Showing posts with label MLS Futbolito. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLS Futbolito. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

MLS Futbolito pictures, video and full story.

This past Saturday marked the return of MLS Futbolito to South Florida. This year the Miami Ultras signed up to play in the tournament for the first time. Uncle Ed, your humble bloggererer was signed on as the Coach. Here are my notes and comments of my debut as coach.

1.- The coach was the last to show up. Incredible, considering I live only a few minutes away from Kendall Soccer Park. I could tell the players were annoyed. From the first moment I realized we had no chemistry. This was going to be ugly!

The Players:

Kyle "Train wreck" Kaly Position: Goalkeeper, even though we were not supposed to have a goalkeeper. He cost us a penalty for crossing the line! Voted Ballsiest player on the team (Read on, you'll find out why).
Pros: none
Cons: Drinks, smokes, smoked more, burps... you get the picture.

The Reese's pieces bros:
Derek "Peanut" Reese and Zach "Chocolate" Reese
Position: Right or left wingers. Can't tell which is which, so I just say "Reese!" They both answer... I say "Take a wing". (They think I'm talking about chicken wings).
Pros: Both fast as lightning
Cons: Can't tell which is which. One is better than the other but I can't tell which one.

David "The Judge" Ito
Position: Sweeper
The "Judge" laid down the law, immediately establishing his dominance and authority over all.
Pros: Tall... that's about it. If only he had his gavel (the little hammer judges use for you laymen folk).
Cons: Can't score if his life depended on it!

Jorge "The 561" Marquez
Position: Wide Receiver
The "Cinco Seis Uno" looked as if he was on vacation out there, he made Palm Beach county proud.
Pros: Played great for about 1 minute. A good sleeper.
Cons: Played 1 minute and was tired.

Mr. Colombia Alan 'G'
Position: Outfielder and Shortstop
Highest scorer on the team, started off slow but soon picked up momentum.
Pros: Did whatever he wanted.
Cons: Did whatever he wanted.

Mr. Mitch "Ultra Cool" Rivera
Position: Full back
He was our benefactor, organizer and main Futbolito nut.
Pros: A good leader. 
Cons: Can't play for crap!

Uncle Ed
Position: Coach
First time coach. Did what he could with a rag tag team of imbeciles!
Pros: Had a great assistant
Cons: Didn't know what the hell he was doing!

Burrito Position: Assistant coach
Burrito didn't want to leave his dog house. Considered 10 am too early to get up. Was a no show and missed every game.
Pros: A great Blogging Dog
Cons: Likes to chew on things and hump them.



2.-No practice does not make perfect. We never got together for even a second of practice and it showed. I asked the players to do a couple of warm ups. They all ignored me. Alan "G" decided to run laps on his own and almost missed the kick off. Not good, not good.

3.- Game #1 Miami Ultras vs Soccer Locker
I figured any team with the word Soccer in it is not good. Ultras Starting line up had "561" at Forward, The Reese's Pieces Chocolate and Peanut at Mid and Mr. Colombia at D.
The logic behind the formation? None. I figured they were the youngest of the bunch or most in shape.
Result: Disaster. 10-0 in favor of Soccer Locker. The enemy was clearly a well seasoned team. They triangulated us to death and made us look like fools. Even the ref was cracking jokes. We had maybe 3 shots all off target in game #1.

4.- The men gathered under Tent "Ultras" for a much needed rest. They hydrated, ate donuts (Sent to us by our fellow Ultra and connoisseur Justin "Jellyfish" Yarborough) and smoked cigarettes. To pass the time. Quality players these... True athletes!

5.- MLS player Omar Salgado of the Vancouver Whitecaps came by the tent "Ultras" to say hola. We took pictures with him and even offered him a donut, which he declined. We almost convinced him to play on the Ultras team for our next game but evil MLS people were around and said he couldn't. We tried to bribe them but they didn't want our money. Apparently it wasn't enough.
6.- Game #2 Miami Ultras vs The Has Beens
When I heard the name I knew we had a chance! One of their players was in his 50's so things were looking good! This Time Uncle Ed had learned his mistake and shuffled the players around. At Forward it was "561" Mid had Mr. Colombia and Zach "Chocolate" Reese with "Judge" Ito providing rear coverage. The results were almost immediate. But sadly our troops faltered in the end once again falling, this time to the "Has beens" 7-5. A late heroic save by "Train wreck" will almost certainly mean he will never procreate as he blocked a sure goal with his manhood. Ballsiest play of the tournament! (Pun totally intended)

