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.