Looks like Beckham & Claure's MLS Miami team is taking shape.

It's been almost a month since a certain David Beckham was seen at a Miami Heat game with Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure.
We first heard the rumor of a Miami MLS team between Claure & Beckham a few years back. But, not many took notice until a small mention on May 1, 2013 on the Washington Post by Steven Goff:

*Getting word a David Beckham-backed effort to bring MLS to Miami is about to pick up a steam and could go public in about a month. The league has prioritized a second club in New York for the 20th team and is intrigued by Orlando’s aggressive expansion campaign, but with Miami featuring Beckham and Dolphins management, Miami has quietly re-emerged. South Florida had an MLS team from 1998 to 2001, the Miami Fusion, which played at Lockhart Stadium in north Fort Lauderdale (30 miles from downtown Miami) but lacked the investment muscle and public will to survive. Commissioner Don Garber has said repeatedly MLS needs to expand into the South; currently, there are no teams south of Washington on the East Coast.

You can read the rest of the piece HERE.

Fast Forward to Tuesday May 28 when Simon Evans breaks out the news that Beckham is indeed on his way to Miami to meet with Marcelo Claure at a Heat game no less!
 Simon Evans wrote:

Former England captain David Beckham will visit Miami this week as he steps up his interest in owning a new Major League Soccer (MLS) team.

 Beckham, who played for L.A. Galaxy in the MLS, has an option to create a new franchise in the North American league.

 While the exact location is still to be decided, he will be in the Florida city to explore possibilities, according to former Miami mayor Manny Diaz.

 "Yes, he is coming. My understanding is that it's very exploratory at this stage," said Diaz, who took part in the last time a Miami-based MLS team was under discussion in 2009.

Read the rest of the article HERE.

A few days later on Thursday May 30th, anyone that watched the Miami Heat game could see Simon Evans was on the money about the meeting.

Having had a couple of days to work with, a few fans decided to have a Beckham rally to show support. Michelle Kaufman from the Miami Herald covered it HERE.

 Beckham ended up staying almost a week touring stadiums and taking in everything Miami had to offer. South Florida was a buzz with Beckham sightings across town. A couple of local news sites were able to get an exclusive interview with him.

“I think bringing an MLS team here to South Florida would be exciting,” Beckham told Miami's CBS4 News. “I think Miami fans are very passionate about the sport and about winning and of course, it would have to be success but it’s definitely exciting.”

 David eventually attended a second Miami Heat game and for the next few days the media continued to cover his visit, as fans also began to light up twitter and facebook with pictures and mentions of sightings.

A month later and as talk of Orlando's stadium project began to get attention. Brightstar CEO Marcelo Claure tweets a picture of David Beckham holding a Club Bolivar jersey (Bolivian Champions also owned by Claure) which indicates talks are still on going and mentioning Beckham as Claure's MLS partner on his Twitter account.

 It's an exciting time to be a South Florida resident and soccer fan. Hopefully we'll soon know if our Miami MLS dream will come true!

Want to be part of the South Florida MLS movement?
Join MLS Miami Bid:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
Twitter: @Miami_MLS
Website: mlsmiamibid.com
Email: info@mlsmiamibid.com

Will David Beckham bring MLS to Miami ?

It's all over the internet this week, but it's been talked about for a few years now. David Beckham is going to be part of an ownership group that would bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami.

The case for Miami:
Miami is becoming a soccer hub and growing soccer scene: Home to CONCACAF, Traffic Sports, beIN Sport, Univision-ABC, Telemundo, US training base, new owner of World Football Challenge, NASL, GolTV, and all the soccer stars who own homes here.
All we need is MLS in Miami!

It's our time to act! He already denied any contact with a NY team but he hasn't done it with South Florida.

Let's send emails, tweets and facebook messages to David Beckham to show our support. We've done this in the past with MLS and its worked.

Tell them you want MLS in Miami and that we will support them!
#BeckhamMLSMiami

Simon Oliveira

simon.oliveira@xixentertainment.com
Twitter: @simonolive

Victoria Beckham
Twitter: @victoriabeckham

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Beckham

Check out all the sites that have reported about #BeckhamMLSMiami

Links below.
Palm Beach Post
ESPN
BBC
Sports Business Daily 
Digital Spy
Give Me Football  
Daily Mail
People UK
Football365
Terra
WNZine

Support our push for MLS.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
Website: http://mlsmiamibid.com/
Twitter: @Miami_MLS

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

David Beckham to bring MLS to Miami?

