MLS keeping an eye on South Florida...

Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald wrote about it on her Total Futbol blog yesterday:

"Miami may not have an MLS team anymore, but apparently it still has MLS fans. The league has discovered that Miami is one of the top three television markets for MLS games among non-MLS cities, along with San Diego and Atlanta."

Reliable sources tell me Major League Soccer is investing a pretty penny in South Florida to promote upcoming playoff games thanks to reports that MLS TV ratings in South Florida are among the highest in the country, not to mention the great turnout at Friendly International matches in the past year.

 It also helps that the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League have also had strong attendances numbering just under a 4K average... Not bad considering it's Division 2!  Add to that the great atmosphere you can experience at Lockhart Stadium with the supporters groups Flight 19 & The Ultras and did we mention the epic tailgates? If you haven't been to a game you should try it. Check out the video!


Just last year I helped organize a meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber, where he told the Miami Ultras in attendance that South Florida needed to show him we wanted MLS... Well, Commissioner Garber, in 1 year we've done all you've asked us to do!

Recently Commissioner Garber had this to say about our market on mlssoccer.com :

“Miami is continuing to intrigue us a bit more than it had been,” Garber said. That growing intrigue stems from recent news supporting Miami’s soccer bona fides. First, there is the strong interest in the recent news that Chelsea and AC Milan will play a friendly at Sun Life Stadium as part of the World Football Challenge. Second, Garber pointed out that Miami had the third-highest local TV rating for last weekend’s LA Galaxy-New York Red Bulls match on ESPN. Only LA and New York had higher TV ratings. “We’re going to do in Miami what we’ve done in many other markets,” he said. “We’ll continue to schedule international games and continue to get inundated with emails from the Miami Ultras, who want us to bring a team there. We’ll continue to be intrigued by it"

All I can say is that South Florida is ready for the next level! Be it the Strikers that make the leap to MLS or a new group of investors (Rumors of Beckham ownership), we want to hear you are out there! The fans are here and we are ready! 
If you want to help support soccer in South Florida by playing in our soccer teams (Miami Ultras FC or Ultras FC) or if you want to come out and support the Strikers with us or if MLS is your passion and want to help with our campaign then contact me at uncleed@miamiultras.com
You can also Follow us on Twitter: @miamiultras
or join our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MiamiUltras
or Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/miamiultras/
You can also head over to www.miamiultras.com 
or www.mlsmiamibid.com
Don't forget to listen to our Internet Radio Show: Ultras Alive every Monday at 9PM! All the best soccer guests you can think of! www.ultrasalive.com

An interview with Burrito...

Throughout Sports history there are fans who have become an insignia or symbol of a team. The Lakers have Jack Nicholson, The Knicks have Spike Lee... The Miami Fusion had Burrito.

Very little is know about this mysterious and solitary soul. According to Burrito he was Born one cold night in the year of our lord 1998 in the city of Toluca, Mexico. His Mother a Chihuahua, his father unknown, this half breed was a Toluca Fan since birth and became a member of the supporters group known as la Perra Brava! He eventually came to this country by ways unknown and now resides in Homestead, Florida. I was able to get a hold of him by chance, while walking by a restaurant in Homestead called El Toro. I looked down and felt something hump my leg... He proceeded to eat out of the trash and while he chewed on a piece of leftover quesadilla we talked about Mexico, Futbol and bitches... Mostly bitches...  and here is what happened: (I'll try my best to capture Burritos accent. I mean, he speaks dog so here is my translation and My nickname is Chichi btw...read on...)

Uncle Ed (ChiChi): Just like many of us, your heart must have been broken when our team The Miami Fusion was taken from us.
Burrito: Pinches Putos nos chingaron! All Burrito have was that team. If it wasn't for the Mexican League and Burritos mami back in Mexico, Burrito would have died. And Burrito gots to tell you his mami is a real bitch!
UE: Why the name Burrito?
B: Why the name Chichi carnal?
UE: ChiChi is a nickname.

