Miami Soccer Festival, Miami Ultras and the Food Truck Invasion!

The Miami Soccer Festival will be this weekend Saturday July 30th and Sunday July 31st. It's a non profit soccer event. All net proceeds are distributed jointly by co-organizers ‘Soccer 5 Foundation’ and ‘Miami Dade Parks Foundation’ to promote more spaces to play soccer and more places to learn soccer within our community. We hope a lot of people will get behind it. www.miamisoccerfestival.org

Here is what you will be able to see and do:

*Meet Women's World Cup star and magicjack player Abby Wambach! She will be appearing at the festival, doing a coaching clinic with The Soccer 5 Academy and taking photos with fans on Sunday.
*Win a GoPro by taking part in the Miami Soccer Festival Crossbar Challenge
*The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will be present over the weekend. (They also play Saturday night at 7:30 PM at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale)
*There will be a FIFA video game tournament on Saturday July 30th
*Listen out for us on Y100 where we have radio sports between 2pm-6pm over the next few days
*Tournament registration closes Thursday July 27 at 5pm - so REGISTER before it's too late
*Passback Initiative - They will be gathering used soccer gear and donating to places around the world - http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org/site/c.ipIQKXOvFoG/b.5438455/k.CCC2/Passback.htm
*Club Donations - All youth teams that enter 5v5 are eligible to receive club donations. For every team a club registers, they will receive a $35 donation back to assist with their own programs / running costs or however they would like to utilize it.

Be sure to check out the schedule of games so you don't miss out. The format is similar to World Cup style. Group stages are mostly on Saturday, Knockout Rounds and Finals Sunday.

Miami Food Trucks

To add to all the soccer fun there will be tons of food trucks for your eating pleasure!
Time: 9AM – 11PM
Location: Kendall Soccer Park 8011 SW 127th Avenue Miami, Florida 33183
Parking: Plenty of Free Parking
Here is a list of all the Food trucks that will be there: 

Saturday July 30th:

Churro Mania
Cold Stone Creamery
Divan Bakery & Coffee
Dolci Peccati Gelato
Frita Man
gastroPod
Guiseppe’s Italian Sausage
Kitchen Kabab
Kona Ice
Latin House Grill
Mac’n Food Truck
Meatballs & ETC
The MexZican Gourmet
Miami Angels Roasted Corn
Okay! Burgers
Perros Express
The Red Koi
El Rey de La Paella
El Rincon del Coqui
Sir Pizza Mobile
Snow Caps

Sunday July 31st:

Chamo’s on Wheels
Che Grill
Chef on Wheels
Daddy’s Grill
gastroPod
Kitchen Kabab
Kona Ice
Latin House Grill
Mac’n Food Truck
Meatballs & ETC
Metro Deli Express
Miami Angels
Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill
Papa’s Tapas
Perros Express
The Red Koi
El Rey de la Paella
Sir Pizza Mobile
Snow Caps

Miami Ultras at the Miami Soccer Festival

South Florida's soccer supporters group the Miami Ultras will be at the Miami Soccer Festival and some of the members will play in the soccer tournament. Be sure to stop by the Ultras Tent to sign up for future soccer events. The Miami Ultras want you to join and be part of the South Florida soccer scene. We will also be promoting the NASL's Fort lauderdale Strikers, Womens Proffesional Soccer team magicJack and MLS Miami Bid which is our quest for a Major League Soccer team in South Florida.
Join our facebook page and check out our website www.mlsmiamibid.com
Don't forget to listen to Miami Ultras Alive on Blog Talk Radio every monday night at 10PM. Ultras President Pieter Brown and his sidekick Uncle Ed talk about the South Florida and world soccer scene. Be sure to listen to these two soccer nerds and call in or join us on the live chat!  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras

State of Disarray: Who's to blame?

DISCLAIMER: The following piece is written by Gefilte Fish and was published in my sole discretion. The following thoughts are not necessarily the thoughts or belief of FMB.


This season has been frustrating for us all, but the past weeks have been rough on us all. Before I get to my rant, Ill give the comatose striker fans a brief overview:

LAST FOUR GAMES:
Tampa 4-2 Strikers
Atlanta 3-2 Strikers
Montreal 1-1 Strikers
Islanders 3-1 Strikers

In recent weeks, We've dropped TOO MANY GAMES. As a Striker liker, I have to ask: "WHO'S FAULT IS IT?"