Last night on Telefutura's Contacto Deportivo, Ivan Kasanzew (Twitter: @elcondek)asked David Beckham if he will bring Major League Soccer (MLS) to Miami!
There has been a constant rumors that Marcelo Claure, CEO of Brightstar and owner of Bolivia's most popular team Bolivar has contacted David Beckham in hopes of bringing a team to Miami.
This is the first time a journalist has asked Beckham if this rumor is true on television. Props to TeleFutura's Ivan Kasanzew aka el CondeK for being the first.
Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Then support our MLS Miami Bid on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Miami_MLS
www.mlsmiamibid.com
If you want to help contact: uncleed@miamiultras.com

Check out the video: In English with Spanish subtitles.

Kid is the new David Beckham. But doesn't drink Pepsi... yet. By Burrito

Have you pendejos seen the Pepsi commercial of David Beckham with hot mamacita Sophia Vergara?
Then they take out video of "Golden Huevos" shooting futbols into trash cans... You see that? Many say they fake, others say it real. Burrito don't give a chingado either way. Just show Burrito more of Sophia Vergara!

Soccer Movie of the Month--- Goal 2 "Living the Dream"

This months movie is Goal 2 "Living the Dream". The Second of a Trilogy.
The first episode we showed on this blog back in April of 2010. You can  go HERE to see it.
This second part continues to follow Santiago Muniz (Kuno Becker) in his dream of being a professional footballer. Living in East L.A., he makes his dream come true when one day he is given the chance to try out for Premiership club Newcastle United. This time he has his big chance with Real Madrid. You see him try to deal with his new found fame and finally meeting his mother and little brother.

You get to see glimpses of Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas, Iván Helguera, Sergio Ramos, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Raúl González, José María Gutiérrez (Guti), Zinédine Zidane, Ronaldo, Robinho and many more
See IMBD for more info. Following is the full movie: 

SF Soccer news: MLS Miami, Strikers sign Arguez, WPS and more.

This week we start with MLS Miami expansion news as ESPN is reporting that MLS to Miami might be closer than we thought.

Talk is heating up that Beckham will, when his contract expires after this season, execute the clause in his contract that allows him to purchase an MLS expansion team, and that Miami is the best bet. British tabloid People last month reported Beckham “will be offered a chance” to make Miami the league's 20th team, in part because a clause in his contract won't allow him to invest in teams in Los Angeles or New York.

Do you want MLS to return? Support our efforts in bringing MLS to South Florida. Follow our MLS Miami Bid. You can help by spreading the word. Email your friends and send them the information below.

Website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlsmiami

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495

Email us to: info@mlsmiamibid.com

WPS
The Freedom will be moving to South Florida according to the Palm Beach Post. The name of the team will change, for now they are being called  "MagicJack’s Washington Freedom". The team will likely play out of Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University.

The Women's Professional Soccer league released its season schedule on Thursday and it contained this little nugget:
The home venue for magicJack’s Washington Freedom will be Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. The team might play one or two of its home games in the Washington, D.C. area. “

Read more and get the game schedule HERE

Strikers
South Florida's only professional soccer team the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have just announced the signing of Bryan Arguez.

“We are happy to bring Bryan back from Portugal to join our team,” states Strikers Head Coach Daryl Shore. “Well feel like he will add a great presence in our midfield and are happy to have him on board for the 2011 season.”

 Arguez, a South Florida native, began his career with the United States U-17 team in 2005 and continued on with the U-20 team and became the eventual eleventh overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.  Later in 2007, Arguez signed with Hertha BSC of the German Bundesliga where he played for one season. Arguez was later named to the U.S. roster for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and again for the FIFA U-20World Cup in Egypt, scoring a goal against Cameroon.

The Strikers have also started their preseason practices HERE is a report of day #1.
Do you have your Strikers Season tickets yet? If not, Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials are Available! Call 954.829.9213 or go to www.strikers.com

Corruption in Soccer, Beckham to Miami news and more.

An interesting piece was sent to me about corruption in FIFA. Yeah, that is nothing new but I thought it was a good read. In the picture you can see FIFA President Blatter (left) sharing a drink with alleged Russian criminal Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov (right) and Russian World Cup bid member Viacheslav Koloskov at a Moscow nightclub in 2005.

