The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played their first scrimmage yesterday at Lockhart Stadium against the New York Red Bulls. For a team that has only been working together for less than a week they played well against a Red Bulls team stacked with stars such as French forward Thierry Henry and Mexican defender Rafael Marquez. In the end the score was 2-0 in favor of the Red Bulls. Read more about the game at www.strikers.com or go to newyorkredbulls.com
You can also read an article written by Jeff Rusnack of the Sun Sentinel
Here is the complete game video courtesy of MLS.com:
The Copa Latina is South Florida’s premier amateur soccer tournament with clubs participating from all over the world, including Colombia, Argentina, Haiti, El Salvador, and many other Latin American and South American nations. Below is the schedule for this weekend’s upcoming matches:
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will host the New York Red Bulls in its first preseason game
Today the Fort Lauderdale Strikers are set to take on the New York Red Bulls this at 2:30 P.M. in a friendly match that is open and free to the public.
It will be our first look at the Strikers who started their preseason this week. It is reported that a total of 36 players are in camp from which Head Coach Daryl Shore will select the best to stay with the team that hope to bring South Florida their first NASL Championship.
“I am very pleased that our organization, the New York Red Bulls, and Lockhart Stadium were all able to work out all the details involved with allowing the match to be open to the public. Even though we are only 5 days into preseason, it’s a great opportunity for our fans to see our team compete against one of the top teams in Major League Soccer. We hope all of our fans take advantage of this free exhibition match,” said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
For more on today's free game visit www.strikers.com
The Red Bulls' roster includes former Barcelona star Thierry Henry and Mexican defender Rafa Marquez.
Following is a Video preview of the Red Bulls courtesy of MLS.com:
For Fort Lauderdale Strikers season ticket information see the flyer below:
Yes folk, your Fort Lauderdale Strikers will play the New York Red Bulls this Saturday Feb 26 at 2:30 pm. You don't believe us?
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced today that its preseason match against the New York Red Bulls is OPEN and free to the public. Kickoff is set for 2.30pm at Lockhart Stadium. Come and watch world renowned stars like Rafa Marquez, Thierry Henry and the rest of the New York Red Bulls, as they take on the Fort Lauderdale Strikers for their first ever preseason game. Remember Strikers fans February, is your last chance to secure season tickets for only $99.
The Strikers also announced the signing of veterans Nicolas Platter and Adam "Batman West. (Adam is going to hate us for that nickname)
Here is the press release:
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (February 24, 2011) - The Strikers announced today that they have signed defender Adam West and goalkeeper Nicolas Platter for the 2011 season. West was signed after participating in the inaugural NASL Combine that saw over 80 players from all over the world competing for professional contracts. Per team policy, terms of the deals have not been disclosed.
“We are happy to add two veteran players within our league to our team. Both Nic and Adam will add valuable experience to our group and we look forward to both of them helping us solidify our defensive group,” said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
West, 24, started his career at the University of Washington where he played from 2004-2006. In the spring of 2007, West was signed by the Seattle Sounders where he won the 2007 USL First Division Championship. He later signed with the Rochester Rhinos in 2010, where he made 7 appearances. West was signed after participating in the NASL Combine in Fort Lauderdale earlier this month.
Platter, 29, is a California native that began his college career at the University of California at Davis. He had a stellar career where he became the all time shutout and saves leader, for the school. Platter signed with Minnesota in 2005 and spent the first five years of his professional career making 85 appearances for the club. He signed with the Carolina Railhawks in 2010, appearing in 10 matches.
Tickets for the Strikers 2011 are on Sale Now! Call today for pricing and availability. Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials Available! Call 954.606.0400 or e-mail info@strikers.com
It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale Florida when the New York Redbulls played against the Chicago Fire. Everyone who is anyone in the soccer world was there, but due to mis-communication between the Red Bulls front office and Lockhart personnel, some of them had just a little trouble getting in the door. Here's a rundown:
Eventually got in-
Fernando Clavijo - Director of soccer, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
The Hall of fame soccer player and Strikers Director of Soccer was reported to have needed to wait for clearance to enter the stadium after the not so knowledgeable staff member refused his entry. Reliable sources say he was waiting about 20 minutes for his entry.
Martyn Lancaster - Defender, Ft Lauderdale Strikers
After about 5 minutes of waiting, he was allowed to enter Lockhart stadium (His home pitch) only under the Supervision of Miguel Lopez.
Couldn't Leave:
Bryan Arguez - Midfielder, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
After waiting for a minute or two, another fan and I tried to help him squeeze through a locked gate. He was unsuccessful, however the fan had better luck squeezing through to sneak in.
