Thought only Beckham wanted MLS in Miami?

Did you think only David Beckham and his apparent partner Marcelo Claure were the only ones interested in bringing a Major League Soccer team to South Florida? Nope, there are more.

We recently heard that Dolphins owner Steve Ross might bring a team too. Well, he's not the only one.

Last night on the Ultras Alive Show we heard from another possible MLS Miami Bid group lead by former The Childrens Investment Fund partner Alessandro Butini.
Alessandro, has been working with the University of Miami School of Architecture on a Stadium project . This past Monday he met up with the Dean of the Architecture school and the senior students taking part in a Fall studio which is centered on the project of a soccer specific stadium for an MLS team in Miami. In December, the senior professors of the architecture school will name the winner of the project which will help Alessandro find a location (said to be in Downtown Miami) and the perfect design for a Roofed Soccer Specific Stadium that he tells us will be completely privately funded.

Butini continued, that he has spoken to MLS commissioner Don Garber and Miami city officials about what is needed and required to make this happen. He is fully aware of the challenges South Florida brings and has identified Miami as an event town, which he expects to address accordingly. 
He has the backing of Suzie MacCagnan, who has worked in numerous transactions of football clubs in the UK, and advised many board of directors, like Liverpool, Sheffield United, and Portsmouth. Plus Marco Felice Novelli, an investment banker who has focused his career in Real Estate deals and distressed equities. Alessandro is looking for his Miami team to start playing in his fully operational facility in 2017 .

For more information listen to what he said on the Ultras Alive Show, here is the direct link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/soccersupportersradionetwork/2013/10/01/ultras-alive-109

Alessandro Butini has launched a website, be sure to check it out and fill in the petition!
 http://mia4mls.com/
Also Follow on Twitter: @Miami_MLS
LIKE this facebook page: MLS Miami Bid
 

Ray Hudson's Miami Fusion

I had to share this wonderful video looking back at my Favorite team of all time. The Miami Fusion.

Could it be MLS is preparing us for something? Only time will tell.
You want MLS back in South Florida?
LIKE -----> https://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
Follow ---> https://twitter.com/Miami_MLS

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

Chelsea FC and AC Milan to play at Sun Life Stadium July 28, 2012

Two great teams will play in Miami! Check out the press release: MIAMI (May 7, 2012) – The eyes of the soccer world will focus on South Florida again this summer when two of Europe’s most storied clubs, England’s Chelsea FC and Italy’s AC Milan, face-off at Sun Life Stadium at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28 as part of the World Football Challenge. The announcement was made by RSE Ventures, in partnership with CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency, and Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the U.S. and Canada. RSE Ventures also announced that Insignia Sports and Entertainment will be assisting with sponsorship and television elements associated with the highly-anticipated match. Details regarding media accreditation for the 2012 World Football Challenge will be announced the first week of June. “We're excited to team up with CAA Sports and MLS to bring two of the most successful clubs in the world to Miami,” said Matt Higgins, CEO of RSE Ventures. “We’re pleased Chelsea FC and AC Milan are coming to the home of international soccer for an unforgettable match. Working with the Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium, we plan a full line up of summer soccer in what promises to be an annual tradition in Miami.” Tickets start as low as $29 and go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 10 through all Ticketmaster outlets. With this game, Sun Life Stadium continues to establish itself as South Florida’s top venue for world-class international soccer. In August 2011, the FC Barcelona v. Chivas Guadalajara match drew 70,080 fans, setting a state attendance record for a soccer match. In February 2012, 51,615 saw Colombia take on Mexico. “Miami is a soccer hotbed,” said Mike Dee, CEO of the Miami Dolphins. “This announcement continues the tradition of bringing world-class events to our facility.” Chelsea FC, currently a finalist in the prestigious UEFA Champions League, will be visiting South Florida for the first time, led by international superstars such as Spanish forward Fernando Torres and English National Team standouts John Terry and Frank Lampard. AC Milan last played in South Florida in 1994, when more than 57,000 fans saw them take on the Colombian National Team. The defending Italian champions boast a roster of top international stars, including Brazil’s Robinho and Pato, and Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “We look forward to working with RSE Ventures, CAA Sports and Major League Soccer to help make a positive and tangible impact through creative and innovative branding around this great game,” said Peter Murray, CEO of Insignia Sports and Entertainment. “The demand for soccer in South Florida is at an all-time high and the fan experience at this event will be second to none.” One of the largest and most successful soccer exhibitions ever staged in North America, the World Football Challenge brings together many of the world’s most accomplished and celebrated soccer clubs to play in major sports venues across the region. The event gives soccer fans the unique opportunity to see global superstars play live and experience first-hand the fast-paced, skillful competition that has made soccer the most popular sport in the world. Now in its third year, the World Football Challenge is hosted in partnership by CAA Sports and MLS. More than half a million fans attended the event last year and sports fans across North America will once again enjoy a summer of top international matches in 2012.
*** Stay tuned for more information!
Get tickets HERE:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D0048A36FDF3293