First off, Coach Daryl Shore.
In recent weeks, He has had some absolutely astounding failures in the coaching department. Whether it be his complete inability to manage substitutions, or struggling to find a spot for players everywhere except for in our swiss cheese of a defense; He needs to shape up or ship out.

Next, The Players.
The original Fort Lauderdale Strikers were about being the players with heart, drive, and talent to be on top of the sport. When we Floridiots heard that the Strikers were coming back, they gave us hope that MAYBE we could put together a dignified team. What did we get? We got a bunch of party boys, and heartless money-minded players who care more about hitting up downtown every night and getting laid in "the city where the heat is on" instead of thinking about what they need to work on while playing.

The closest we have to the REAL STRIKERS are;
a)Martyn Lancaster: Injured
b)Zach Kirby: Recently Retired
c)Matt Glaeser: Injured

The farthest thing from the old strikers are:
a)Bryan Arguez: Great player, but HANG UP AND PLAY
b)Le Petit: Now in LA, but while here he partied like Charlie Sheen

Finally, the front office.
The idea of traffic sports bringing the strikers name back was despised by many because people thought that we would have no chance at a real team because of the joke of a budget and track record of Miami FC. At the beginning of the season, I defended them til death. Now, I can't fight anymore. Everything said about them being cheap, more focused on the almighty dollar than putting a decent product on the field.

Now the team's true scorer Chacho Coudet is suspended for 6 games, Daryl Shore had an "Altercation" with a Puerto Rican announcer, and the team's morale is far from good. Coming from the loudest, biggest Striker Liker there is; It boils down to this:

If there is anyone in the organization who doesn't feel fit to continue with the club, ILL PROUDLY TAKE YOUR PLACE! I AM A PROUD STRIKER LIKER WHO CARES ABOUT CONTINUING THE LEGACY!

Hope Solo and Abby Wambach on Letterman, MagicJack Fan website and more...

Most of us in South Florida who know of the existence of magicJack, the Women's Professional Soccer team playing in Boca Raton, have been wondering why the owner of the team (Dan Borislow) has not made a real website or even done some type of marketing for a team filled with stars who in their majority play for the U.S. Women's national team that recently played and lost the final versus Japan.

One of the fans recently took it upon herself to create a website and twitter account to get the word out. As the fan stated she just "Got tired of waiting for magicJack to make a website, so I just did it myself: http://www.wpsmagicjack.com/ "

You've got to admit it looks much better than the website the team has on the WPS site. MagicJack's website is http://www.womensprosoccer.com/dc
MagicJack also has a facebook page that seems to be run by FAU students.

Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post recently wrote:

MagicJack includes two of the highest-profile members of the U.S. team: Hope Solo, considered the world's top goalkeeper, and forward Abby Wambach, who scored the dramatic 122nd-minute goal against Brazil.

Other national-team members of magicJack are reserve goalkeeper Jill Loyden, defenders Christie Rampone and Becky Sauerbrunn, and midfielders Shannon Boxx and Megan Rapinoe.

Read the full article HERE

As soccer fans we here at FMB really want MagicJack to be successful and hope that the team takes advantage of this World Cup hype, but playing at a 1500 person field is a disservice to the quality players the team has and to the fans. It would be beneficial to MagicJack to play a double header with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium just down the road South from Boca Raton. We feel both teams would benefit from the exposure this would give.We hope both organizations could team up for the good of soccer in South Florida.

Hope Solo and Abby Wambach on Letterman
Talk about the World Cup hype all over the internet and social sites... you can see evidence of how America has embraced the USWNT everywhere. Proof of this can be read in all the national newspaper headlines and watched on TV. Two of magicJacks star players Hope Solo and Abby Wambach appeared last night on David Letterman. We were able to record a couple of segments that you can see below.




Here is the part where Abby and Hope kicked soccer balls at New York City cabs:




magicJack's game vs Western NY Flash will now be shown LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel tomorrow Wednesday at 7:30p ET.Be sure to check it out and support magicJack and the WPS.