No Reentry:
This list will get extensive, so Ill make it brief. The bus driver for the Fire was stuck outside after going to get lunch. Thomas Rongen brought some friends to the game, and were stuck outside after taking a brief trip to their car. A players agent of an unnamed Strikers player left his phone in the car... Oops.
The ONLY Ultra to be repeatedly thrown out of games was not even given a chance to get in.
Kartik Krishnaiyer - NASL Representative
Being friends with the PR Director for the Chicago Fire apparently didn't play out as well as hoped today when the security brought up that it was the Red Bull's call.
This seems to be a common issue with the "Mecca" of U.S. Soccer, Lockhart Stadium. HOWEVER, further issues will be addressed and fixed so HOPEFULLY this will never happen again.
Hola amigos! Burrito, your favorite and only blogging chihuahua mix futbol fan here with the latest stupid futbol video. This one is approved by Chuck Norris! ----> Si, here is something not to do while playing Futbol. This young Chileno player must have gone to the Cristiano Ronaldo school of acting! In the following clip you see what a pendejo this carnal really is... It is in Spanish pero no problemo just look at the video:
The ref fell for it and called the foul! Next week Burrito bring you another "Stupid Futbol tricks that work" Hasta los huevos!
This week we start with MLS Miami expansion news as ESPN is reporting that MLS to Miami might be closer than we thought.
Talk is heating up that Beckham will, when his contract expires after this season, execute the clause in his contract that allows him to purchase an MLS expansion team, and that Miami is the best bet. British tabloid People last month reported Beckham “will be offered a chance” to make Miami the league's 20th team, in part because a clause in his contract won't allow him to invest in teams in Los Angeles or New York.
Do you want MLS to return? Support our efforts in bringing MLS to South Florida. Follow our MLS Miami Bid. You can help by spreading the word. Email your friends and send them the information below.
WPS
The Freedom will be moving to South Florida according to the Palm Beach Post. The name of the team will change, for now they are being called "MagicJack’s Washington Freedom". The team will likely play out of Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University.
The Women's Professional Soccer league released its season schedule on Thursday and it contained this little nugget:
The home venue for magicJack’s Washington Freedom will be Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. The team might play one or two of its home games in the Washington, D.C. area. “
Strikers South Florida's only professional soccer team the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have just announced the signing of Bryan Arguez.
“We are happy to bring Bryan back from Portugal to join our team,” states Strikers Head Coach Daryl Shore. “Well feel like he will add a great presence in our midfield and are happy to have him on board for the 2011 season.”
Arguez, a South Florida native, began his career with the United States U-17 team in 2005 and continued on with the U-20 team and became the eventual eleventh overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Later in 2007, Arguez signed with Hertha BSC of the German Bundesliga where he played for one season. Arguez was later named to the U.S. roster for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and again for the FIFA U-20World Cup in Egypt, scoring a goal against Cameroon.
The Strikers have also started their preseason practices HERE is a report of day #1.
Do you have your Strikers Season tickets yet? If not, Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials are Available! Call 954.829.9213 or go to www.strikers.com
The Copa Latina is here! The Copa has launched a new website and Facebook page. Check out the press release and schedule:
Miami, FL (FEBRUARY 18, 2011) – South Florida’s Copa Latina will be hosting its next ten matches of the first round this weekend with five matches each being played on Saturday and Sunday in Hialeah.
“The first weekend was a huge success, a lot of people came out to Ted Hendricks Stadium to support their respective teams and the energy was off the charts. I invite everyone to come this weekend and watch some of the stronger teams in our tournament,” said Copa Latina President, Tom Mulroy.
Copa Latina has also launched a brand new website with virtual features including game coverage, statistics, and Copa Latina history. They have also launched their own Facebook page where its fans can post information and photos as well.