B: In Mexico they call boobies chichis puto, you should change the name. Burrito call himself Burrito after favorite food and because when Burrito play Futbol people say Burrito looked like Ariel "Burrito" Ortega from Argentina.
UE: Is it true you used to take the bus to Lockhart Stadium from Homestead? That's got to be like 50 miles at least.
B: Si, it was very far but when you love Futbol like Burrito love Futbol then you no think of it. Burrito used to sneak in pick up truck of this Afusionado member and he listen to some music by Vicente Fernandez and time go by fast. Pero now Burrito just live at Lockharts Stadium.
UE: Have you tried doing something about your writing skills?
B: No, Burrito got paws so kina hard to type.
UE: So we almost had a New MLS team in 2008 what are your thoughts on that?
B: Que? Burrito drop piece of quesadilla...
UE: Oh... never mind.
On that note, It was nice talking to you. You should come back to the Bigsoccer forums where you used to be a hit!
B: Burrito have too many enemies in Bigsoccer, people no like him there an give him Red Card! Beside, Burrito too Macho for them, maybe one day when Strikers make it to MLS Burrito make return. Burrito used to be part of Afusionados, but now Burrito is a Miami Ultras and sleep under section 115 at Lockhart Stadium. Sometimes late at night people can hears cowbell and hot bitches yellings. When you hear that then you know its Burrito!
UE: Ok Burrito thanks!
B: Arf!
You can read Burrito's contributions to this blog from time to time so stay tuned!!!

For more on Burrito see his profile and become his friend on Myspace:

myspace.com/burritoe 

Yes, Myspace!  Not kidding!

Follow Burrito on Twitter: @BurritoFutbol 

LIKE his facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/burritofutbol
You can sometimes listen to Burrito on Ultras Alive  www.ultrasalive.com every Monday at 9PM 

Burrito is the only soccer blogging dawg in the known universe! Since 1998! Join Burrito's everything or he hit you on head with quesadilla! Vamos Strikers!

 

Burrito's new GF: Jessica Jones Strikers new spokesmodel!

Ay Chihuahua!
Burrito half new girlfriend Señores y Señoritas!
Her name is Jessica Rose Jones and she light Burrito's fire! Not only is she a mamacita but she also like Futbol! Talk about scoring a Goooool! She is the new Fort Lauderdale Strikers Spokesmodel! But enough bark... ummm talk! Burrito Leave you with pictures he steal from her twitter so you can see how bonita she is!
Vamos Strikers!
Jessica work part time in Ice Cream truck! Burrito bet she sell a lot!

Jessica rides motorcycles!

Jessica is a volunteer Firewoman!

She really like her whipping cream!

Hooray for Jessica!  

Here she is in latest Strikers video! She will be doing a recap every week!
Be sure to follow her on Twitter:  @drjonesxxx
And check out her website for more pictures!
http://www.wix.com/modeljessicajones/modelsite

Blame Canada, Official Strikers chant vs FC Edmonton (video)

Burrito is back! And want The Ultras and Flight 19 to learn and sing this song for the Strikers vs FC Edmonton game this Friday!
Vamos Strikers! Lets show them putos they come to Lockhart to lose! Defend the pinche Fort!

Blame Canada, Blame Canada
It seems that everythings gone wrong
since Canada came along,
blame Canada, blame Canada
They're not even a real country anyway!

Attention Striker Likers:
Get out to Lockhart Stadium this Saturday April 7 at 7:30 pm as the Strikers take on FC Edmonton!
Parking is $5, if you are a season ticket holder it's FREE with pass. Bikes are FREE too.
Tailgate starts at 2pm!

Join The Ultras, South Florida's premiere soccer supporters group in section 115. It's FREE but if you want to become an official member for ONLY $20! You get a scarf, T-shirt, Sticker and Ultras ID good for discounts at BC Taco (FREE Drink with purchase of meal at the Strikers Tailgates), Fritz & Franz 20% off at both locations (Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables) After game party's will also be held at Fritz & Franz!
Plus discounts at Wecando Print, Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub in Hollywood, Soccer 5 at Kendall Soccer Park, Lion & Eagle Pub in Boca Raton and a few more to be named soon.
Don't forget to Follow us on:
Twitter : @miamiultras
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MiamiUltras
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/miamiultras/
Get The Ultras FREE Android App : Ultras2GO
Listen to our Blog Talk Radio show LIVE every Monday at 9PM www.ultrasalive.com
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/MiamiUltras
Website: www.miamiultras.com

ULTRAS PS3 FIFA 12 Tournament and MLS First Kick 2012 at Fritz & Franz in Fort Lauderdale

This Sunday March 11, at 12:00 pm The Ultras will be hosting a PS3 FIFA 12 Tournament & MLS First Kick Watch Party for the Red Bulls vs FC Dallas.