"It is common knowledge that the race to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was not a fair fight and that Russia and Qatar offered 'special incentives' that were essentially bribes," Kistner told OffshoreAlert. "Indeed, there hasn't been a single voting process to host the World Cup or The Olympics during the last two decades that has not been tainted by serious and reasonable suspicions."

This piece was written to promote the OffShore Alert Conference to take place April 4-6, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami Beach. You can read more about the conference and the article HERE

The answer to counter FIFA's corruption? To vote against Blatter in June when he seeks re-election. Sports Journalist Grant Wahl has tackled this idea head on and has humbly volunteered himself to become the next FIFA President!

After careful consideration, I have an announcement to make: I'm running for the presidency of FIFA in the election to be held on June 1. And no, I'm not kidding. Have you seen who else is running? That's right: Sepp Blatter, the 74-year-old Swiss strongman atop the world's most popular sport, is campaigning for his fourth term.

Read more
With Grant Wahl as Fifa President and Burrito (See previous blog below) as USSF President world soccer would be ours!

Beckham to Miami
Looks like Beckham to Miami rumors never cease. This time it's the Daily Mail who claims Becks is in search for the best location not only in Miami but in other markets.

Avid Beckham and his 19 management advisors, led by Simon Fuller, have begun exploring possible locations for the Major League Soccer franchise that Becks has an option to buy at a reduced price at the end of his LA Galaxy playing contract in December.
Beckham and Fuller are looking at the potential of establishing a team in Miami, San Diego, Atlanta or Montreal.
The plan does mean Beckham won't get involved with the New York Cosmos being run by his former personal manager and close friend Terry Byrne.

Strikers
Today is the announcement of the Strikers full name. It's not a secret at this point but South Florida Soccer Fans should come out as there will be a few surprise speakers. The event is today Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A.

SF Soccer news: NASL sanctioning issues, Strikers, Beckham, Marine Stadium and more.

The main topic of the week so far was the decision by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to pull its provisional Division 2 sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
What bothers me is that for years the USSF sat there and watched the United Soccer Leagues (USL) do anything they wanted to soccer in this country from division 2 down. We saw dozens of teams fold, instability reign and nothing was done to correct it.
The moment a proposed league run by the team owners themselves was created, due to the USL's inability to work with its teams, is the moment the USSF decides to create rules and regulations that in my eyes looks like a road block to those opposing the incumbent league they were so used to dealing with. Suddenly, they decided to get strict... kinda makes you go 'hmmmm'.
So, the USSF says the issue was money. Well, the NASL just put up 6 million to cover that hole. If that doesn't ring stability I don't know what does! Let's see if the USSF comes up with another excuse. If they do then I think its obvious that there is more then meets the eye going on behind closed doors.
My message to the USSF: Work with the NASL to get them sanctioned. Create the stability you claim to want and get MLS, NASL and USL to work together for the good of soccer in this country.

Strikers
The NASL has invested too much time and money to stop and not continue business as usual, having said that our local team the Strikers have released their 2011 schedule. You can see it by scrolling down to the previous blog post below.
The Miami Ultras are planning ahead for road trips to Tampa and one to Atlanta. Stay tuned for more information on that!

Beckham to bring MLS to Miami
The news of MLS to Miami continues this time People U.K. states David Beckham is being offered a deal to bring a team to the Magic City. While MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida for his meeting with the Miami Ultras, he did mention Beckham has the option of starting a team anywhere in the United States at a reduced price. Apparently the only condition is that it can't be L.A. nor N.Y.
More news from Ministry of Soccer says Beckham Might Buy Miami FC for MLS and Tribal Football has the same report.

Miami Marine Stadium
The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium were graceful enough to include this blog in their monthly news letter after a blog post we published made a little noise. Here is what they had to say:

The blog Football In Miami And Beyond provides up-to-date information on all things soccer in Miami and South Florida. Recently, the blog posted a story about placing a temporary floating soccer field in front of the Miami Marine Stadium. We don't know if this is fully feasible as the field would have to be easily moved and stored- but one already operates in Singapore. This particular story "went viral" and was posted on various soccer and sports blogs nationwide. Think of the possibilities the Stadium offers!

If you want to support the restoration of the Marine Stadium be sure to visit them at http://www.marinestadium.org/Marine Stadium design by Derek Reese

Interview with Fake David Beckham by Burrito

Hola amigos! Burrito get the biggest interview of his career as a soccer blogging dawg! Si, this is an interview with the one and only Mister Fake David Beckham! Burrito ax him about Futbol, Mexican food, underwear, and if it really hurt to be so pretty. But most important, if he really want to bring MLS back to South Florida.