USA vs Venezuela Official Watch Party at Mickey Byrnes in Hollywood

Soccer fans! This Saturday come out to Mickey Byrnes in Hollywood to check out USA vs Venezuela at 9PM. Come join the American Outlaws South Florida for a great night of fun and prizes, starting with a PS3 FIFA '12 championship prior to the game. (Starting at 7 pm)
During half time of the USA vs Venezuela game the Ultras, South Florida's premiere soccer supporters group, will be giving away 4 tickets to the Mexico vs Colombia game scheduled for February 29, 2012 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
So get to the party early! We hope to see everyone there!
Where: Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub
1921 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-921-2317

Don Garber meets Miami Ultras and more in pictures by Burrito!

Hola Amigos! Burrito been in the dawg house (Liter-ally) lately. Pero no problemo, He back now!

It's been a year since MLS Commisionado El Don Garber came to South Florida to talk to Burrito's compadres the Miami Ultras. Burrito was mad cause they no let in dawgs to Hotel that day pero Burrito was able to steal pictures from Uncle Ed's cell phone and si the picture not good qualities pero thats life. What you expect from a dog? So check out the picture Burrito bring you, hope you like!

Here is a picture of Dan Courtemanche with Don Garber with Miami Ultras scarf. They look nice, si?
Notice how Don laugh... He like Wonder Woman in TV with chains! Muy Caliente!
El Don feel very patriotic with Uncle Sam in TV screen, Viva USA carajo! (Dan looks like he falling asleep!)
Burrito no know El Don was Star Trek Fan, here with Mister Sulu.Here El Don try to say "Live long and prosper" to Mister Sock! Burrito mean Mister Spock!
And of course said the horse, here with Spock and el Capitan Kirk! (They also want MLS in Miami)
El Comisionado say he also like Star Wars, here with Obi Wan and Luke.
El Garber say he grow up watching Mister Rourke and Tatu on Fanasy Island!
El Don smiles and compares his teeths with King Kong!
Here you see Godzilla, King of all monsters! And El Don King of MLS!
Don with David Beckham... is Becks giving the middle finger? Ay Chihuahua!
Mister Don say he want to bring MLS to Miami cause Abe Vigoda says so!
Finally best picture evers! El Comissionado Don Garber with Burrito!

Burrito hope you all enjoy these pictures commemoratings the 1 year anniversarys since El Don came to South Florida.
Now Senor Garber, Give Burrito his MLS team back alreadys!
Time for Los Fort Lauderdale Strikers to move up or for another investors to step up!
Hasta los Huevos amigos!
Su amigo el perro mas chido!
Burrito!

You can follow Burrito on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Burritofutbol

If you want to help bring Major League Soccer back to South Florida please support us by going to our web page and sign up.
http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/
also check out www.miamiultras.com
You can also follow us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
and join the Ultras too:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/7961678958/
and twitter:
https://twitter.com/miamiultras
You have suggestions? Want more information?
Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com

Ultras host South Florida MLS Cup Final watch party at Mickey Byrnes...