The Copa Latina is South Florida’s premier amateur soccer tournament with clubs participating from all over the world, including Colombia, Argentina, Haiti, El Salvador, and many other Latin American and South American nations. Below is the schedule for this weekend’s upcoming matches:
DATE
TIME
MATCH
Sat., Feb. 19
12:00 PM
Unity Jamaica vs. Chile
Sat., Feb. 19
2:00 PM
Brazil Soccer Academy vs. Real Espana Reserva
Sat., Feb. 19
4:00 PM
Peru NMB vs. Fad Kidj Haiti
Sat., Feb. 19
6:00 PM
Tapa Roja Colombia vs. Haiti International
Sat., Feb. 19
8:00 PM
Seleccion Peru vs. Cruz Del Sur- El Sal
Sun., Feb. 20
11:00 AM
Est. De Guayas vs. Colombia R. Madrid
Sun., Feb. 20
1:00 PM
Soccer Lock Red Force vs. Argentina Granate
Sun., Feb. 20
3:00 PM
Seleccion Colombia vs. Shenandoah USA
Sun., Feb. 20
5:00 PM
Argentina RFC vs. Fas El Salvador
Sun., Feb. 20
7:00 PM
Seleccion Haiti vs. Seleccion Cuba
Note: Media seeking accreditation please contact Ignacio at 305-496-7780, or E-mail ignacio@miamifc.com or visit the web site: www.copalatina.com
Ladies and Gentlemen, it's official, the team is called the Fort Lauderdale Strikers!
Tons of people showed up, mixed in with TV and radio personalities. The Miami Ultras did a great job cheering and we got free drinks in the end. Let's go Strikers!
The event was great. I was able to speak to Aaron Davidson and asked him about the U.S. Open Cup. He said he was happy the NASL got sanctioned. He said the decision to not play was made by the USSF.
Here is the video of the unveiling:
Here are a few pictures I also tweeted:You can get this South Florida United T-shirt by going: HERE
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 see the flyer below for more details:UPDATE: Following will be links and video of all South Florida coverage for the new Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Check out the Sports section of the Sun-Sentinel
An interesting piece was sent to me about corruption in FIFA. Yeah, that is nothing new but I thought it was a good read. In the picture you can see FIFA President Blatter (left) sharing a drink with alleged Russian criminal Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov (right) and Russian World Cup bid member Viacheslav Koloskov at a Moscow nightclub in 2005.
"It is common knowledge that the race to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was not a fair fight and that Russia and Qatar offered 'special incentives' that were essentially bribes," Kistner told OffshoreAlert. "Indeed, there hasn't been a single voting process to host the World Cup or The Olympics during the last two decades that has not been tainted by serious and reasonable suspicions."
This piece was written to promote the OffShore Alert Conference to take place April 4-6, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami Beach. You can read more about the conference and the article HERE
The answer to counter FIFA's corruption? To vote against Blatter in June when he seeks re-election. Sports Journalist Grant Wahl has tackled this idea head on and has humbly volunteered himself to become the next FIFA President!
After careful consideration, I have an announcement to make: I'm running for the presidency of FIFA in the election to be held on June 1. And no, I'm not kidding. Have you seen who else is running? That's right: Sepp Blatter, the 74-year-old Swiss strongman atop the world's most popular sport, is campaigning for his fourth term.
Read more With Grant Wahl as Fifa President and Burrito (See previous blog below) as USSF President world soccer would be ours!
Beckham to Miami Looks like Beckham to Miami rumors never cease. This time it's the Daily Mail who claims Becks is in search for the best location not only in Miami but in other markets.
Avid Beckham and his 19 management advisors, led by Simon Fuller, have begun exploring possible locations for the Major League Soccer franchise that Becks has an option to buy at a reduced price at the end of his LA Galaxy playing contract in December. Beckham and Fuller are looking at the potential of establishing a team in Miami, San Diego, Atlanta or Montreal. The plan does mean Beckham won't get involved with the New York Cosmos being run by his former personal manager and close friend Terry Byrne.
Strikers Today is the announcement of the Strikers full name. It's not a secret at this point but South Florida Soccer Fans should come out as there will be a few surprise speakers. The event is today Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A.
Si, the title is a little dramatic, Burrito admit that. Pero, the way the United States Soccer Federation has handled this Division 2 matter kind of makes Burrito wonder if they really want NASL to succeed? Burrito listen to teleconference while playing with chew toy and Burrito was the first to cry bloody murder (Well, bark bloody murder) when USSF President, Sunil Gulati said the 5 U.S. based Division 2 teams would be excluded from this years U.S. Open Cup. Porque? Why? Burrito's first thought was they lazy. Doesn't the tournament start in June? Then someone tweet that the last 2 USOC formats were announced on 5/5/10 & 4/30/09... Sounds like there is plenty of time to Burrito for teams to be included. Then Burrito go to IMS and see some vato mention idea that maybe NASL wants to skip the tournament this year to save the costs. So Burrito contact his homeboy at Traffic here in Miami and they told Burrito that the NASL is happy they will be playing Division 2 soccer this year. They say the decision for NASL teams to not play the USOC was a USSF decision not that of the NASL... WTF?So we now know it was the Federation that came up with this idea. Is it punishement? Or as Burrito mention laziness? Or could the powers that be MLS, USL and USSF want NASL to fail? Check this out: USL still claims they are division 2 without meeting the standards...