Burrito : [Barking, whining and wimpering but in Spanglish] Hola Fake David Beckhams! Burrito really excited to be in your presence!
Fake Becks: [In a British accent, kinda like James Bond but girlyerer] I can see that, your tail is really wagging...

Burrito: Si, it a bad habit. Can Burrito smell your butt?
Fake Becks: Ummm, NO.
Burrito: Can Burrito hump your leg now?
Fake Becks: Hell no!
Burrito: Burrito be quick...
Fake Becks: Get off me!
Burrito: Sorry, is just cause you are so pretty for a homeboy and Burrito like to dominate his bitches... Does it hurt to be so pretty?
Fake Becks: Not really. I'm married and have 3 wonderful kids. I really don't think about that. I'm not that vain.
Burrito: A-ha
Fake Becks: Seriously

Burrito: So how Spicy is your spice girl in the sack?
Fake Becks: That's a little personal don't you think?
Burrito: Answer Burrito! Grrr
Fake Becks: Very spicy...

Burrito: Ok, you fight with your wife, who wins?
Fake Becks: She does. If I protest too much she puts me on restriction.
Burrito: Que? What is restriction?
Fake Becks: That's like a timeout but for adults [whispers] I don't get none, if you know what I mean...
Burrito: Oooooh... chingada madre!
Fake Becks: Yeah, it really sucks.

Burrito: So have you been to Miami? Do you like it here and more important. You gonna give Burrito his South Florida MLS (Major League Soccer) soccer team or what?
Fake Becks: I like Miami! There is a possibility that I will be involved with a team in MLS so it might happen. I'm still playing for the MLS until 2011. After that I will weigh my options.

Burrito: There are some people that believes you gonna be involved with the Cosmos in NY. Tell them they no no what they talking about, tell them they are estupid and that that will never, ever, whever happen! Tell them NOOOOO or Burrito will bite you in pipi!
Fake Becks: What? Are you threatening me?
Burrito: Just kitten, but why go to cold, concrete/no trees except in Central Park New York when you can chill with a cold drink by the beach in South Beach, looking at hot mamacitas?
Fake Becks: Vicky does like the Beach...
Burrito: Ok, so NO New York, Thank you!
Fake Becks: I didn't say that...

Burrito: So what you wear? Boxers or briefs?
Fake Becks: I really didn't answer the previous question...
Burrito: Yes, you did!!! Boxers or Briefs?
Fake Becks: Briefs

Burrito: What your favorite Mexican food?
Fake Becks: I like to go to the Plaza Olvera in L.A. and order some Chilerkuilees...
Burrito: You mean Chilaquiles?
Fake Becks: No, Chilerkuilees.
Burrito: Grrrr its Chilaquiles, Burrito knows, Burrito was born in Toluca, Mexico!
Fake Becks: No, I'm pretty sure its Chilerkuilees...
Burrito: ----- [blank stare]

Burrito: You ever heard of the Strikers?
Fake Becks: NO
Burrito: The Fort Lauderdale Strikers?
Fake Becks: NO
Burrito: Que? You never heard of George Best, Gerd Mueller, Nene Cubillas?
Fake Becks: Yeah, I heard of those players but not all were Strikers... Best was a midfielder and...
Burrito: The Strikers was a team those peoples played for... pinche puto...
Fake Becks: What? What does that mean?
Burrito: Puto? Means you are a happy person
Fake Becks: Oh, yeah, I'm a puto then. [Smiles as he readjusts balls, cause of his tight briefs]

Fake Becks: But, going back to the whole New York thi... Why are you biting my arm?
Burrito: That's all the time we have. Burrito want to tank Fake Becks for answering questions and wish him luck in next game versus Seattle. Burrito hope you can give us good news about MLS Miami soon. Any encouraging words to Soccer Fans in South Florida?
Fake Becks: Thanks Burrito, I'd like to tell all South Florida Soccer fans to continue to support local soccer and watch MLS and hopefully I'll have some good news soon. I'd also like to tell New York fans that...
Burrito: Ok, bye!

***Please note this interview was not with the 'Real' David Beckham, so please don't ask us if it was the 'Real' Beckham you idiots!

