Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and Jorge Campos visit Sun Life Stadium on Wed., December 14 to promote Mexico vs. Colombia match

One time Miami Fusion player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and former L.A. Galaxy player Jorge Campos visit Sun Life Stadium on Wed., December 14 to promote Mexico vs. Colombia match

***ATTENTION THIS IS A MEDIA ONLY EVENT
Here is the press release:

Two of the game’s most popular legends joined by Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders for a memorable afternoon on the pitch, including a jersey presentation to the players

MIAMI (Monday, Dec. 12, 2011) – Two of soccer’s biggest World Cup legends, Colombia’s Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and Mexico’s Jorge Campos, will visit Miami’s Sun Life Stadium on Wed., December 14 at 2:30 p.m. ET, where they will participate in an animated photo-op on the pitch with Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders to promote the international soccer match between the national teams of Mexico and Colombia that will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The two soccer icons will receive customized Miami Dolphins jerseys and will be available to the media for interviews.

WHAT: Soccer legends visit Sun Life stadium to promote upcoming international game between Mexico and Colombia

WHO: Carlos “Pibe” Valderrama – legendary Colombian midfielder and World Cup veteran

Jorge Campos – legendary, flamboyant Mexican goalkeeper and World Cup veteran

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders


WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m. ET

WHERE: Sun Life Stadium
347 Don Shula Drive

Miami Gardens, FL 33056


Photo/Video Opportunities:

Interaction between World Cup legends and Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders
Miami Dolphins Jersey presentation
Players “kicking it around” on the pitch
Player soundbytes


NOTES TO MEDIA:

Please arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. ET
Enter the stadium through Gate E and head towards the first-base dugout on field level
Media members must have a valid ID from their organization to attend the event

www.SUMworld.com

The Ultras hosted the MLS Cup trophy at Mickey Byrnes Pub.

The Miami Ultras organized a Major League Soccer watch party at Mickey Byrnes Pub in Hollywood this past Sunday which also had the gracious presence of former Los Angeles Galaxy playmaker and ex Salvadoran national team player Mauricio Cienfuegos.
It was a great experience to be next to the MLS Cup and to be able to pose with it in pictures before it headed West to L.A. for the final between the Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo.
Major League Soccer also featured the Ultras on their website. You can read the article here:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/fans/article/2011/11/07/mls-cup-visits-south-florida

The Ultras will again organize a watch party for the MLS final at Mickey Byrnes on November 20th. We hope to see all the fans out there.

Below are a few pictures taken during the event:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you want MLS in South Florida? Then join MLS Miami Bid on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
You can also visit the website www.mlsmiamibid.com

Did you miss the latest episode of Miami Ultras Alive? Listen to it HERE
Our guest was Franco Panizo who writes for Soccer by Ives. We spoke about the MLS event, Strikers and more!
Stay tuned for the next Miami Ultras Alive on Monday November 14 at 10 PM when we will have NASL's Kartik Krishnaiyer and Fort Lauderdale Strikers President Tim Robbie!

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.

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...

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

Landon Donovan on Jimmy Kimmel, Blues sign Tampa's back up keeper and more

Burrito's amigo Landon Donovan of the L.A. Galaxy and U.S. national team was on Jimmy Kimmel last night.
If you no remember recently Landon answered Burrito's question where Burrito axed him if the devil gave him the alternative to play for Mexico national team or burn in hell for eternity which would he pick? You can see the video HERE

Now check out Landon on Jimmy Kimmel peoples!


Part #2


In other news can you believe Miami FC stoop so low that they announce yesterday that Tampa Bay goalkeeper Phillip Lamarre will be on loan for one month. Ay chihuahua! Porque? Read about it HERE

Talk about Miami FC... Burrito find out they will have a new website up in the next few days! Be sure to check it out amigos!
http://www.miamifc.com/
Phil Lamarre picture by Kyle Kaly

Landon Donovan answers Burrito's question! with Video via MLSinsider

Burrito's amigos over at MLSinsider axed LanDon DonoVan Burrito's question!

Here what they write:

You see? I wasn't playing earlier when I said I would prove that LD doesn't mind stupid questions. I asked a couple of them (and a few good questions from selected MLS fans on Twitter and Facebook) the other night and no equipment was damaged. Hell, he even laughed at a few of them.

Burrito axed "If the devil give you the option of playing for Mexico national team or burning in hell which you pick?