The Ultras will host South Florida's MLS Cup Final watch party at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub this Sunday! Be sure to show up early as there will be food and drink specials.Game time is 9 PM.

Prior to the game we are having a Playstation FIFA 12 Tournament! If you'd like to participate let us know so we can include you in the bracket. Games start at 7PM and so far these are the players and their teams:
INTER-Mitchell Rivera. NAPOLI-Paul Shawncy Mordente
BARCA-Alan G. WOLVES-Zach Reese
AC MILAN-Elvis Moran. MAN U- Pabony Rivera
SHEFFIELD-Derek Reese MAN CITY- Adam Nessim

The draw for the games will be at 7 pm at Mickey's.

All players be there on time.
Alternate players so far are Ed Serrano and Juan Ruiz

Rules FOR PS3 FIFA 12 TOURNAMENT:
1) 10 MINUTES GAMES EVEN FOR FINAL
2) WEATHER ALL CLEAR FOR ALL THE GAMES
3) CAN NOT USE CREATION PLAYER OR TEAM
4) COIN FLIP FOR HOME FIELD
5) IF A TIE, ALL GAMES GOES INTO EXTRA TIME AND PENALTY SHOOT OUT EVEN THE FINAL
6) TELE VIEW FOR ALL GAMES AND THE FINAL

Before for the Tournanment Ultras will hold a draw, one for the first round and for the semi finals.

Come out and watch the MLS Final with us!
Check out the facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301294156566434

Strikers vs Islanders playoff game this Saturday at 7:30 PM! Tailgate to start at 3 PM includes Food trucks and more...

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are 90 minutes away from the NASL final thanks to a 3-1 win over the Puerto Rico Islanders. With a 2 goal lead the Strikers will look to eliminate the Islanders this Saturday, Oct. 15th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at www.strikers.com or the box office at Lockhart stadium.

Be sure to get there early! There will be Food trucks and a special Supporters tailgate starting at 3 PM hosted by our tailgate specialist Chris Marrazzo. There will be beer, liquor, drinking games, funnels and we’ll also kick the ball around in our drunken stupor. It will be an amazing tailgate worthy of a playoff win.
Here is a special message brought to you by MC Chris Marrazzo to all South Florida soccer fans:


Be sure to follow Chris on twitter @chrismarrazz

Veronica Paysse on ESPN Deportes Miami 1210 AM

Si, Burrito's new girlfriend, Veronica Paysse is now on the radio! You never heard of her? Well, Burrito's love affair with her began many a futbol years ago.
In 2001 The Miami Fusion was shut down. Burrito's heart was broken and Burrito swear he would never see another MLS game again. EVERS!

Pero, one day when Uncle Ed was changing channels, and as Burrito was chewing on a bone, there, there, out of the corner of Burrito's eye he see a real mamacita! (Pardon the French). In 2002 the only thing that make Burrito watch MLS was Veronica.

But all good things come to an end. Veronica moved on to another TV channel and so Burrito again told MLS to go to hell! Si, again they brake Burrito's heart.But just the other day, as usual, when Uncle Ed go to work he leave radio on for Burrito to listen to and this time he leave it on 1210 AM. Burrito hear her voice and is now addicted.
You too should listen to ESPN Deportes Miami 1210 AM every morning from 9am to 12pm. It's in Spanish!
You can also follow Veronica Paysse on twitter: @VPMIA
The shows Twitter is: @ESPNDeportesMia
www.espndeportesradio.com
Pictures taken from Veronica's twitter and the internet.

About Burrito:
Burrito is the only soccer blogging dawg in the known universe! Since 1998! Join Burrito's twitter or he hit you on head with quesadilla! @Burritofutbol Burrito want MLS in Miami! Help us bring a team to South Florida.
Go Here to join the facebook page
or check out the website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

Don't understand Burrito's Spanglish? Click on the words to find out the definition.

MagicJack Wins with an Abby Wambach brace! Miami Ultras announce new website.