Football in Miami and Beyond is not to be held accountable nor responsible for any claims, comments, misspelled insults, bad grammar, nor anything written by Burrito. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Warning: Frequent reading of subjects brought up by Burrito may cause diarrhea, erectile malfunctions or depression. Children please ask your parents for permission before reading.
May the force be with you...

MLS Miami Bid. We have a dream... Major League Soccer in South Florida!

Since the regretful demise of the Miami Fusion, South Florida soccer fans have been left hungry for the sport. Out of this need for soccer rose the Miami Ultras, a group that backs Miami FC, a second division team, as well as reaching out to the soccer community's youth teams and any event soccer related. But, our ultimate goal is and always has been to bring Major League Soccer back to this area.

We have contacted many possible investors and have news that at least two have spoken or will speak this week about bringing MLS back to South Florida. We are speaking of L.A. Galaxy player David Beckham, who is interested in a team once he retires and Brightstar CEO Marcelo Claure, a soccer fan who lives and breaths the sport.
They are not the only ones... Traffic Sports, owners of Miami FC have expressed their interest as well as other people and groups that the Ultras are in touch with.

The Ultras are committed and we will not stop until we bring MLS back to South Florida!

Enjoy the video:

Support our efforts in bringing MLS to South Florida. Follow our MLS Miami Bid.

Website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlsmiami

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495

Email us to: info@mlsmiamibid.com

Ochocinco and his Football (Soccer) friends, Beckham, Ronaldinho, etc

I'm sad I sat on this for 5 days while waiting for some " Important information " that never came. Since then The Offside jumped on this. Last time I wait for anyone! So here it is:

Are you Addicted to Twitter? Someone that's a self confessed addict is Miami native and Cincinnati Bengal Player Chad Ochocinco

I started to follow Ochocinco after I heard he supported Miami's World Cup Bid and realized he was a Football (Soccer) Fan. Chad never fails to mention the beautiful game in his tweets and just last week he bombarded twitter with some real cool pictures of himself with famous Soccer stars. Be sure to check out the original pictures and leave a comment for Ochocinco (links under the pictures). Let him know how cool he is for loving the king of all sports.

Chad also mentioned something about playing for a team in Spain during the NFL off season and said it was thanks to Thierry Henry, but Chad never specified. I'm curious to see what he meant. We will see if we can get him to show up to a Miami FC game. As you can see he already has his own Jersey! Vamos Miami!


Ocho with Ronaldhino
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Materazzi
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Ibrahimovic
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Thierry Henry
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with Ashley Cole
Original Picture and Comment


Ocho with David Beckham
Original Picture and Comment


To follow Chad Ochocinco on Twitter go to http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco
You can also join him on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ogochocinco

You can also follow Football in Miami and Beyond at http://twitter.com/footballsoccerm

Don't forget to follow Miami FC at
http://twitter.com/Miamifc

Claure willing to team up with Beckham and Traffic to bring MLS to Miami

Once again MiamiSoccerFan.com seems to be the site that gets all the exclusives concerning Soccer in Miami. The site lead by "El Presidente" Pieter Brown of the Miami Ultras has scored yet another interview with Brightstar owner Marcelo Claure who lead the failed Barcelona Miami MLS bid.

Claure graciously answers questions and gives South Florida hope as to its future with MLS and soccer in general. Claure states that he is willing to team up with Beckham, Traffic (owners of Miami FC) or both. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

MiamiSoccerFan: If David Beckham calls you would you consider starting an MLS Miami team with him?

Marcelo Claure: Absolutely. David Beckham would bring immediate credibility to a bid and I think Miami would be a perfect match for David to own a MLS franchise. Also, and as I have said repeatedly, I’d be open to pursuing another franchise bid in Miami with the right partners.

MSF: What do you think of Miami FC? why don't you join forces with MFC?

Claure: Miami FC has done amazing things for soccer in South Florida, and I think very highly of the Traffic organization. I have a good relationship with the guys at Miami FC and Traffic so there could be an opportunity where we do something together in Miami.

For more go to MiamiSoccerFan.com

In a perfect world this dream team up would have taken place already. But it is up to the fans to make this happen. We urge Soccer fans in South Florida who want an MLS team back in Miami to write to the following emails and send it out to friends.
David Beckham / 19 Entertainment: oliveira@19.co.uk or simon@19.co.uk
Also email the following possible investors:
Marcelo Claure: marcelo.claure@BRIGHTSTARCORP.com
Traffic / Miami FC : adavidson@trafficsports.com
For those people out there who can't think of anything to write... following please find a sample letter you can copy and paste to your email. Now you have no excuses! Let's do it Miami!

