The New York Cosmos don't need MLS.

The New York Cosmos don't need Major League Soccer. But MLS needs the Cosmos.

The Cosmos flexed their muscles in recent weeks with the announcement of Eric Cantona and Cobi Jones joining the organization. The subsequent media blitz across the big apple further showed how the Cosmos brand still has allure even after 30 years since they last played in the old North American Soccer League.

If the Cosmos join MLS is still to be seen. Does it really make sense for them to pay over 40 million to join MLS? Does it make sense to enter a league that controls all player movements, merchandising, etc, etc? The way I see it MLS needs the New York Cosmos more than the NY Cosmos need MLS. The Cosmos have the brand that would take MLS to the next level. Cosmos in my eyes should get in free, they stand to make the league millions. Stadiums they go to will get packed across the country and this team has yet to sign a player!

What would I do if I was part of the Cosmos organization? I'd play hard ball, get my poker face on and negotiate a deal that would get me into the league for free and set a merchandising agreement.

MLS doesn't want to make a deal? Sure, this can happen , the Wilpons (Owners of the Mets) have been rumored to be interested in an MLS NY team, but a team set up by the Wilpons would only be just another team in NY, another Red Bulls. They will never be the NY Cosmos. The Cosmos are the Cosmos.With the right vision, The Cosmos can save millions while making millions joining the NASL.

The new NASL has a few teams most of us can remember, the soon to be known as (I hope) Ft Lauderdale Strikers and FC Tampa (soon to be called Tampa Bay Rowdies?). These were two of the most successful teams the old NASL had before the league disappeared. If you add further teams in Edmonton, Atlanta, San Antonio you have more former old NASL markets.Already we know that due to MLS's salary cap, many quality players are forced to play in other leagues, some in division 2. This bleeding of talent has made division 2 competitive in quality to current MLS teams. Just look back the past few years to the Montreal Impact and Puerto Rico Islanders in their successful runs in the CONCACAF champions league.

The Cosmos name is enough to attract high quality players which they will be able to afford,since they didn't pay the MLS entry fee. Not being held by the restraints of MLS salary cap rules will help. Furthemore Division 2 status would not hinder their views for world domination.

With the Cosmos, the revival of the NASL would be complete and in my eyes one day rival the MLS. If the Cosmos join NASL I predict that in 2 to 3 years more teams will join the league (paying about only 1 million as an entry fee) and the NASL as a division 2 league will rival MLS. This will one day force a merger of both leagues.

In the end the Cosmos have MLS by the balls (pun totally intended).

NASL News: Abundis and Pineda Chacon to coach Atlanta. Shore signs with Strikers

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced that Mexican Jose Manuel Abundis is their new coach. They also announced that one time Miami Fusion star Alex Pineda Chacon will be the assistant coach. Check it out:

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today that JOSÉ MANUEL ABUNDIS will join the club as its head coach. Abundis, a first-time coach, will take the helm of the Silverbacks immediately.

Abundis, 37, is best known for the 17 years he spent competing at the top levels of international soccer. As part of the Mexican national team from 1996 to 2001, he appeared in 47 games and scored 10 goals, representing Mexico in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup.

As early as 1992, Abundis made a name for himself as the top player for Toluca, a club in Mexico's top soccer division. He totaled 270 appearances and notched 80 goals there, and he also played for Mexican clubs Atlante, Pachuca, CF Monterrey, and Querétaro. In 2006, he played a season for Major League Soccer's New England Revolution. Since arriving in Georgia, Abundis has led youth soccer clinics and become a respected part of the Atlanta community.

"José is a very talented player, but he has also demonstrated that he has the energy, the passion, and the leadership to succeed in coaching," said Director of Soccer RODRIGO RIOS. "We're honored to have him here, and we know Atlanta will welcome him enthusiastically."

Joining Abundis on the coaching staff will be Assistant Coach Alex Pineda Chacon who returns to the Atlanta Silverbacks after previous stints with the organization, both as a player and an assistant coach. Chacón, who played for over 10 years on the Honduran national team, was named Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player in 2001.

Read more HERE
following is a video of Jose Manuel Abundis in action:

Here are goals by Alex Pineda Chacon with the Miami Fusion:


Shore signs with the Strikers
The Strikers announced this week the re-signing of coach Daryl Shore. Shore came in last season and turned the team around. I'm sure the fans will be happy to see coach Shore back.
Here is what the Strikers had to say:

The Strikers have announced today that they have agreed to a contract extension with head coach, Daryl Shore. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I am grateful that Traffic Sports has given me the opportunity to return and lead our team as we embark on a new era. I understand what the Strikers mean to South Florida soccer and I can promise that we will be one of the hardest working clubs in the NASL, with the goal of making the playoffs and bringing a winning mentality back to this team. We want to build on the success we enjoyed late last season by returning a good core group of players from last year’s team and bringing in new players that are going to help us achieve our goals. The Strikers legacy is powerful in South Florida, and we are ready and humbled to follow in the footsteps of some of the game's greats," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.

