South Florida Soccer News: Strikers, WPS, MLS and more.

Lot's of soccer news this week!
We start with the Strikers re-signing 3 players yesterday. Here is what the team had to say:

The Strikers announced today that they have resigned forward/midfielder Martin Nuñez, midfielder Lennon Celestino, and forward Brian Shriver for the 2011 season.
“We are happy to have all three players back. Lennon brings a strong defensive midfield presence. Both Brian and Martin give us good attacking options. Both are versatile enough to play forward or attacking midfield. Again we are happy to have all three players as we continue to maintain our core group from last season," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.

Last week the team also announced the addition of one time Miami Fusion Captain Jim Rooney as assistant coach.

Rooney began his professional career in South Florida with the Miami Fusion in the MLS. The American midfielder made 67 appearances for the club from 1999 – 2001 scoring 12 goals in the process. Rooney also spent time with the New York MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) and the New England Revolution. Rooney served as team captain of the Fusion during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

Looks like the team is starting to take shape, can't wait for the season to start! Do you want to support soccer in South Florida?
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 e-mail info@miamifc.com

WPS
News about the Washington Freedom coming to South Florida to play a few games and the addition of Brazilian star Marta joining the team was all over rumorville. Unfortunately the later seems to not be the case. Marta signed with expansion team Western New York. The Freedom however will be coming to South Florida to a yet to be determined stadium.
The Freedom has 2 high profile American players in forward Abby Wambach and Goalkeeper Hope Solo who appears to have recently signed with the team. In addition the team has many international players such as Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa who has scored 72 goals in 152 caps with Japanese WNT. Australian Forward Lisa De Vanna who has scored 23 goals in 62 caps with Australian WNT and Norwegian forward Lene Mykjaland, just to name a few. We hope to have more information about the team and where they will play soon.

MLS
One time Miami FC forward Paulo Junior saw a few minutes with his new team Real Salt Lake in their practice game versus the Seattle Sounders. (Game ended 3-3). More info HERE (in Spanish)

Former MLS player and South Florida resident Mark Chung gets a mention on the latest edition of What Ever Happened To...

Charlie Davies has been practicing with DC United. He just might sign with the team. DC United is in town for pre season training. Full report by Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald.

DC United will play a scrimmage today against Florida International University at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, time will be at 4 pm. It will be open to the public!

For more South Florida soccer news you can follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/footballsoccerm

Paulo Jr makes a case for himself as he scores a brace for RSL

Yeah, Miami FC / Strikers fans can pretty much say bye-bye to Paulo Araujo Jr.
Paulo started last night for Real Salt Lake in their CONCACAF Champions match versus Mexican side Cruz Azul. Junior scored the first two goals in his teams victory.

Everything points out to the fact that Paulo Jr's loan to RSL from Miami FC will become permanent. If not, I'm sure other teams will be ready to pick up this skillful Brazilian.

At least South Florida fans can say they saw this kid before he made it big. We wish continued success to Paulo!

Picture by Robert Scorca.
See video of his goals below:

Miami FC's JP Rodrigues on loan to DC United?

Hola amigos! Burrito here with latest gossips.
You gots to love facebook! Just get players to add you on as a friend and they will eventuallys spill the refried beans on somethings the team they play for might want to keep secrets.
This time Burrito's amigo JP Rodriguez does it and here is what the carnal had to says today:

Wow how things change... Going on loan to D.C United! Leave bright and early in the morning! The soccer gods are on my side!

Si, this is second player to go on loan for Miami FC. The first was Burrito's amigo Paulo Jr. who went to Real Salt Lake.
Well, if its true JP then Burrito wish you much successeses and don't for get the little people (or in Burrito's case the little chihuahua!)
If you want to Join the JP Rodrigues Fan page on facebook go HERE
Hasta los huevos amigos!
Burrito

Picture by Robert Scorca

Paulo Jr scores in his debut for RSL. Want to be a Pro Soccer Player?

Paulo Araujo Jr's debut for Real Salt Lake was one of those story book, fairy tale, once in a lifetime type of situations. Paulo, Loaned to RSL for the rest of the season came into the Concacaf Champions game versus Toronto in the 74th minute making an immediate impact as he scored 6 minutes after entering the game to leave the final tally at 4-1 in favor of RSL.

Real Salt Lake finished off TFC in the 80th minute with a goal by Paulo Araujo Jr., who was making his debut with RSL. The Brazilian striker, recently acquired on loan from USSF D-2 side Miami FC, received a square ball from Robbie Findley across the goal mouth, and the youngster tapped it in to seal the victory.

For a complete break down of the game go HERE

Former Miami Fusion players Kyle Beckerman, goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Andy Williams also contributed to RSL's victory. Beckerman tied the game off a center by Williams who had 2 assists in the night.