Come join us for some fun times at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Fort Lauderdale - 2861 East Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Telf: 954.530.6147 http://www.bierhaus.cc

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

Please wear a Fort Lauderdale Strikers Jersey, MLS Club Jersey or International team Jersey. Any questions please feel free to post them on the facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/256094727801598/

Don't forget that by joining the Ultras you get 20% off at both Fritz & Franz locations if you present your Ultras ID!
You can get your Ultras ID, along with a T-shirt and Ultras scarf for only $20!
Go to the Ultras website: http://miamiultras.com/join/2012-membership-package/ or look for the guys with Ultras scarves at Fritz & Franz!

Don't forget to LIKE the new Ultras facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/MiamiUltras
or ask to join the Ultras Facebook Group.
Follow us on Twitter: @miamiultras
And listen to our internet radio show Ultras Alive every Monday at 10 PM! www.ultrasalive.com Next show will have Fort Lauderdale Strikers players!

Ultras Alive returns Monday February 13 at 10pm, Colombia vs Mexico ticket give away!

WE'RE BACK! Ultras Alive returns this Monday February 13 at 10pm for it's 35th show and the first one in 2012 with guests Gabriel Gabor Major League Soccer / Soccer United Marketing's  (Twitter: @MLSGabor )who will be promoting the Mexico vs Colombia game this coming February 29, 2012
We will also be giving out 2 tickets to the game so stay tuned on how you can win them.
Also making a cameo will be the Ultras new partner ESPN Deportes Miami Radio 1210 AM who will be discussing our partnership, programing and future events.
Be sure to tune into the show by going to: http://www.ultrasalive.com
Our live chat room will be opened 10 minutes before the show, you can ask questions there or you can call in with your questions by dialing (323) 927-1455
Follow us on Twitter: @ultrasalive
or follow @miamiultras
Join and LIKE our new facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MiamiUltras

If you don't win the free tickets don't worry! The Ultras have a discount for the Mexico vs Colombia game. Go to Ticketmaster and use Ultras discount code: Ultra12

Be sure to join the Ultras, South Florida's premiere soccer supporters group and come out to support the Fort Lauderdale Strikers! You can join us at Lockhart Stadium in section 117 or become an official member for only $20 which will get you an Ultras scarf, T-shirt and ID card good for discounts with the Strikers, 20% discount at both Fritz & Franz Bierhaus locations (Miami and Fort Lauderdale), 15% discount at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood (official home of USMNT games), 15% discount at Wecando, printing anything you need as well as other soon to be announced discounts at local businesses.
Get your membership HERE

Ultras membership package for only $20 now available!

Want to be part of something special? Are you hungry for soccer?
Then come out and support the Fort Lauderdale Strikers with the Ultras!

Get the new Ultras membership package!
You can pre-order for only $20!

Here is what you get:

• Ultras T-shirt
• Ultras Scarf
• Ultras ID that is good for discounts at local pubs (Participating bars to be announced) as well as discounts on Strikers merchandise, tickets and much more!

Be part of South Florida's premiere soccer supporters group, The Ultras!
"Vamos Strikers!"

Uncle Ed Serrano
Ultras President.

P.S. Be part or follow the Ultras soccer team, check them out at all local soccer tournaments wearing the Strikers Red and Gold.

Follow the Ultras on and !

Pickup at Ultras event

Shipped to You for $5 more

One year after meeting Don Garber, South Florida has answered his call.

Following you will find pictures and fan video taken during the meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on January 8, 2011. 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.
If you haven't read all the progress made in South Florida be sure to check out www.miamiultras.com. 

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.





If you want to help bring Major League Soccer back to South Florida please support us by going to our web page and sign up.
http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/
You can also follow us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
Miami Ultras Group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/7961678958/#!/groups/7961678958/
and twitter:
https://twitter.com/miamiultras
You have suggestions? Want more information?
Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com
Don't forget to support your Fort Lauderdale Strikers!

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

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!