South Florida Soccer News: More Red Bulls vs Strikers, Billboard and Flight 19.

Strikers Billboard is up! If you are headed Northbound on I-95 be on the look out for this new Fort Lauderdale Strikers sign pictures captured by Miami Ultra Pabony Rivera and Flight 19 member Derek Reese. It's between Sunrise and Oakland Park.
The good news we hear is that the Strikers front office is selling season tickets like hotcakes! The bad news we have heard is that last years MVP Christian Gomez and top scorer Abe Thompson will not be back this year. (Gomez is said to be headed to China). The absence of both are a tough blow for the offense of the team which seemed non existent during Saturdays game. A notable presence Saturday was Eduardo Coudet, the Argentine midfielder who played for the Philadelphia Union last year. Former clubs he played in include Celta de Vigo in Spain, San Luis in Mexico, and River Plate.
The Strikers defense looked solid against the Red Bulls considering they had only practiced for a week before their first scrimmage. There is no doubt the Strikers need some top fire power upfront and a good playmaker. Let's see what coach Daryl Shore comes up with as preseason continues.

In the picture below, fan favorite and Strikers defender Martyn Lancaster can be seen after the Red Bulls game with  forward Theirry Henry.  

Be sure to visit www.strikers.com for more info on the team as things heat up on the road to the season opener versus FC Edmonton April 9th at Lockhart Stadium.
Following is a video by Miami Ultra Alan Guevara.

 MLS News

South Florida resident and Reuters journalist Simon Evans has launched a new Reuters Soccer blog. His latest piece is an interview with Thierry Henry.

Q: Was the fact that America is still, in some ways, a new frontier for the sport and you have a role in spreading the game’s popularity, an attraction?

No, I know that people are always going to talk about me, Rafa (Marquez), Becks, Donovan, they will talk about us but it is up to everyone in the league, all of us, to perform well and attract more fans and let everyone see that MLS is serious. When you have things like the All Star game, I know its only a friendly, but again, it is a chance to show that you can compete. It is down to everyone, to Real Salt Lake, to Dallas to all the organizations in the league to make the league better, not only what you could call the ‘usual suspects’

Be sure to follow Reuters Soccer Blog on facebook http://www.facebook.com/reuterssoccer 

Flight 19
Flight 19 is a Fort Lauderdale and Broward County based supporters group dedicated to passionately supporting our local professional club team, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, as well as South Florida soccer in general.

The group was conceived in 2010 by a handful of Miami Ultras members, as part of the broader South Florida United effort, to stir up support for local soccer in the Fort Lauderdale area, coinciding with the return of the legendary Strikers and North American Soccer League in 2011.

The group is named in honor of the flight of 5 TBM Avenger torpedo bombers that took off from Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale(now Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport) in December of 1945, disappearing in perhaps the most famous incident associated with the Bermuda Triangle. Our crest is based on the roundel insignia found on WWII era US Military Aircraft, the original NASL style soccer ball and the triangular shape of the Bermuda Triangle. The story of Flight 19 is part of the history of Fort Lauderdale, and considering the home of the Strikers, Lockhart Stadium, is situated on land that was once part of an airport built to train WWII Naval pilots, it is a fitting name to represent our efforts to honor Fort Lauderdale and our rich history.

Be sure to check out and join Flight 19 and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Strikers vs Red Bulls in pictures.

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:




Following are a number of fan pictures and video:

Special thanks to Miami Ultras Mitchell Rivera for the pictures.
You can also visit the following sites and view their pictures of the Strikers vs Red Bulls game:
http://fllstrikers.net/
http://www.thepursuitofvictory.com/2011/02/strikers-vs-red-bulls.html
http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/content/friendly-red-bulls-v-strikers
http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Home/Entries/2011/2/28_Strikers_preseason_game_1.html

Red Bulls vs Strikers preview. Copa Latina Continues.

Copa Latina continues this weekend!

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
Saturday, Feb. 26	2 PM	Chile vs. Brazil Soccer Academy
Saturday, Feb. 26	4 PM	Blue Star Honduras vs. Uruguay Broward FC
Saturday, Feb. 26	6 PM	Collier Mexico vs. Roma Honduras
Saturday, Feb. 26	8 PM	Honduras 5 Estrellas vs. New Life Brazil
Sunday, Feb. 27	1 PM	Soccer Locker Red Force vs. Seleccion Colombia
Sunday, Feb. 27	3 PM	Selección Peru vs. Colombia Real Madrid
Sunday, Feb. 27	5 PM	Peru NMB vs. Tapa Roja Colombia
Sunday, Feb. 27	7 PM	Argentina RFC vs. Seleccion Haiti

 For results and review of past games visit:

www.copalatina.com

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:

Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs New York Red Bulls Saturday Feb 26 at 2:30 PM

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.

Read all about it on the flyer below and here http://www.strikers.com

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

Ain't no love at Lockhart

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.

DENIED:
Kyle "Trainwreck" Kaly - Blogger/Hooligan, Miami Ultras

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.

Miami FC vs Barry University play for Haiti Relief, Jersey Unveiling and more...

The Miami FC Blues continue their pre-season this week when they play against Barry University with all proceeds going to Haiti Relief. The game will be on Saturday, March 20th. Admission to the game requires a cash or soccer gear donation. The game starts at 7pm at Barry University’s campus. So far the Blues have won 2 games and their only loss coming against the New York Red Bulls. Full details of the game from the Barry University site can be read HERE

Miami FC will also unveil their new 2010 uniforms on Thursday March 25, 2010 from 6 pm until 9 pm at America's Backyard located at 100 SW 3rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 just behind Revolution off of Broward Blvd. For directions call 954-449-1030. You will get to meet the players and spend some time with staff. Click on the flyer above for more details!

JP Rodrigues is wrapping things up with the Milwaukee Wave of the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) before he joins the Blues for pre-season and we are glad to see he is in great form after playing the last regular game of the season and scoring two goals. The Wave clinched the MISL regular season title on Sunday with a 17-12 victory over La Raza of Monterrey. JP's last two games will be for the Championship against the Philadelphia Kixx in a Home and Away format to determine the Champion. We wish JP good luck and are ready for him to add on to an already strong Miami FC back line.
Check out the video of JP's two goals; the first is right off the bat and the second at about 1:52.

Another one bites the dust, Jack Traynor to AC St Louis

AC St Louis signs Jack Traynor. For details go HERE
Traynor was drafted in the second round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls, but was not offered a contract by the team.
After an unsuccessful trial with Aalesunds FK in Norway, Traynor signed with Miami FC of the USL First Division. He made his professional debut on April 26, 2009, coming on as a substitute in Miami's game against Rochester Rhinos.

I haven't really kept count but I believe this is the third player Miami FC has lost to other NASL teams. The first was Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze who has signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Then it was Aaron King who will now play for rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies!

We continue to hear the progress of other teams in the league, many setting up pre-season games versus MLS teams... Fans are happy with the announcement of Zach Kirby's return, but so far we only know we have 2 players on the roster and no coach announcement as we don't know if Zinho will be returning. We hope Miami FC can start signing players soon before they are all taken from under their noses and we are left with a High School squad.

Invitational Tryouts
In case you didn't know Miami FC is Holding Invitational Tryouts right now at Ted Hendricks Stadium, beginning Feb. 12 and ending Feb. 14.

Open tryouts will take place on Feb. 20 and 21 at Weston Regional Park. For more information visit www.miamifc.com, or register at the following link.