South Florida's WPS team MagicJack advanced to the next phase of the playoffs with a 3 to 1 win over the Boston Breakers. MagicJack will now face the Philadelphia Independence this coming Saturday August 20 at 4 pm. You can watch that game live on Fox Soccer channel or online.
MagicJack goals were scored by Abby Wambach at the 6' and later in the 57' off of a penalty with Megan Rapinoe scoring off of a Christen Press pass in the 61'. The Independence scored in the 31' thanks to Keelin Winters. MagicJack dominated most of the game.
You can read more about the game HERE.

Following are videos captured from the webcast. You can hear the supporters drums courtesy of the Miami Ultras and Flight 19 supporters groups.



Listen to the drums!


Megan Rapinoe hits the post.


MagicJack Attacks!


Abby Wambach Penalty Goal

The new Miami Ultras website
South Florida's soccer supporters group the Miami Ultras launched their new website. www.miamiultras.com this past Monday. The old website MiamiSoccerfan.com announced the move this past Friday.

It’s an end of an era for MiamiSoccerFan.com as we end a nice run here. We’ve had some good times here at MSF with the birth of the Miami Ultras and plenty of cool interviews and stories.
But don’t be sad because we’re moving to a bigger and better website, miamiultras.com. At MiamiUltras.com you’ll have a much enhanced experience with Miami Ultras TV, Facebook and Twitter connectivity, more writers, flash slideshow and our very own forum.
You’ll have no need to go over to BigSoccer with the MiamiUltras.com forum. All you have to do is register and start giving your opinions in any of the threads or start your own thread. This forum will moderated much more liberally than any other soccer forum, so go ahead and let it rip.
This new and improved site will also allow us to have more writers with the ability to post their own articles. You will no longer need to email me your stories. Contact me if you wish to write on MiamiUltras.com and we’ll hook you up.
So stop wasting time and head over to the new MiamiUltras.com!

Be sure to check it out!

Miami Ultras Alive
If you missed this weeks episode of Miami Ultras Alive, hosted by Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed you missed a great episode where they discussed the Miami Fusion with one time Afusionado supporters group President Andrew Hazelton. Andrew takes us back through memory lane and gives us a few anecdotes about his experiences during the short lived MLS team’s existence. We also discuss the Fort Lauderdale Strikers unbeaten streak as well as the playoff bound WPS side MagicJack. Listen to the show every Monday at 10 PM Live and call in with questions to (323) 927-1455 or join in on the live chat.
You can listen to it here:

Listen to internet radio with Miami Ultras Alive on Blog Talk Radio

Barcelona vs Chivas pack 70,000 at Sun Life Stadium and make a case for MLS.

The best team in the world, Barcelona played the most popular team in Mexico (Chivas de Guadalajara) and filled Sun Life Stadium on a humid Wednesday night in Miami. Section 404 was packed with Miami Ultras  and other fans who were present to watch the beautiful game at it's best. We all saw Chivas shock Barcelona with their wonderful play and goals.

Chivas won in a stunning 4-1 upset, its second goal on a spectacular bicycle kick that made a stadium gasp. The result was a shocker not only because mighty Barcelona led and might be the best club in the world (when full strength), but because European teams had been 9-0 against North American teams in this ongoing World Football Challenge series.
By Greg Cote of the Miami Herald. 

Read more: HERE

Here is the video highlights of the the game and the goals (In Spanish):


Signs asking for MLS in Miami were seen throughout the stadium... And as Mr. Spock says in the picture: 'Logic Dictates MLS Expansion to Miami is next'. It appears it is only a matter of time before MLS returns to South Florida. After the new New York franchise, that Major League Soccer's Commissioner Don Garber insists will be the 20th MLS franchise, South Florida seems to be the next logical move. Sure, there are pretenders out there such as Orlando and Indianapolis. But they lack the flash and TV market that only South Florida has. After Los Angeles and New York there is no other city as sexy as Miami.

As I said when Commissioner Garber met with the Miami Ultras in January. 'MLS will only and truly have a national foothold with a team in South Florida'. After all, the closest MLS team is DC United 1,000 miles to the North. An entire region of this country (The SouthEast ) has no first Division presence, a true shame.