Here are the match highlights:


Here is a fan Video. at the end you can see as Paulo Jr. greets the fans. Looks like Paulo may end up staying at RSL if he continues to prove himself.

Want to be a Professional Soccer player?
Think you've got what it takes to be a Pro? Traffic Sports USA has organized a Pro Soccer Combine which will be lead by National Soccer Hall of Fame Member and current Traffic Sports USA Director of Soccer, Fernando Clavijo. Marcelo Balboa, National Soccer Hall of Fame Member and former U.S. National Team Player and Daryl Shore, current Head Coach of Miami FC and former Assistant Coach of the MLS’s Chicago Fire.

Traffic Sports USA, one of the premiere soccer companies in the United States, would like to invite all aspiring footballers to Fort Lauderdale Stadium from Oct 22-24. The Traffic Sports USA Combine provides elite players, with the passion to take their game to the next level, the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and abilities in an environment designed to find professional level athletes. Aside from thorough player evaluations, introductions and access to scouts and player personnel managers, a number of select players from the combine will be invited to pre-season tryouts with South Florida’s Professional soccer team and/or one of its sister clubs in Portugal or Brazil.

Read more at www.miamifc.com

Paulo Jr set to play with Real Salt Lake vs Seattle tonight?

We have learned this morning out of Ft Lauderdale that Miami FC's top scorer this season, Paulo Araujo Jr will be ready to suit up for Real Salt Lake as early as today's game versus the Seattle Sounders.

Recent Rumors had placed Paulo with the L.A. Galaxy, but it seems Paulo was being shopped around to other MLS teams and Real Salt Lake seems to have been the team to sign the player on loan for the remainder of the season.

Real Salt Lake has been hit by numerous injuries and this could lead to the inclusion of Paulo in the line up or on the bench.
Real Salt Lake injury report HERE

Paulo Jr picture and information by Robert Scorca

UPDATE: 9/9/10 4:20 pm

Miami FC have confirmed loan:

Miami FC striker Paulo Jr. has been sent on loan to Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer this week after nearly two seasons with the Blues. Araujo Jr. will be available for selection for Real Salt Lake when the Utah side takes on Seattle Sounders FC this evening at Qwest Field (11:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN2). Terms of the deal were not disclosed due to team policy.

Read all about it HERE

Be sure to check out Paulo Jr as he might make his debut tonight at Qwest Field (11:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN2) You can also see the game on the internet via ESPN3

Miami FC ties with Puerto Rico. Fan pictures and more...

Miami FC pulled off a last minute tie versus the Puerto Rico Islanders this past Saturday. The game had its up and downs with the Blues dominating but unable to score. The Islanders drew first blood in the first half, but Miami FC did what they do best this season... tie!
For more information on the game go to www.miamifc.com

Following are pictures taken during the game, tailgate, a few from the Pub Cup and at Frog and Toad.

All pictures By Robert Scorca

Miami FC remain undefeated! Will take on the Austin Aztex on Wednesday

After 6 games the Blues are the only undefeated team in the USSF Div2. It was Miami's first win in the season, product of a Paulo Jr goal! Christian Gomez sent a perfect pass to Paulo who buried the ball in the net with no mercy on Saturday night. Read more about it HERE
The Blues set their sights on the Austin Aztex this coming Wednesday at 7:30 PM at Lockhart Stadium.
Will Miami FC remain undefeated?
Following are pictures from this weekends win versus the NSC Minnesota Stars.
Pictures by Robert Scorca and Victor Palkaninec.






Want to see more Pictures? Check out Victor Palkaninec's http://miamifc2.com/

Miami FC add Abe Thompson, Re-signs Paulo Jr. and 4 more Brazilians

Abe Thompson joins the Blues!

Abe is a special player. His pace, ability to finish and experience will take our front line to another level," said General Manager, Luiz Muzzi

More at the Miami FC site HERE

Brazilian forward Paulo Jr has also been added.

Five players will join the ranks of the Blues including one of Miami's best forwards from last season, Paulo Araujo Jr. Terms of the signings were not disclosed

Further Details HERE

The Miami FC Blues have so far, in addition to the above, confirmed the following players on this years roster:

M-Ariel Germiniani
M-Lennon Celestino
D-Euzebio Neto
M-Paulinho Le Petit.
D-Mike Randolph
D-Chris Gbandi
M-Jarryd Goldberg
D-JP Rodrigues
F-Bryan Perez
D-Kyle Veris
D-Cristiano Dias
F-Edward Santeliz
D-Zach Kirby

Be sure to check out videos of the new players over at Miami FC TV

But don't think its over! Word out of Miami FC Central is that there are more players in the horizon and they are going to be some good ones!

Miami FC will be back next year! Burrito's list of players to keep and Cheerleader Pictures!