Dear Marcelo Claure, David Beckham and Traffic

I am a Soccer fan who is ready to support a new MLS team.

I believe that with the right ownership group willing to invest in this area, with a competitive team and playing at either FIU or Lockhart Stadiums that our soccer team would be successful. I want Professional Soccer in South Florida!
I ask you to do whatever it takes to make our dream come alive.

Yours Truly,
South Florida Soccer Fan

Lets do something about it Soccer fans!

***I need to voice my concern with local media for not even mentioning the Beckham story nor this interview with Claure. Many criticize South Florida fans for being fickle, demanding and soccer snobs. But this attitude also comes from those that bring us the news. If soccer is to be embraced then the media needs to pick these things up. Not even a mention on the Miami Herald Blog! I invite soccer fans to reach out to our local media and voice your opinions. Please write to the following:

Adam Beasley
abeasley@miamiherald.com
Michelle Kaufman
mkaufman@miamiherald.com

Jeff Rusnak of the Sun Sentinel
jrusnak59@aol.com

Miami Soccer Fan releases Beckham Letter

As we mentioned in a previous post MiamiSoccerFan.com finally released the letter that was sent to David Beckham.

It reads as follows:

Dear Mr. Beckham,

We want to tell you about our dream.
We dream of a Major League Soccer team in South Florida.

We ask you to consider Miami / Ft Lauderdale for expansion as the 20th team of Major League Soccer. We know you have that option. We know if anyone can bring the right investors and bring the fans to the stadium it is you, David Beckham.

South Florida has had a love affair with the game since the old days of NASL, when Cubillas, Hudson and Best (Among others) played for the Ft Lauderdale Strikers. We fell in love with the Miami Fusion, a team that should never have been shutdown in 2001. We have a rich Soccer history. We are sure a team in South Florida will be successful if we have investors with the right vision, who will give this market a chance. To further explore the pros of Miami / Ft Lauderdale please read the following article http://thekartikreport.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/the-case-for-miami-or-fort-lauderdale/

We are the Miami Ultras, South Florida Soccer Fans and we have started a campaign to gather pledges for season tickets for a potential South Florida MLS team. We will present you or any investor willing to give this town a chance with the emails and addresses of all those who join our cause.

We ask that you take the time to visit our season ticket page and our site

http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Tickets.html

Home page:

http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Home/Home.html

We believe you will fall in love with this town if you give it a chance. You can reach us at this email or phone numbers provided.

We want to thank you for your time and hope you give us a serious consideration.

Pieter Brown
El Presidente
The Miami Ultras

Read the rest at MiamiSoccerFan.com

Miami Fans send letters to Beckham plus more TOA vs USL info

South Florida Soccer Fans may be the ones that enticed a group of investors to discuss an MLS team in Miami with Beckham.

A recent conversation among South Florida Soccer fans revealed that some time ago a letter was sent to David Beckham urging him to bring a team to Miami. Letters were also sent to possible investors around the country.

I was able to speak to Julio Caballero VP of the Miami Ultras Soccer Fans who confirmed the existence of the letter. Julio went on to say that more information will be revealed shortly. Be sure to check out MiamiSoccerfan.com in the next few days to read more about the letter. Hopefully we can see an actual copy.

If South Florida Fans are determined to do something about bringing an MLS team to this part of the country then we need to do something about it! Support our efforts and make a promise that you will purchase a season ticket by going to http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Tickets.html all information will be given to any potential investor willing to bring an MLS team to South Florida.

If you want to do more as a fan then Please email the above site to your friends and family and tell them to write letters to:

David Beckham / 19 Entertainment: simon.oliveira@19.co.uk or simon@19.co.uk
Also email the following possible investors:
Marcelo Claure: marcelo.claure@BRIGHTSTARCORP.com
Traffic / Miami FC : adavidson@trafficsports.com

Voice your opinion. Tell them how you want an MLS team in South Florida and how you will support the team. Help spread the word Soccer Fans!

