cup Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy, designed in gold and silver by Tiffany & Co.

WHERE:           Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub & Restaurant
1921 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020, (954) 921-2317
WHEN:            Sunday, Nov 6 in the evening (time TBD based on TV schedule)
COST:              FREE ADMISSION

Join the Ultras, South Florida's largest soccer supporters group or follow them on Facebook or Twitter @MiamiUltras. Website: www.miamiultras.com
This is part of our MLS Miami Bid effort. www.mlsmiamibid.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
Join us and tell your friends.
Don't forget to listen to Miami Ultras Alive every Monday LIVE at 10PM on blog talk radio!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras

UPDATE:  11/4/11 4:00PM
News just in confirms that anyone wearing a soccer jersey (Preferably an MLS jersey) will receive a shot (drink) every time a team scores. Ask for specials! http://www.mickeybyrnes.com/
Teams to play will be L.A. Galaxy vs Real Salt Lake at 9 PM
We hope to see everyone there!

Other sites picking up on this news:

Miami Herald Blog
MiamiUltras.com
Dunord (Wednesday Nov 2)

Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story in Miami

The Jay Demerit Story will be showing in Theaters across the country Thursday November 3, 2011. You can see it in Miami at AMC Sunset Place - 5701 Sunset Drive South Miami, FL 33143 (305) 740-8904 – RSVP
Following is a brief description:

Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story
The true story of a young American’s impossible journey – a journey never experienced or heard of in the soccer world. After college, Jay’s dream of playing pro soccer in Europe seemed unreachable. Sleeping in an attic, painting houses and eating beans and toast to survive, Jay took the most unlikely route to the top. After not making the professional leagues in the U.S., Jay left for Europe at the age of 21 without any professional experience – only a passport, $1500 and a backpack full of dreams. The film documents Jay’s journey from the bottom – playing in Sunday park leagues and lower level division London clubs earning 40 pounds a week – to playing in the English Premier League – to starting in the 2010 World Cup. The Jay DeMerit Story is a story of perseverance, hard work and relentless belief in a dream… It is a story that needs to be told.
The poorest man is not without a cent, but without a dream…

Here is the trailer:



Be sure to meet up with the American Outlaws at this event!
Follow @AOSouthFlorida on Twitter
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=264860026887010

Strikers lose NASL Championship to the Stars. Pictures and video.

It was a wet night that saw the Strikers and over 7 thousand people witness a heartbreaker of a game. The team looked flat and without a doubt the bunkered down Stars did enough to guarantee they would be the first to hoist the NASL Soccer Bowl.
I'll do a season review in the next few days. For more on the game go to www.strikers.com
Bellow are pictures and video of the fans.

Don't forget to listen to Miami Ultras Alive #30 with Guest Strikers coach Daryl Shore and a special interview with Ray Hudson.
Listen to it here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/11/01/miami-ultras-alive-30

Strikers lose first game of the NASL Championship series. Appear on CBS 4 Sports Zone.

This past Saturday the Fort Lauderdale Strikers flew up to Minnesota to play the first leg of the NASL Div2 Championship versus the NSC Minnesota Stars.
Unfortunetly the Strikers lost 3-1. It was a heart breaker to see the team play timidly compared to their past few playoff games. Was it the cold weather up North? Was it lack of heart? I think it just wasn't our day.
What we do know is that now they come back to the heat of South Florida with a 2 goal deficit. Will the boys be able to defend the Fort? I think they can! Now our mission as Striker Likers is to support this team and fill up the "Mecca". We can do it! Be sure to tell everyone to get out there to Lockhart Stadium this Saturday Oct 29, 2011 at 7:30PM.
Read more about the game here:
http://www.strikers.com/
Strikers on CBS 4 Sports Zone!
This past Saturday before the game in Minnesota the Strikers appeared on Sports Zone. Check it out below!

Miami Ultras Alive
Tonight's Miami Ultras Alive brings you Inside Minnesota Soccer's Brian Quarstad as he gives us the low down on his view of the game as a Stars fan. Be sure to check it out! We will also have Daniel Feuerstein of Blog Talk Radio's Feuerstein's Fire . Dan was our inspiration in creating our crappy show, we will discuss his show in detail particularly the interview he had with Coach Shore (Strikers) and Coach Lagos (Stars) before our show.
Check out Pieter and Uncle Ed's antics here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/10/25/miami-ultras-alive-29

Strikers defeat Puerto Rico to make it to NASL Finals

It seems like a dream but it's true, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers made it to the NASL finals and will meet the Minnesota Stars in a 2 game series that starts next Saturday in Minnesota.
Over 4200 people showed up to see the Strikers beat the Islanders 2-1 (5-2 aggregate) thanks to a brace by Brian Shriver.
Shriver will be on tonight's Miami Ultras Alive show on Blog Talk Radio at 10PM be sure to listen in and call with your questions to (323) 927-1455. MUA is the only soccer specific internet radio show dedicated to the South Florida soccer scene, you can listen to it every Monday night. Be sure to join in on the live chat room that starts 10 minutes before the show. To listen to the show live at 10 PM go here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/10/18/miami-ultras-alive-28 
For more on the game check out the following links:
NASL
Miami Herald
Sun Sentinel
Soccer America 
Bleacher Report
Soccer by Ives
South Florida Caribbean News
Inside Minnesota Soccer
Following are video and pictures:

Big TIFO picture by Victor Palkaninec others by Uncle Ed's crappy cell phone.
For more pictures visit:
http://www.jonvanwoerden.com/Strikers_Islanders1015
and
http://fllstrikers.net/