Saturday night was last Miami FC game of season and Burrito saw how Miami lose against the Islanders. But the good thing was watching the Miami Ultras. They were loud and they had one hombre with a cowbell who was great! The pinches Ultras also give Burrito's compadre Zach "Beowulf" Kirby the players of the seasons award. Funny thing is Beowulf get red carded out of game! Chingada madre! The referees a wanker!

Burrito try to talk to Aaron Davidson presidente of Miami FC to see if homeboy going to keep the team in USL, MLS or some other League pero he no want to talk to Burrito. Burrito did hear Aaron talk to reporter who ask him about the meetings in NY with MLS. El Senor Davidson only say that they were exploring every option. He did say Miami FC would be back next season but didn't know in what league. Ay Virgencita de Guadalupe, please bring MLS back if not MLS then MLS-2 or something better then USL. Burrito promise to be good and not sneak into games anymore!

Burrito think Miami FC need to start working on the next season today!
So Burrito going to tell you what players we need to keep for next season. Ok, Burrito love all players of Miami FC (in manly way vatos, Burrito no es puñal !) but Burrito ask players who read this blog to not cry if Burrito no mention you, sorry pero Caca pasa!
Here we go:
The Cheerleaders, ok they not players but Burrito like to look at them! Ay Chihuahua! They muy calientes! They need to come back, check out pictures!Join the Blue Angels on facebook HERE
Ok, back to players
Gale Agbossoumonde, is young player that have mucho potential! He did make bubu but we forgive him cause he young. See bubu HERE
Paulo Araujo Jr. the best player Burrito has seen since Pele! Ok, maybe not pero he is muy buen jugador de futbol!
Cristiano "Kaka" Dias like Paulo Jr he is from Brazil, many good things come from Brazil, like the tanga, las garotas (hot brazilian mamacitas) and good futbol players. So keep him cause he a good player!
Jarryd "The Hebrew Hammer" Goldberg, this vato is a work horse who play with hearts. He small like Burrito pero he is muy macho!
Pat "the Man" Hannigan, now what can Burrito say about the guy who keep Miami FC in playoff hopes? The best goalkeeper we have in a long time! Ok, ok they make 9 goles on him pero that was an off day. Burrito trust Pat as keeper so much that Burrito would trust him to guard Burritos sisters virginity, thats how much Burrito trust him!
Aaron "El Rey" King He new player who come to team and score like Burrito score with the hot mamacitas. He is opportunist and Burrito like that.
Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Miami Ultras player of the year. Burrito no need to say more.
Tim Merrit, like Goldberg he one of those silent vatos who play with heart and no say much.
Brian Shriver another new player who in little time became fan favorite. Burrito want to see him play some more.
Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze,what Burrito like about Zee the most is that he is multifunctional players. He play defense, he play forward and he has cool name and no hair!

Burrito so-so favoritos:
These players make the so-so list cause sometimes they play good sometimes they make bubu pero they can stay on team cause Burrito nice dawg! Leo Inacio, Jack Traynor, Walter Ramirez and Alen Marcina

Burritos caca list includes all players not mentioned, sorry holmeses you guys go find other team.
Burrito hope the head honchos with ponchos at Miami FC and Traffic read this list and recognize Burritos abilities as talent finder. Maybe they give Burrito Fernando Clavijo's job! Burrito be much cheaper too! Burrito only ask for a few bones and quesadillas!
All Pictures by Robert Scorca
Want to see more pictures? Check out these pictures by Victor Palkaninec HERE
Do you agree with Burrito's list? What players would you keep next year and which would you give the ax?

People who live in USA's Hat will visit Miami! Montreal Impact vs Miami FC Saturday 8 pm at FIU Stadium

Si, ugly peoples from Canada come back to Miami to lose again! If it not enough these pinches Canadians can't even get along with themselves and fight between each other! Why? Maybe it's too cold in Canada? Maybe they tired of being called America's Hat? Burrito don't know and no care.

All Burrito know is that the Blues need to wins and get the three points. Lately Burrito's compadre Diego Serna have not score as much and Burrito think it is because he no get passes up there because we need attacking midfielder that we not have since Leo Inacio has been hurt. So that make Diego go down to look for balls so he no score like he should. Burrito is happy that Paulo Jr. is one bad ass macho man and playing like and running like he eat Hot chile! Ah Chihuahua! read more about the game HERE

Anyways Burrito Invite all you vatos to FIU stadium tomorrow Saturday Agosto 1, 2009 at 8 PM FIU Stadium when Miami FC is gonna beat them pinches Canadienses and send them back crying! Come see the hot mamacitas of the Miami FC Cheerleaders! Drink the FREE Beers at the Ultras tailgate that start at 6 PM.
Buy your tickets at Miami FC site, the box office at stadium or from the Cheerleaders and help support their program!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!