 What will make MLS succeed in South Florida? A great and passionate owner with deep pockets willing to give this market a chance. The Fusion's owner Ken Horowitz didn't have the above. He gave up on a team in 2001 that was the best in the league. A team who's attendance increased by 50%! The team was just starting to build the foundation of a soccer tradition and history.

If we talk about history you don't have to look too far to realize that the old is the way to go. Check out the Sounders and the Timbers to name only a few. Just North we have the reincarnation of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, one of the most storied teams of the old NASL. If the current owners are not willing to take them to MLS then maybe someone else can step in and make it happen. They are currently averaging about over *4,000 fans per game 2nd in NASL. (Corrected, thanks to F19)

Following is a local channel's coverage of the Barcelona vs Chivas game. Check out the Strikers fan! (Justin Yarborough)

Hell, I'd be happy with bringing the Fusion name back as long as we had top flight soccer back in South Florida. MLS has come a long way from the early days. The league has changed and grown but they still have a long road ahead before they can compete with European or even the Mexican League. But it's do-able and it's time to bring MLS to South florida.

If the Barcelona vs Chivas game proved anything it is that people in South Florida want quality. It's the only way to sway them from their teams back home. Bring superstars like Forlan, Messi and Ronaldo and people will flock to the stadium. We know how this town works. Make the soccer game an event and people will come!

If you want to help bring MLS to South Florida then go to www.mlsmiamibid.com and sign up to receive emails and the latest information about local soccer.
You can also follow us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid

Another way of supporting the cause is by going out to see Fort Lauderdale Strikers games and Women's Professional Soccer team magicJack. by supporting these teams you are sending a message out to MLS that we want and will support a team in South Florida.

You can also join the Miami Ultras, South Florida's soccer supporters group. you can see us at most soccer events and now playing in soccer tournaments. So come and join us and listen to our weekly soccer radio show every Monday night at 10 pm. Miami Ultras Alive.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras

Here are more links from all over the world mentioning Miami's incredible turnout to see the Barcelona vs Chivas game:
Miami Herald
Sun Sentinel  Includes video
Yahoo Sports
MLS Talk
Times Live
CBS Miami 
USA Today
ESPN
Miami New Times Includes video

Jim Rooney on Miami Ultras Alive, Miami Soccer Festival, Strikers win and more.

Ex Miami Fusion captain and current Fort Lauderdale Strikers Assistant coach Jim Rooney was our guest last night on Miami Ultras Alive.
Rooney was gracious enough to answer our questions about his Fusion days, including a number of anecdotes concerning Ray Hudson's underwear and his own sports bra (In tribute to Brandi Chastain's World Cup goal) inspired celebration during the MLS All Star game. Jim also explained the intricacies involved in being a coach and what he thinks it will take to have a successful NASL/MLS team in South Florida.

Be sure to listen to the full show here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/08/02/miami-ultras-alive-17

For more on Jim Rooney check out "What Ever happened to: Jim Rooney" on the MLS site.

Want to know more about Miami Ultras Alive? Check out El Presidente Pieter Brown being interviewed about our show:

Miami Soccer Festival
The Miami Ultras soccer supporters group participated in the Miami Soccer Festival that was held at Kendall Soccer park. The Ultras fielded a soccer team that this time was lead by Coach Mitch Rivera who replaced yours truly Uncle Ed.
The team had in it's majority, veterans from our first soccer team adventure at MLS Futbolito a few months back. We also had 3 rookies:
Dan "The Beast" Coyle, Brian "The Terminator" Kelly and Luis Miguel "El Terror de las Mujeres" Ojeda Jaramillo. Our only goal of the tournament was scored by veteran forward David "The Judge"Ito.
Our Ultras team proved once again that we shine as supporters and beer drinkers but we can't play if our lives depended on it! Still, the adventure was fun and we'll never let it get us down... No way Jose! As a matter of fact, the Ultras will be playing this weekend at the Pub Cup! Do you want to help us lift a trophy? Contact us on Facebook.
The Ultras didn't only go to the Festival to play soccer, we also went to recruit new members! The Ultras lead by our fearless leader El Presidente Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed manned the Miami Ultras Booth! check it out peoples!