TOA vs USL

As most of you have read on this site, it seems USL has kicked our team (Miami FC) out of the league by eliminating all evidence of the teams existence from their site. The same was done to the Minnesota Thunder and the Carolina Railhawks. My calls to USL have not been successful but our friend Kartik Krishnayer of the Kartik Report wrote the following:

I can confirm Vancouver, the reigning USL First Division Champion, who knocked out Portland last night in quest of a second title will be joining the TOA in a potential breakaway league. Vancouver, I can confirm has not renewed for next season and will take their cue from the TOA as to the next step. Expect Whitecaps players to get the same email from Tim Holt that the Carolina, Miami and Minnesota players did, at the conclusion of the USL First Division Championship Series.

Montreal, the other finalist this year has yet to renew with USL for next season, but still may do so independently of the TOA per a well placed source. It is also possible that Montreal will stick with the TOA whether it is within USL or a “breakaway” league.

The way things are going it seems the new TOA league would have the following teams:

Miami Blues
Vancouver Whitecaps
Montreal Impact
Minnesota Thunder
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Carolina Railhawks
St. Louis United
Atlanta Silverbacks

It is believed that the Puerto Rico Islanders would join the TOA and possibly New York FC as well but its still up in the air.

USL would be left with the following teams:

Rochester Rhinos
Charleston Battery
Cleveland City Stars
Portland Timbers
Austin Aztex
Ottawa

There is still the rumor that the TOA league might be the fabled MLS-2. We have a number of sources with this information but none willing to place their name on it. Everyone is tight lipped about this. We will keep you informed if anything comes up.

The good news is that Miami FC is still operating and they are conducting business as usual! They have announced that in collaboration with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as well as nine other South Florida premiere sports teams have come together to offer the South Florida Sport Super Pass. What does that mean? Well, fans will have the option of choosing between 10 different sporting events spaced out through next year. It's pretty cool, read more HERE

TOA vs USL UPDATE 10/06/09 11:13 AM

Inside Minnesota Soccer has new info concerning a meeting between the USSF, TOA and USL taking place in NY.
It's about time USSF does something about this. IMS also informs that an MLS official will also be present. For more information go HERE
It's a good read!

My personal opinion is that nothing will come out of this meeting. USL/Nurock should have approached the TOA as soon as they took over in order to make peace and open dialogue. Instead they ignored the issues and made the situation worse.

TOA vs USL UPDATE 10/06/09 7:40 PM

Brian Quarstad of IMS has done it again, this time they have the actual letter sent by USL President Tim Holt to the players. If there are any lawyers out there we'd like your input. Check it out HERE

Becks to set up MLS Miami Team Rumors continue...

I decided to take a week off after Miami FC's season ended. But now I'm back and as promised here is some more Miami MLS info. I'll start off with an anonymous comment made on the last post written by Burrito below. It states that David Beckham is interested in starting an MLS team in Miami.

A source said: "Beckham does not want to go into management when his playing career ends and is now focused on owning a club. Simon Fuller is a clever man and believes there is a lot of money to be made as football continues to expand in the US.

"They have concluded Miami is ripe for a new team and stadium. There is a big Latino population who love their football and there is also a large expatriate British community.

"Plus, it is a great place to live - very sunny and on the coast. They are now starting to look for the right financial partners and sponsors."

For more Go HERE

The link is over a year old and the source, though not the best, is accurate to an extent.

Recently, a few sites including MLS Rumors brought us the news that Becks was looking at Montreal as a possible city to exercise his option to own an MLS team. We think most fans knew this information was bogus as soon as they heard it and ultimately even the Beckham camp refuted the rumor. Becks and Spice girl in Montreal? Sorry, I just can't imagine them living there or wanting to do anything in Canada for that matter and I don't mean to dis Montreal but the truth is Montreal doesn't need Beckham. They have everything already working for them: A wealthy team owner, a Soccer specific stadium and a large fan base.

In the U.S. after New York and Los Angeles, the only cool city left is Miami. South Florida is the perfect place to set up a team and if anyone can bring the fans to the stadium it's David Beckham.

There remains uncertainty concerning the fate of Miami FC in USL and as some of you have already read we broke out the news of the recent talks involving Aaron Davidson, president of Miami FC and MLS. Read about it HERE
It is still unknown what the talks were about. Some say there could be an MLS-2 in the works. But the same sources that gave us the info on the meeting between MLS and the TOA (Miami FC) tells us "Team Beckham" is in talks with a group interested in bringing MLS to Miami. Is it Traffic Sports? (Owners of Miami FC) Is it Marcelo Claure? (Who did the failed Barcelona Miami bid) or is it another group of investors?
We will keep looking for who these people are... More on this soon.