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!

Jamaica and Costa Rica tie at the 'Mecca' (Lockhart Stadium) with Video

Ricardo LaVolpe's debut as a coach for Costa Rica was not the best during Wednesday night's match versus Jamaica .

Costa Rica and Jamaica's game ended in a 0-0 tie in front of about 5,000 fans at Lockhart Stadium.

Costa Rica barely created chances and it was the Reggae Boyz that had the best scoring opportunities.

Read more here: Miami Herald
or Sun Sentinel Here

Video:

Jamaica vs Costa Rica, Lockhart Stadium November 17 at 8 pm

It's on folks! Come out and support Soccer in South Florida. Here is the press release for this great match up to take place at South Florida's 'Mecca' (Lockhart Stadium).

Traffic Sports, one of the premier soccer marketing companies, in collaboration with Kics International, announces an international friendly between Costa Rica and Jamaica. The Reggae Boys, in hopes of defending its current Digicel Caribbean Championship will play its final warm up match before traveling to Martinique on November 27th. Costa Rica will play its first match under Ricardo LaVolpe who led Mexico to its 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup title and to the second round of World Cup 2006. Kickoff is set for 8pm EST at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday November 17th.

“Traffic Sports is proud to bring this high level international match to South Florida. This should be an exciting match featuring two teams who have a history of fine play in the CONCACAF region. We expect both teams to be in full form with all of their stars. Ricardo LaVolpe will begin his tenure as “Ticos” manger in this match and we are excited for that. Jamaica will be looking to continue its outstanding play of recent months heading into the Digicel Caribbean Championship,” said Vice-President of Traffic Sports USA Enrique Sanz de Santamaria.

Last Time Out
In September Jamaica defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in Kingston. Ryan Johnson scored in the 66th minute to give Jamaica only its fourth win in 20 matches between the countries. Costa Rica leads the overall series with 10 wins versus four losses. The teams have drawn six times. Jamaica looks to regain its form and return to its second World Cup after an admirable performance in France ’98.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is currently the fifth highest ranked CONCACAF nation in the most recent FIFA World Rankings. This will be the first match for under renowned head coach Ricardo LaVolpe who brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the job. LaVolpe was hired as the new manger of Costa Rica on September 9th. Costa Rica’s newest manager aims to qualify Costa Rica to the 2014 World Cup that will be held in Brazil. The Ticos lost in the CONCAF/COMNEBOL playoff to eventual semi-finalist Uruguay after finishing just outside the automatic qualification spots in CONCACAF.

Jamaica
Jamaica’s most recent match was a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Independence Park in Kingston. Jamaica has won four of its last seven matches, suffering its most recent lose at Lockhart Stadium against the Peru national team. Jamaica aims to defend its Digicel Caribbean Championship on November 27th.

Ticketing Information
You can purchase tickets to this exciting match from as low as $25 dollars. You can also purchase tickets on the phone or online at 877.877.7677

Compreboletos.com or ctstickets.com. You can also pick up buy tickets at the following authorized ticket distributers:

WEST PALM BEACH- SEA BREEZE - 5075 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach (561) 478-8651
POMPANO BEACH – DONNA’S - 2617 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach (954) 979-7047
FT. LAUDERDALE – AUNT I’S - 1178 N State Road 7 Lauderhill (954) 321-0190
DONNA’S - 5434 North University Drive, Lauderhill (954) 578-6970
CARL’S SEAFOOD - 2934 N State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes (954) 676-5700
BOSTON JUICY JERK - 5530 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill (954) 484-2620
RAINBOW RECORDS- 4124 NW 21st St. Lauderhill (954) 733-6580
PEMBROKE PINES – BARBICAN SQUARE - 11030 Pembroke Rd, Hollywood (954) 885-5422
CARIBBEAN EXPRESS - 6033 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL (954) 981-4989
MIAMI – JUNIE’S - 18400 Northwest 2nd Ave, Miami, FL (305) 654-2955
You can also purchase tickets on the phone or online at 877.877.7677
compreboletos.com or ctstickets.com

Bornstein's Boots Score For Haiti

Jonathan Bornstein's boots raise $1,725.00 with 100% of the total going the American Red Cross. This donations along with others will help in the relief effort for the people in Haiti and around the world.