Our main focus was to recruit new members but we were also there to push our continued MLS Miami Bid campaign. We want top flight soccer in South Florida. If you want to be part of it join our Facebook for continued updates. http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid
If you want to be part of the Miami Ultras and support all soccer in South Florida, which includes the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and magicJack then join us!
Go to Miami Soccer Fan

The Strikers win!

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers finally won and in a convincing manner! The Strikers defeated Edmonton 3-0 thanks to a great performance by Brian "I got Beer poured on my hair" Shriver. You can read full details of the game at www.strikers.com
Following is a screen shot of the video where it appears Brian Shriver got him some 'Beer':

 
The fans are now re-energized and hope the team repeats that performance this weekend versus 1st place Carolina Railhawks.
Be sure to join the Fans at the tailgate starting at 4PM Saturday.

magicJack wins!

magicJack, our Womens Professional Soccer team also came out victorious this weekend defeating the Atlanta Beat by 4-0. Christen Press had a hat trick giving her a total of 8 goals so far this season while Abby Wambach scored her 5th of the season. Read more about the game HERE

magicJack will now play Sky Blue FC tomorrow Wednesday at 7PM at FAU Soccer field.

Barcelona vs Chivas

Also playing tomorrow is European Champion Barcelona versus Mexico's most popular team Chivas of Guadalajara. The Game is set to start at 8 pm at Sun Life Stadium.
Be sure to meet up with the Miami Ultras and MLS Miami Bid fans at parking area W-24 (See Stadium map). People should start arriving at 4 pm. Once in the stadium look for us in Section 404.

We hope to see everyone out there!

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.

Strikers Tie... again! Now its time for a Tampa road trip!

Almost 6,000 people showed up at Lockhart Stadium this Wednesday despite the rain and conflicting U2 concert. It's all because our most hated rival came to town. FC Tampa Bay (aka Rowdies) came into South Florida in search of points and unfortunately they took one point with them.

The Strikers dominated this game with an incredible 24 shots of which only 6 were on goal. It was a game where the result should have been an overwhelming win by at least 4 goals but it's apparent we just can't score. Tampa on the other hand had only 2 shots on goal converting one of them. One thing the Strikers have been able to do is come from behind and tie their last few games. But the fans want wins especially at home!

Worth mentioning are all the supporters that rocked the stadium all night. If you listen in on the video you can hear the Strikers supporter tell the few Rowdies fans present that they can't hear them as well as other Tampa hate chants. The twelfth man was definitely present! Check out the video if you haven't already.


The supporters also had a JVB1 sign in honor of Strikers goalkeeping legend Jan van Beveren who passed away this past Sunday in Houston Texas. They also had a Tifo sporting the words "Kings of Florida" just so that the Rowdies are aware that they are the Strikers peons!

“We were just missing the final pass on a couple of chances,” said head coach Daryl Shore. “We were the aggressor tonight and it’s frustrating. Soccer is funny because you can have a team on their heels and one chance and you go down 1 - 0.”

You can read more about the game HERE
Here are a few more pictures from the Tailgate, the game and screen shots from the video.

Tampa Road Trip
In case you didn't know, the Strikers are headed up North to St. Petersburg to play the Rowdies on Monday July 4th at 6 pm. If you want to be part of the caravan we will depart out of Lockhart Stadium at 10AM sharp on Monday.

SFU has set up a 15 person van and there are still a couple of seats so if you want to tag along it will be $40 on Monday morning which includes the game ticket. Derek Reese even supplied us with a picture indicating where the Strikers Likers will be seated. Check it out! Click to enlarge.

As you can see we'll be sitting behind home plate, close to the Mob's section.
So come on people, lets invade Tampa! Get in your cars or hop on the bus with us to support our Strikers! If you want to join us contact us ASAP or see you Monday morning at Lockhart Stadium.
Let's Go Strikers!