Shore, 41, is a New York native who graduated from South Plantation High School, in Plantation, Florida. He played in college as a goalkeeper for Birmingham-Southern College and went on to play professionally for the Birmingham Grasshoppers and the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers. After managing professional organizations all over the country such as the New Orleans Storm and the Lehigh Valley Steam, he began a ten-year tenure for the Chicago Fire as an assistant coach. Shore served as an assistant to four head coaches with Chicago, including Bob Bradley, Juan Carlos Osorio and former Striker Dennis Hamlett . He also played a significant role in the growth of the Fire’s player development program. He was hired last July as the head coach for the Blues.

Read more at www.miamifc.com

SF Soccer news: NASL sanctioning issues, Strikers, Beckham, Marine Stadium and more.

The main topic of the week so far was the decision by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to pull its provisional Division 2 sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
What bothers me is that for years the USSF sat there and watched the United Soccer Leagues (USL) do anything they wanted to soccer in this country from division 2 down. We saw dozens of teams fold, instability reign and nothing was done to correct it.
The moment a proposed league run by the team owners themselves was created, due to the USL's inability to work with its teams, is the moment the USSF decides to create rules and regulations that in my eyes looks like a road block to those opposing the incumbent league they were so used to dealing with. Suddenly, they decided to get strict... kinda makes you go 'hmmmm'.
So, the USSF says the issue was money. Well, the NASL just put up 6 million to cover that hole. If that doesn't ring stability I don't know what does! Let's see if the USSF comes up with another excuse. If they do then I think its obvious that there is more then meets the eye going on behind closed doors.
My message to the USSF: Work with the NASL to get them sanctioned. Create the stability you claim to want and get MLS, NASL and USL to work together for the good of soccer in this country.

Strikers
The NASL has invested too much time and money to stop and not continue business as usual, having said that our local team the Strikers have released their 2011 schedule. You can see it by scrolling down to the previous blog post below.
The Miami Ultras are planning ahead for road trips to Tampa and one to Atlanta. Stay tuned for more information on that!

Beckham to bring MLS to Miami
The news of MLS to Miami continues this time People U.K. states David Beckham is being offered a deal to bring a team to the Magic City. While MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida for his meeting with the Miami Ultras, he did mention Beckham has the option of starting a team anywhere in the United States at a reduced price. Apparently the only condition is that it can't be L.A. nor N.Y.
More news from Ministry of Soccer says Beckham Might Buy Miami FC for MLS and Tribal Football has the same report.

Miami Marine Stadium
The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium were graceful enough to include this blog in their monthly news letter after a blog post we published made a little noise. Here is what they had to say:

The blog Football In Miami And Beyond provides up-to-date information on all things soccer in Miami and South Florida. Recently, the blog posted a story about placing a temporary floating soccer field in front of the Miami Marine Stadium. We don't know if this is fully feasible as the field would have to be easily moved and stored- but one already operates in Singapore. This particular story "went viral" and was posted on various soccer and sports blogs nationwide. Think of the possibilities the Stadium offers!

If you want to support the restoration of the Marine Stadium be sure to visit them at http://www.marinestadium.org/Marine Stadium design by Derek Reese

Strikers announce 2011 season schedule.

The Strikers have released their 2011 schedule Here is the press release:

Miami FC/ Strikers 2011, NASL 2011 Schedule Released

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (January 25, 2011) – Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 and the North American Soccer League have released the 2011 schedule today. The 28-game regular season will start for Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 in early April and finish in late September.

“We are excited that the schedule has been finalized, I know I speak for everyone at the Miami FC/Strikers 2011 organization when I say April 9^th can’t come soon enough” said Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo.

The regular season kicks off for Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 on April 9^th at 7:00 pm as the Strikers will host FC Edmonton at Lockhart Stadium. The exciting Coastal Cup rivalry (Strikers vs. FC Tampa Bay) continues this season when FC Tampa Bay comes to Fort Lauderdale on May 14^th and again on the Fourth of July when Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 travel to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 will end their regular season on Saturday September 17^th against FC Tampa Bay at Al Lang Field.

The Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 regular season schedule consists of 28 games total – 14 home and 14 away. Between April 9^th and September 24^th, Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 will play each NASL team four times, twice at home at Lockhart Stadium and twice on the road.

