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.