Jonathan used his head scoring what might be the most important goal in the history of Honduras. With seconds remaining in stoppage time on Oct. 14th he scored the equalizer against Costa Rica. This goal allowed Honduras to qualify for the World Cup. It is only the second time ever and the first time in 27 years.
In a selfless and thoughtful act Jonathan gave from his heart the boots from this match. Kudos to Jonathan Bornstein and the American Red Cross!

Enclosed is the eBay listing posted for this item for your viewing. Click on picture to enlarge and read text. Anyone wishing to help with a donation to the America Red Cross be sure to read the final paragraph for help directing you to this cause

100% of the final sale price will support American Red Cross (Small deduction may apply. Learn more)

About this nonprofit: You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by supporting the American Red Cross, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need around the world. This is an eBay Giving Works charitable listing (Administered by MissionFish)

U.S. Men's National Team defender Jonathan Bornstein’s last gasp goal against Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying aided Honduras in their quest to reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and now he’s hoping the shoes he wore that night will give a bigger assist to relief efforts benefiting Haiti.

Bornstein has autographed and donated the shoes he wore during the historic match for an online charity auction on eBay, with 100 percent of the money raised to be donated to the American Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts in Haiti.

The auction begins today (Friday, Jan. 22) and will run through Wednesday, Jan. 27.

“The devastation and suffering in Haiti is a tragedy for everyone,” said Bornstein. “One of our teammates, Jozy Altidore, is the son of Haitian immigrants and still has many family members there. It’s heartbreaking to see what is happening, and we hope to be able to help in any way we can.”

Authorities estimate that the devastating earthquake that struck near the capital of Haiti has affected three million people. Hundreds of thousands are feared dead; many more people are injured or without basic supplies or shelter. The Red Cross is part of an enormous relief operation in Haiti following the massive earthquake there on January 12. It will be a long-term recovery effort and the Red Cross will be there throughout.

Fans interested in donating directly to the relief efforts can text the word HAITI to 90999 to contribute 10 dollars to the Red Cross or visit RedCross.org to make a donation.

Weekend of Soccer in South Florida: Gold Cup, Miami Kickers and Miami FC

Who said Miami was not a soccer town? You see games being played all over South Florida, but fans are known to be fickle and demanding when it comes to watching a game live. Well, this weekend they get a little of everything! Friday, Saturday and Sunday will have what I call "A little Soccer Heaven"!
Word has it the Miami Ultras will have a presence in all three events. Be sure to look for the guys in the scarves and say hello!

Gold Cup is coming to South Florida this Friday July 10 at Florida International University Stadium. It will be a double header that will see Costa Rica go against Canada at 7 p.m. and El Salvador vs. Jamaica at 9 p.m. For ticket information go to The Gold Cup site but hurry, the stadium can only fit about 20,000 people so tickets will go fast! For full coverage check out the Kartik Report.

The Miami Kickers FC continue to top the WPSL Sunshine Division. The Kickers traveled to West Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach United this past Friday, July 3rd. but lost their first game of the season, falling to United 3-2. Read more at the Miami Ultras site.
Come out and support the Kickers at their next home game this Saturday July 11th 7 pm at American Heritage High School in Plantation. Miami will take on the Clearwater Galactics as they look to remain leaders of their group.

Last but not least; lets get out there this Sunday July 12th as the Miami FC Blues will take on the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps at FIU Stadium. The game is set to start at 6 pm with an Ultras tailgate starting at 4 pm. The Beer at the tailgate is FREE! Yes, I said FREE! So get out there and support Soccer in South Florida!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues! Ultras picture by Victor Palkaninec

Gold Cup Games at FIU Stadium. Kickers continue winning streak! WQAM 560 AM Soccer show at 10 pm

Gold Cup is coming to South Florida on Friday July 10 - (Florida International University Stadium) It will be a double header that will see Costa Rica go against Canada at 7 p.m. and El Salvador vs. Jamaica at 9 p.m. For ticket information go to The Gold Cup site but hurry, the stadium can only fit about 20,000 people so tickets will go fast! For full coverage check out the Kartik Report.

The Miami Kickers FC continue stomping the competition as they are now 5-0 and top the WPSL Sunshine Division. The Kickers this time dispatched the Puerto Rico Capitals FC by 6-2! They are unstoppable! Read more at the Miami Ultras site.
Miami will next travel up north and play Palm Beach United on Friday July 3rd at 7 pm at Lake Lytal Park located 3645 Gun Club Rd West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Be sure to go out and support the Kickers at their next home game Saturday July 11th 7 pm at American Heritage High School in Plantation. Miami will take on the Clearwater Galactics.