Here DonoVAn's answer:

On The Couch with Landon Donovan from mlsinsider on Vimeo.

About Burrito:
Burrito is the only soccer blogging dawg in the known universe! Since 1998!
Join Burrito's group or he hit you on head with quesadilla!
Follow Burrito on http://twitter.com/Burritofutbol or join his group on Facebook

The Return of Beowulf (a.k.a. Zach Kirby)

Zach Kirby was born and grew up in Georgia. After high school his pursuit of knowledge and soccer took him north to 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. With Atlanta sitting out the 2009 Zach traveled south and became a member of the Miami FC Blues.
Our good friend and Miami Ultra Robert Scorca asked him a few questions:

Robert Scorca: Marietta is only 15 miles from Atlanta. Were you a fan of the Silverbacks?
Zach Kirby: Yes. I also remember attending games when they were called the Atlanta Ruckus.

RS: During your childhood who was the athlete you look up to?
ZK: There was never one athlete in particular. I enjoy talent from a very wide spectrum. If the person was fun to watch I would take a liking to them.

RS: Who is the person who was most influential in your development as a player and a person?
ZK: There are multiple people that contributed to my success on and off the field. As a youth player, the primary mentors were my Olympic Development Program coach Kerem Daser who is currently at the helm of Georgia State University and my club coach, Dave Smith, who is the kingpin of club soccer in the greater Atlanta area. My collegiate profile was strongly influenced by two coaches from Boston University, Andy Fleming and Neil Roberts. Their guidance helped me become the person I am today. Lastly, none of this could have been remotely possible without the unconditional support, motivation, and love from my parents and grandparents.

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.

RS: Last season, on July 19th Johan Claesson and you went up for the ball in a game against the Portland Timber. The ensuing collision was heard in the stands and knocked both players out of the game. Can you recap the injury for us?
ZK: The injury I received was a tough setback. I jumped into the air to head the ball up the field and was blind sided by an opposing player resulting in a large wound and a concussion. The team doctor put ten stitches in my head shortly thereafter and then I proceeded to the emergency room. The hospital stay was brief, but the residual effects of the collision lasted for approximately three weeks. It was difficult to come back from, but I slowly eased my way into the field.

RS: It seemed natural that you would come to the attention of Jason Smith, Head Coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks. When did you first come in contact with him?
ZK: At the 2007 MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale.

RS: Alex Pineda Chacon was a coach of yours with the Silverbacks. He is also a fan favorite from the Miami Fusion days. Please share some observations or items of interest.
ZK: Alex is a great person and an extremely talented player. He would always train with us in Atlanta and has not lost a beat in his game.

RS: After the Silverbacks decision to sit out the 2009 season you ended up playing for Miami FC. How did this come about?
ZK: I took a leap of faith. I packed my car to move to Miami on a whim, and it definitely worked out for the best.

RS: One of the Miami Ultras (Brian Corey) nicknamed you Beowulf. The name stuck so we will not change it. If you had to pick a nickname for yourself what would it be.
ZK: Only Beowulf. Although Thor and Beckenbauer are some other nicknames that I have been honored with in the past.

RS: Rumor alert! The first winner of the 2008 Miami Ultras Player of the Year award (Alex Afonso) upon receiving the trophy immediately left to Brazil. The location of the 2009 Miami Ultras Player of the Year trophy won by Zach Kirby is a mystery. Rumor has it Pieter Brown (President of the Miami Ultras) kept it for himself. Another rumor has it used as a flower vase. Last, in theBeowolf tradition it is being used as a beer mug on South Beach. Can you shed any light on the mystery of the location of your Ultra Player of the Year Trophy?
ZK: The last thing I heard was that it was stolen by my old roommate Tim Merritt and was on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. God only knows what he has been doing with it...

RS: Any advice for young footballers?
ZK:Set your goals high and you will achieve what you want through hard work and commitment. Most importantly, enjoy what you are doing. Happiness is an essential ingredient to success.

RS: Closing thoughts and remarks?
ZK: I am looking forward to a successful season with Miami FC and I would like to thank all of the fans for their continued motivation and support.

Miami FC Signs Players, USSF Div 2 Logo revealed and Edmonton to NASL

With the release of the USSF Division 2 schedule the "Blues" have announced the signing of 2 players.