Strikers make player movements. Zach Kirby Retires, Gerson Mayen loaned from Chivas

Strikers defender and 2009 player of the year Zach Kirby has announced he will retire from soccer today after multiple injuries which have kept him out of many games in his career. Known to the fans as "Beowulf", Zach was one of the best players on the team and considered by many too good to be playing 2nd division soccer.
Kirby went to school at Boston University. His final season he was the 2006 All-America East Conference Defender of the Year, College Soccer News All-American, among other honors. This bought him to the attention of Alexi Lalas and he was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Zach became the answer to a trivia question as he was released to free up a roster spot for David Beckham. He finished out the year playing for the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. 2008 saw him return home to play for the Atlanta Silverbacks where he was named the player of the year by fans. With Atlanta sitting out the 2009 season Zach traveled south and became a member of the Miami FC Blues. In 2009 he was named by the fans the player of the year (as you can see in the picture).
Back in March of 2010 we were able to interview him for this blog. Here is a portion of the interview made by Robert Scorca:

RS: You had a successful college career and were drafted by the L.A. Galaxy. Even though your stay was brief are there any memories you care to share?
ZK: Yes. I remember it like it was yesterday. Defending Landon Donovan was one of the many highlights.

Read more of the interview HERE
For more be sure to check out the Strikers website.

Incoming

In other news the Strikers recently signed 23 year old Colombian Midfielder Walter Restrepo who most notably has played with Colombian team Boyaca Chico.

“We are excited to add Walter to our group,” said head coach Daryl Shore. “He will be an exciting, attacking option for our team.”

For more on Walter Restrepo go HERE

Chivas USA midfielder Gerson Mayen has been sent on loan to the Strikers according to ESPN
Gerson is already in South Florida and started his first practice today. Mayen is no stranger to South Florida as he played for Miami FC briefly last year and showed great promise being part of the group that gave the team an extended win streak. You can read more about Gerson in a report we made last year.
Go HERE 

Rumor
One of our readers sent us an email stating that he heard Paulo Henrique Le Petit was on trial with the L.A. Galaxy.
We have surfed the net for any confirmation but have come up empty handed thus far. We will confirm asap.

Miami Soccer Fan
Be sure to check out Miami Soccer Fan as Former Afusionado President Andrew Hazelton has another great post about Strikers customer service.
Be sure to leave a comment. Go here: http://miamisoccerfan.com/ to read all about it.

Miami Ultras Alive 15

Don't forget to join Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed tonight and every Monday night at 10 pm as they host another episode of Miami Ultras Alive.
UPDATE:
Tonight's guests will be Ignacio Rodriguez currently with the Puerto Rico Islanders. As we talk about Wednesdays game versus the Strikers.
Next week for show number 16 we will have Gabriel Gabor, International Communications for Major League Soccer / Soccer United Marketing as we preview the Barcelona vs Chivas game to be held in Miami.
Be sure to sign on and join us on the live chat. Call in number is (323) 927-1455
Join us here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/07/19/miami-ultras-alive-15

All Pictures by Robert Scorca.

Angry Strikers Fans want the Strikers to play with Huevos! By Burrito

Burrito not write in long times cause he peed-off with Los Estrikers!
The team is playing like poopoo! They need to play with huevos! Don't they know who used to wear the Red and Gold? Don't they know Burrito's compadre Ray Hudson used to wear #4? Or that Teófilo Cubillas used to wear #10?
Burrito ponders, Burrito chews on chew toy, then bites an old chicken bone, then back to chew toy... No, nobody tell them Burrito thinks... Nobody tell them the Strikers once had the great George Best or Der Bomber Gerd Müller. No, if someone tell them then maybe the players would play with their corazones!

Burrito not the only one mad at the Strikers.

Here a carnal called Pabony (like a pony but with an A & B) Rivera even makes up a word for how bad these putos play. "Whooreotious" or somethings like that.
Listen here:
Whooreotious by Pabony-Rivera
Pero that not the only bitching being done in Strikerland, No señor! Here Burrito's amigo and one time Afusionados President Andrew Hazelton talk about how he want to change the pinche U.S. Soccer Federation! That how much he think los Estikers are sucking! Here is a little of what Andrew says on his article called "Where do we go from here?":

"The reality is that professional clubs should create professional players. Universities should create scholar athletes and youth soccer programs should create youth soccer players. To each its own responsibility and they don’t mix well. And it is the dysfunctionality of the league system, allowed by an irresponsible Fed - that is the root cause of the lack of professional player development."

Read more at MiamiSoccerFan

Burrito hate to mention Bigsoccer, since those putos give Burrito a red card and kick him off the Estupid forum. (They just hate Burrito cause he get all the bitches!) Pero on the Strikers Forum you can read how everyones want the coaches head! (Pobrecito). You can check it out HERE

So, finally El Presidente Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed had a bitch festival on the Miami Ultras Alive radio show on Monday. Everybody and their momma called in. Burrito let you listen here:

Listen to internet radio with Miami Ultras Alive on Blog Talk Radio

Ok, so now Burrito gonna nap and dream with his girlfriend and everyones favorite mamacita Hope Solo! Burrito hope USA women beat France mañana! Don't forget to watch the game at noon on Galavision.