Sat., 4/9	vs. FC Edmonton	Sat., 7/9	Vs Atlanta
Sat., 4/16	vs. Minnesota	Wed., 7/13	@Montreal
Sat., 4/23	@ Atlanta	Wed., 7/20	@ Puerto Rico
Fri., 4/29	@ Puerto Rico	Sat ., 7/30	vs FC Edmonton
Sat., 5/7	@ Minnesota	Sat., 8/6	vs Carolina
Wed., 5/11	@Carolina	Wed., 8/10	@ Minnesota
Sat., 5/14	vs FC Tampa Bay	Sun., 8/14	@FC Edmonton
Sat., 5/21	@Atlanta	Sat., 8/20	@ Carolina
Sat 5/28	vs Montreal	Sat., 8/27	vs FC Tampa Bay
Sat., 6/4	vs Puerto Rico	Sat., 9/3	vs Montreal
Sat., 6/11	vs Minnesota	Wes., 9/7	vs Carolina
Sat., 6/18	@Montreal	Sun., 9/11	@Edmonton
Sat., 6/25	vs Puerto Rico	Sat., 9/17	vs Atlanta
Mon., 7/4	@FC Tampa Bay	Sat., 9/24	@ FC Tampa Bay

Tickets for the Strikers 2011 are on Sale Now! Call today for pricing and availability. Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials Available! Call 954.829.9213 or e-mail info@miamifc.com

ABOUT MIAMI FC

Miami FC, South Florida's only professional soccer team, is currently in its sixth season. Starting in the 2011 season, the Blues will play as the Strikers honoring the ethos of the most successful soccer franchise in the history of South Florida soccer. The team is owned by Traffic Sports USA, the North American subsidiary of The Traffic Group, the leading soccer event management company in the Americas with headquarters in Brazil, and offices in the U.S. and Europe. The organization is committed to the advancement of soccer in South Florida at the youth, amateur and professional levels.

South Florida Soccer news: MLS Miami, DC United, Strikers and more.

South Florida is a magnet for Soccer news and will continue to make headlines as Major League Soccer teams get ready for preseason training in our area.

D.C. United
The first team to pay a visit to our area will be D.C. United as they announced the club's preseason schedule this week. DC visits Fort Lauderdale, where they will train from February 1 until February 12. During United's stay in Florida. We hope one of the teams they play will be local NASL team Miami FC / Strikers.
We do know United will play two exhibitions in Florida, vs. the Canadian under-20 national team and an opponent to be determined.
DC has a few players on trial, one known in our area is forward Abe Thompson who played for Miami FC last season and helped the Blues gain a 7 game unbeaten streak at the end of the season (which still stands). Other notable players are goalkeepers Chase Harrison, Joe Willis (third-round draft pick from Denver); midfielder Brandon Barklage; defender Chris Korb (second-round pick from Akron); and forward Blake Brettschneider (supplemental pick from South Carolina).

MLS Miami
While the Cosmos keep making news in the big apple, the same could be said of Miami, as the buzz continues following MLS Commissioner Don Garber's visit to South Florida. Now, another possible investor has poped out as MLS's very own site reports Boca Juniors of Argentina have been in talks to bring a team to the league.
South Florida, after New York, seems to have the most possible investors lined up. Rumored investors are Miami FC owners Traffic, Brightstar owner Marcelo Claure, Galaxy player David Beckham and now Boca Juniors.

Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Visit http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/ and sign up for season ticket dedications. It's just a promise that if Miami gets a team that you will buy season tickets. So far we have collected over 1,000.
You can also follow MLS Miami Bid on facebook and twitter
Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com

Strikers
The Strikers will have open tryouts this weekend January 22 and 23 at Ft Lauderdale Stadium. If you are an aspiring player and have not received a confirmation email from someone inside the Strikers front office or from PayPal, you DO NOT have a guaranteed spot at the tryout. Be sure to contact Ignacio Rodriguez at (305) 496-7780 or email Ignacio@miamifc.com

Miami Ultras
Are you a passionate Soccer fan who wants to be part of something special? Join the Miami Ultras, South Florida soccer supporters as they get ready to follow the Strikers in 2011! It's free, just visit www.miamisoccerfan.com and sign up for more information. You can also join their facebook page.

Miami FC / Strikers PR Manager Ignacio Rodriguez on Feuerstein's Fire

Miami FC's (Soon to be Strikers) PR Manager Ignacio Rodriguez was on Daniel Feuerstein's "Feuerstein's Fire Episode #40" yesterday along with FC Tampa fan and Ralph's Mob member Garrett Tozier.

Following you will be able to listen to it but it starts off talking about the world Cup and the awarding of the 2022 event in Qatar and the possible changing of the schedule to accommodate the World Cup to the Winter. (To avoid the heat of the summer)

Then at about the 15th minute Daniel goes on to talk about the MLS meeting the Miami Ultras had with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. My question is why didn't Daniel have a Miami Ultra on the show?