USL PRO is the strongest, best operated and most sophisticated North American men’s professional soccer league below MLS, both on and off the field. Focused on franchise stability and longevity...
We all know about the longevity of teams in USL throughout the years. That being said, and Burrito hate to be repetitive, pero after years and years of allowing USL to run division 2 at their whim, now, the USSF decides they will impose tough standards. (That in the end have been met). Notice there are no standards for Division 3 teams. Hmmmm...
What was also of concern to Burrito was the fact that when MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida to meet with Burrito's compadres los Miami Ultras he stated that for him USL and NASL were both 2nd Division... WTF? No Senor Garber, NASL is Div 2 and USL is underneath them.
To Burrito it seems everyone want NASL to fail. Not letting NASL teams play the USOC is proof that the USSF is run by idiotas! All this drama could have been avoided if they just sit down and talk rather then harm U.S. soccer by denying sanctioning left and right. Time for a revolution, time for new blood at the USSF. Bring down the mafia that runs U.S. soccer! That's it! Burrito gonna run for USSF president. Even a dog can do a better job then these pendejos!
About Burrito: Burrito is the only soccer blogging dawg in the known universe! Since 1998! Join Burrito's twitter or he hit you on head with quesadilla! Burrito Supports the Strikers and wants MLS back in South Florida.You can follow Burrito on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BurritofutbolBTW, pictures are all stolen. If you own them and want them taken down contact Burrito. But Burrito is a dog, so good luck.
Happy Valentines Day! This week's South Florida Soccer news starts with the Strikers Name Announcement event which is this coming Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A. Be sure to wear Strikers colors, Ultras scarves and be ready to cheer! Let's go Strikers!
See the attached flyer for more info. NASL In case you didn't hear about it the USSF has granted provisional division 2 status to the NASL for 2011. After years and years of letting USL run division 2 at their whim, now, USSF decides they will impose tough standards. Meanwhile, USL still claims they are division 2 without meeting the standards... You want to hear a sad display of hate? Listen to this podcast from a Rhino's/USL fan boy. Funny, because most people I know in Rochester hate the idea that they will be playing Div 3 this year. I don't think this guy speaks for the the average Joe fan. My take is that we can't take sides in this issue, we need MLS, USL and NASL to work together for the sake of U.S. Soccer.
The USSF will have a teleconference today at 1 pm. We will keep you updated.
MLS Alex Pineda Chacon was mentioned at the MLS site in their section "What Ever Happened To:". As most of you in South Florida may remember Pineda Chacon had a wonderful year in 2001 with the Fusion where he guided the team to the best record in the league winning the Supporters Shield while registering 19 goals and 9 assists for the team (leading the league in goals and points)and was recognized with the MLS MVP Award.
Today Alex is an assistant coach with NASL side Atlanta Silverbacks.
“Ray Hudson told me, ‘Alex, you wait on the bench, see what the level is and then maybe you can jump in [later in the game],” he remembered.
With 17 minutes left and the Fusion down 1-0, Hudson called him over.
“My heart was beating so hard, you know?” he said. “But I asked, ‘Any specific information?’ Hudson just said, ‘Alex: Enjoy it. Jump in and enjoy.’”
Boy did he ever.
Read more HERE Following is a video of his Hat Trick against DC United in 2001:
Miami Marine Stadium NBC Miami has a little piece about the Miami Marine Stadium and a contest they have for the design of a floating stage. They mention Football in Miami and Beyond and a piece that was made a few months back concerning an idea to put a floating soccer field at the site for a possible Major League Soccer team in Miami. You can also see the picture designed by Miami Ultras member Derek Reese. We encourage people to go ahead and submit their stage designs to this noble cause and why not? Submit a stadium design too! For more information about the stadium visit and support the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium
The Art of Diving Yes, Diving has become part of the beautiful game. It seems some players should be acting in Hollywood as their performances are so believable that sometimes you need to go back and put it in slow motion to see that there really was no contact. I feel bad for the referees that make the calls. Here is a site that specializes in "The Dive" called the Diving Board. Check out this terrible dive:
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played their first scrimmage yesterday at Lockhart Stadium against the New York Red Bulls. For a team that has only been working together for less than a week they played well against a Red Bulls team stacked with stars such as French forward Thierry Henry and Mexican defender Rafael Marquez. In the end the score was 2-0 in favor of the Red Bulls. Read more about the game at www.strikers.com or go to newyorkredbulls.com 