Fan favorite Zach "Beowulf" Kirby returns to lead in the defense. Zach was solid in the back effectively neutralizing attacks. "Beowulf" as the fans called him, was elected Miami Ultras Fan Club Player of the year. His signing answers what most Miami fans anxiously awaited, the signing of players as the inaugural match is less than 2 months away.

Kirby grew up in Marietta, Georgia and played college soccer at Boston University from 2003 to 2006. He was the 2006 America East Defender of the Year. Kirby was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft by Los Angeles Galaxy, and was offered a contract, but was released in order to make roster room for Golden Balls himself David Beckham. Kirby has played for the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL First Division in 2008 and Miami FC.

Miami FC has also announced local Miami product Bryan Perez who comes from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Bryan is a forward who finished his career as the UMKC school record holder in goals (29), points (70), shots (160) and games played (78) Perez started all 78 games. Bryan was Captain of his Killian High School side as a senior. With youth on his side we hope Bryan will make an impact up top where Miami FC is in need of some magic.

Be sure to check out the Miami FC site as we are told many more announcements will be made in the days to come.

In other news the USSF Div 2 logo is out. Check it out below.

NASL News via other sites has an interesting piece on the addition of an Edmonton team to the NASL. It further makes the case that NASL is here to stay as they are looking at 2011 and beyond.
Sources within NASL tell us this is just the beginning. I've read all over that the NASL website is still a little weak if compared to the USL site. But I'm told its a work in progress. Official announcement should be out today.

One time Miami Fusion player goalkeeper Dusty Hudock was named player # 16 in the top 2 players of the decade in USL. Read more HERE

Grandfathers of Football! Who's the oldest active player? Find out...

So I was kind of bored, twiddling my thumbs or chewing the fat as an old Army Sargent of mine used to say... and I remembered I had written about a couple of old fogies still playing football, so I said to myself; "Self, let's look up and see who in tarnations is the oldest player still active". So here we go... I was surprised to see so many older players still out there and doing what they do best, which is kicking a little ball and making tons of mullah for a living! What a great life they have and I envy every single one of them. Most of the Grandfathers of Football are actually Keepers. Who better to start this off then our very own Kasey Keller, soon to be a Seattle Sounder who at 39 seems to still be on top of the game. Another team USA veteran is Brad Friedel who will be 38 next May and he's still playing strong. To conclude with the USA, striker Brian McBride turned 36 in June. But thats nothing ladies and gents, nope, we are just getting started. Teddy Sheringham who now plays for Colchester United is 42 and plans to call it quits this year. AC Milan star Paolo Maldini turned the big 4-O this June and he claims to be ready to end it this year too, but a little birdy told me he might stick around another year just for s#@*! and giggles!Colombian Rene Higuita is 41 and he recently stated he wants to play till he turns 45. Other players getting up there in age are Juan Carlos Henao 37, Carlos Navarro Montoya who will soon turn 42. Ecuadorian keeper Jacinto Espinoza is 38, Peruvians Jorge Soto is 37, Roberto "Chorillano" Palacios is 36 and striker German Carty is 39 . Colombian Defender Ever Palacios is also 39. Paraguay's World Cup Veteran Jose Saturnino Cardozo is going to be 37 as well as his WC teammate Carlos Gamarra.MLS has a legion of old timers led by Canadian Pat Onstad 40 and Mexican veteran of a million battles, the original "Emperor" Claudio Suarez who will also turn 40. OK, and no one is better then Ezra! (get it?) St Vincents very own Ezra Hendrickson is 36 and will soon be followed by ex L.A. Galaxy Abel Xavier, Preston Burpo and Diego Gutierrez. Brazil's Romario de Souza Faria better known as... wait for it, "Romario" (Sometimes I just kill me!) is 42. He will retire with a game between Flamengo and Barcelona in Rio's Maracana stadium. His former Brazil teammate Cafu is 37 and Paulo Sergio Rosa aka "Viola" is 39.But the king of the old men of football is Brazil's oldest active player Pedro Ribeiro Lima who is 58! Lima currently plays for Desportiva Perilima and he recently said that he wants to keep playing until he is 60. He beat out previous record holder English winger Stanley Matthews, who represented Maltese outfit Hibernians until he reached 55, and the ageless Cameroonian Roger Milla , the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, he was 42.
Taken from a blog I wrote on the Orlando Sentinel March 8, 2008