Soccer Fans, Listen to the DA Show on 560 WQAM tonight as he talks Miami FC soccer. Don’t miss the Miami FC / DA Show giveaway, it will be something special. This will be a really cool prize. Call DA at 305-567-0560 or #560 from AT & T cell phones every weeknight 8-11 pm. You can also email questions to da@wqam.com
Listen to the DA Show live

Miami FC will be offering pre-sale group rates $5 Youth & $10 Adult tickets at outlets Farm Stores, Soccer Max, Soccer Locker and Bourges Market.
Miami FC returns home to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the first place Puerto Rico Islanders. This game will be played at FIU Stadium and will include fireworks immediately after the game. For more info go to the Miami FC website and get your tickets!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Ultras part of Sam's Army? Free Miami FC Open cup game, USA watch party and more

After their dismal performance against Costa Rica this past Wednesday, the United States gets ready to face Honduras Saturday June 6, 2009 at 8pm.

I urge all Soccer fans to come out and support the US Men's National Team at Fritz and Franz located at 60 Merrick Way in Coral Gables.

Did you guys know the Miami Ultras are in the process of becoming a part of Sam’s Army? Check this out:

The Miami Ultras have been avid supporters of U.S. Soccer since our inception in February of 2008 (One-year and four months ago). We are currently in negotiations with Sam’s Army, the insane unofficial fan club of US Soccer since 1994, to become a brigade.

For more info on this and the tailgate go here

Talk about Ultras, Julio Caballero wrote a great piece on the importance of Marketing at the Miami Ultras site. Be sure to check it out, a must read. Go here

Since we are on the Marketing subject, our new friend and future Tampa Bay Rowdies fan Jim Willis has a new blog called Against the Run of Play and he wrote a post titled "Marketing 101 according to Miami FC". It's short but worth the read. Jim also tells me a group of Tampa fans are thinking of making a road trip to either the Gold Cup or a Miami FC game.
Come on down guys, let's get the rivalry started!

South Florida Soccer Fans can look forward to FREE Soccer, you read it, FREE Soccer this coming Tuesday June 9, 2009 8pm at Tropical Park as Diego Serna and Miami FC take on Lynch's FC of Jacksonville for the US Open Cup! There are no excuses, lets fill up the stadium and support our team! Time to Bleed Blue!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!
Pictures taken from the Miami Ultras site

Miami FC and Traffic signs at the USA vs Costa Rica game

Everyone saw them and if you didn't you are blind. I found myself looking at them more as the game progressed, every moment that passed. Anything to take my mind off of the horrendous game I was watching.

USA got beat up like the little fat kid that no one likes in the neighborhood. In the end not even Landon Donovan's penalty kick could hide the damage that was done. Blame the Turf, the weather or the fans. It didn't matter. I hope we do better versus Honduras.

Now back to the signs. I think it's a good thing to see Miami FC and Traffic signs all over the stadiums. It's not the first time we see them in CONCACAF games. At least it makes people wonder and gives international attention to our team. Does it do anything to help us get peoples butts to the stadium? Could the money spent on the signs go to other forms of local advertisement? At the end of the day it's great to see those signs, it fills me with pride that the world (or at least Costa Rica and the U.S.) know my team exists. But, will it make a difference? What do you think?
Time will tell... Vamos Miami!
condron.us

Gold Cup in Miami, Lockhart Stadium to host Miami FC home opener and more...

Miami is set to Host 2 Gold Cup games at FIU Stadium on Friday, July 10. The games will be Costa Rica vs. Canada, 7 p.m.(EDT) and El Salvador vs. Jamaica, 9 p.m.(EDT). This will be a good one! For the full schedule click here

Miami FC reports they will play their home opener in Broward county's Lockhart Stadium.
"We are very excited to play in Broward County for the first time" said team president Aaron Davidson. "Broward County has welcomed us with open arms and recognizes that Miami FC is all of South Florida's pro soccer team. Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties may be diverse but they represent one united region - South Florida. We look forward to truly reaching out to all soccer players, coaches and fans during our upcoming fourth season." read more at Miami FC
It looks like Miami FC is trying to secure a few games in Miami Dade county.

Reminder:
Miami Ultras are hosting a Tailgate party this Saturday at 2 pm at Tropical Park! We ask all South Florida to come out and support your Miami FC who will be playing Lynn University Fighting Knights that same day at 4pm.

Vamos Miami FC!