Burrito also hope them pinches Strikers can beat the Montreal Impact tomorrow! You can see the game by going to www.strikers.com

Ok amigos, hasta los Huevos!

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! http://twitter.com/#!/Burritofutbol
Burrito want MLS in Miami! Help us bring a team to South Florida.
Go Here to join the facebook page
or check out the website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

Don't understand Burrito's Spanglish? Click on the words to find out the definition.

South Florida Newcastle Fans to make road trip to Orlando July 23

In a couple of weeks a group of South Florida Newcastle Supporters will make a trip up to Orlando. It's this coming Saturday July 23, 2011. As Orlando City of USL Pro (U.S. 3rd Division) will receive Newcastle United (English Premier League) at the Citrus Bowl

The group (who are also Fort Lauderdale Strikers Fans) are led by Mark Featherstone and plan on making the trip to Orlando to support Newcastle.

The group he is traveling with is also planning to go to Epcot (and drink around the world!) that same Saturday and then go to the game, heading back home on Sunday.

If you want to join them contact: Mark Featherstone email: baldguy67@hotmail.com You can also reach him at 954-330-3024. During work hours please text and he will get back with you.

Dedicated ToonArmy Sections: 111 and 112 - $25

We hope Tampa Newcastle Fans and Rowdies fans join them as we hope to see that Orlando team lose big!

Want to Follow the ToonArmy in South Florida?
On Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/toonarmymia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ToonArmyMIA
and here: http://toonarmymia.tumblr.com/

Strikers vs Tampa in Pictures and Miami Ultras Alive

Strikers fans made the trip to St Pete to support their team. It was a tough loss but it was a fun experience.

Read more about the game HERE

Following are pictures of the adventure:

Miami Ultras Alive 
Did you listen to Miami Ultras Alive yesterday? it was a one time Tuesday show due to the game vs Tampa on Monday July 4th. El Presidente Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed had Kartik Krishnaiyer NASL's Director of Communications and Public Relations as a guest.
You can listen to the show here:

Listen to internet radio with Miami Ultras Alive on Blog Talk Radio

Copa America Trophy in Miami - Play Guru del Futbol Copa America

COPA AMERICA TROPHY ON DISPLAY AT AVENTURA MALL THIS WEEKEND
AVENTURA, Fla. – June 30, 2011 – Copa America kicks off in Argentina on Friday, but South Florida residents and visitors will have a unique opportunity to view the soccer tournament’s prestigious trophy this weekend at Aventura Mall. MasterCard Worldwide, Copa America’s official card and preferred payment method, will display the trophy in Aventura Mall’s Center Court from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. Guests will receive a complimentary photo with the trophy. Following a seven-month, 14-city journey throughout Latin America, the Copa America Trophy Tour, sponsored by MasterCard, will make its only U.S. stop at Aventura Mall. Since December, more than 130,000 people in countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru have viewed and been able to take photos with the trophy. The trophy will return to Argentina Monday in time for the kickoff of the long-awaited tournament, which runs through July 24. The Copa America Trophy was originally donated to the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) in 1916 by Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The trophy, which was crafted by a Buenos Aires jewelry shop at a cost of 3,000 Swiss francs, is silver with a wooden base and contains small plaques of each Copa America winning team. Twelve national teams from South America (plus Costa Rica and Mexico) will compete for Copa America. Soccer powerhouse Brazil is the two-time defending champion.For more information, visit www.ca2011.com.

Guru del Futbol - Copa America game
From the makers of NASLGuru comes the latest Guru game. This time, its the Copa America version. 12 teams compete for the trophy of the oldest running soccer championship in the world and you can prognosticate the results in this fun game. You can even log in using your facebook account.
The game is catered to the South American crowd and in Spanish but it's easy to figure out. After logging in go to "Predicciones" to make your predictions. You have 3 options Local (Home team) Empate (Tie) and Visitante (Visitor) click on your desired winner and below predict the goal diffrence. It's that simple! You can even go to the "Estadisticas" tab for statistics. If you're not sure about your predictions and want to see what everyone else predicted then use this tool.
Be sure to visit and play Guru del Futbol - Copa America.

Don't forget to also play NASLGuru and win a North American Soccer League team jersey every month!
Check out April and May's winners: Puerto Rico Islanders fans José Alvarado and Francisco Díaz.

Find the Guru in you!