Either way Ignacio had the Ultras back and challenged the Mob on behalf of the Ultras to play a game and he also proposed a game between Strikers and FC Tampa's front offices! Props to Ignacio.

But let me not bore you with words, go ahead and listen and leave a comment. (You can X out of the advertisement).

Listen to internet radio with Feuerstein's Fire on Blog Talk Radio

Follow Ignacio Rodriguez on Twitter http://twitter.com/Blues_PR_Guy

Want to listen to Daniel Feuerstein? Be sure to check him out every Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern time http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feuersteinsfire
You can also follow him on Twitter http://twitter.com/DFeuerstein

You want to talk smack to Evil "Ralph's Mom" member Garrett Tozier? Follow him on twitter and tell him what you think! http://twitter.com/gtozier

Soccer News: David Santamaria signs, "Burrito" Ortega to Strikers? Traffic pays for Ronaldinho and WPS info.

Tons of Soccer news involving South Florida this week!
Now that the MLS Meeting with Don Garber is history, we can focus on the Strikers as they sign local forward David Santamaria. Here is the press release:

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (January 11th, 2011) – The Strikers announced today the signing of twenty-year old David Santamaria for the 2011 season. Per team policy, the terms and conditions of the deal have not been disclosed.
David impressed us during last year’s Traffic combine and we’re glad we could come to an agreement that provides a way for everyone to achieve their goals. We’re confident he’ll develop well and become an important part of the Strikers in the near future,” states Fernando Clavijo, Director of Soccer at Traffic Sports USA, owner of the Strikers.

You can read more at www.miamifc.com

Burrito
Many notable blogs and newspapers report that Argentine midfielder Ariel "Burrito" Ortega (Not to be confused with our local canine blogger Burrito) is keen on continuing his career in MLS. Reports also say his destination might be to Miami FC soon to be Strikers. Our attempts at getting confirmation from Traffic owners of the team have not been fruitful. Its quite possible Traffic might be involved with the negotiations to another team, quite possibly in MLS.

Ronaldinho
Talk about Traffic... As you all know, Brazilian star Ronaldinho has made his move from AC Milan to Brazilian side Flamengo. Reports have Traffic involved in that deal which makes us wonder here in South Florida if perhaps the Strikers budget might be hit by Dinho's salary. The playmaker is set to be paid over $150,000 per week! We could only wish our NASL 2nd Div team could have that amount for its budget for the whole year! Still, if Burrito Ortega is signed maybe we can forgive them.

WPS
I've delayed writing about the likely move of the Women's Professional Soccer team Washington Freedom to South Florida because I was hoping to get a hold of owner Dan Borislow, who lives in South Florida and owns a communications business here. Unfortunately he hasn't returned my call or emails. But according to the Washington Post Borislow plans to re-brand the team after one of his business products "MagicJack"... Ouch! I hope he rather calls the team Magic City in reference to Miami or some other name instead. Either way I left him a message giving the full support of the Miami Ultras.
I hope the Strikers and Freedom could come to some agreement to play at Lockhart. This would be great for both clubs and South Florida soccer fans could be treated to a few double headers which would help promote the sport further in our area.

New Burrito Cam
Finally, I'd like to report that we have a new "Burrito Camera" device that will be put on the head of everyone's favorite canine blogger Burrito. Expect to see some pictures from his perspective especially on his twitter account Burritofutbol. Be sure to follow him on Twitter or you can view the pictures on the sidebar of this blog on your right hand side.

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

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




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

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


End - Final moments of the meeting.




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

Meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber: The day after.

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

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

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

Here is the video:



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's what the local media had to say:

Sun Sentinel

Miami Herald

El Nuevo Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now back to the haters list...

The Not Haters

The Examiner "Miami Ultras making noise with Garber meeting"

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

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

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

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

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

The Offside "What to expect from 2011"

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

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

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

Hatererers

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

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

Match Fit USA "Garber throws a bone."

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

WVHooligan "Put up or shut up time for Miami"

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

In conclusion:

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

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

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

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

UPDATE 12:24 PM

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

U-20 vs Strikers Exclusive 1/6/2011

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

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

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

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

Strikers Open Tryouts January 22-23

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

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

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

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

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

Important Notes

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

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

To register click on the link below

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

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

Miami Ultras on MLS The Daily

The Miami Ultras, South Florida soccer fans were mentioned on MLS the Daily today.
It's all due to the meeting they will have with MLS Commissioner Don Garber this coming Saturday. We will have a full report.

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


Want to know about the meeting with Don Garber?
Don Garber / Miami Ultras Get-Together
Saturday, January 8 @ 1 PM
3030 Restaurant @ Marriot Harbour Beach Hotel 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316