7.- The players retreated back under the tent for one last rest before the final game. The standings were even though and we had a remote chance of advancing if we could pull off a win. Our men were determined to make the playoffs, we would not be denied!
8.- Game #3 Miami Ultras vs ????
The coach took charge one last time. The team was ready and as we took the pitch I had no doubt we would come out victorious! And we did just that! We won the game 3-0! It was a convincing win. There was no doubt we had this one in the bag from the very first minute! Yes! We won! Due to default, since the other team didn't show...  We were awarded the 3-0 win.
9.- We decided to play a scrimmage amongst ourselves. The coach came out of retirement and played to show off a few moves here and there. Later inquires on game results determined we almost made the final! The second place team had only won 1 game and beat us only by gol differential. 
10.- Next year the Ultras will destroy the opposition. Uncle Ed will come out of retirement and Burrito will be the first canine coach of MLS Futbolito!
Check out the video of the games. Shout out to Jane "Poopsykins" Shpiner who filmed it:



  Be sure to listen to Miami Ultras Alive #7 for more information about MLS Futbolito, the Strikers, MagicJack and to listen to guests the Bourough Boys who discussed the Cosmos, MLS and the NASL.

UPDATE:
Ultras Interview Omar Salgado of the Vancouver Whitecaps. He wants to come and play in Miami and also laughs at the Ultras performance in MLS Futbolito (Thanks to Alan for the clip).




Here is a video of Omar Salgado on Republica Deportiva (In Spanish) with Fernando Fiore.


Friday, May 20, 2011

MLS Futbolito Miami, Strikers watch party and MagicJack

MLS Futbolito is here in Miami and it starts this Sunday May 22.
Come out and check out this great 4 vs 4 tournament! It's at Kendall Soccer Park located at 8011 SW 127th Ave Miami, FL 33183. This event will have many sponsor booths, activities and you will also be able to be part of Univision's Republica Deportiva TV show. Last year I was able to participate in the celebrity match representing the Miami Ultras. Check out the picture below.
 If you didn't sign up for a team you can always come out and support the Miami Ultras soccer supporters group as we will have a team in the tournament. To honor our current NASL team The Fort Lauderdale Strikers we have decided to wear red and gold.

For those curious, the Ultras line up will have the following players:
Kyle "Train wreck" Kaly prime candidate to get red carded.
The Reece's pieces bros:
Derek "Chocolate" Reese and Zach "Peanut" Reese
Jorge "representing the 561" Marquez
David "The Judge" Ito
Mr. Colombia Alan 'G'
and our benefactor organizer and main Futbolito nut Mr. Mitch "Ultra Cool" Rivera
Coach will be yours trully Uncle Ed
Assistant coach will be Burrito (If they allow pets)

Strikers vs Silverbacks Watch Party 
The Strikers will visit the Atlanta Silverhawks for the second time this season in hope of also getting their second victory against them.
The united South Florida soccer supporters (South Florida United) are hosting a watch party at The Fox and Hound located at 4812 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, FL 33334-3929 (954) 491-8869 ‎The game starts at 7:30 pm but fans will be there earlier. You can also see the game streaming live by going to www.strikers.com 
We hope to see everyone out there! Go Strikers!

MagicJack vs Western NY Flash 
In case you didn't know it the MagicJack website is up and running! Just in time for their WPS match versus the Flash which will be televised this Sunday at 7:30 PM live on Fox Soccer.
The two best teams in the league will finally meet to see who will remain unbeaten!
Follow the team on Facebook for the latest information and you can also check them ot on their YouTube page.

Friday, March 18, 2011

MLS Futbolito in Miami, Strikers sign Abe Thompson and more...

MLS Futbolito is coming back to South Florida!
MLS Futbolito is the official 4 vs 4 tournament of Major League Soccer. It consists of a fun soccer tournament that involves 13 communities across the country. This years event in Miami will take place on Sunday May 22, 2011 at Kendall Soccer Park.
Last year yours truly, Miami Ultra member Uncle Ed was invited to play in the celebrity game that was live on Univision's Republica Deportiva. Uncle Ed played with one time Mexican national team player Francisco "Paco" Palencia, ex Mexico goalie Felix "El Gato" Fernandez , Republica Deportiva's Presidente Fernando Fiore and of course the lovely Senadoras, among others. Check out the pictures and video from last years event and check out my ugly mug!
For more details check out last years website and be on the look out for the new website to see what other cities futbolito will stop at. Go HERE

Strikers sign Abe Thompson

The Strikers website announced the signing of last years top scorer Abe Thompson. Here is what they had to say about it:
“Anytime you can bring back a MLS veteran who was your leading goal scorer last season it’s a positive move for the team. We will look to Abe for veteran leadership and hope he will find the same success he had last season.” Said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
You can read more at Strikers.com

Martyn Lancaster's Blog

Fan favorite Martyn Lancaster has a new gig! He will periodically write pieces about life as a Fort Lauderdale Striker. Already he has given fans a couple of gems that will embarrass his teammates ranging from a bad hair cut to skinny-dipping in a public pool!
Be sure to also check out and listen to Martyn's interview on 640 AM.
Looks like Martyn will be a broadcaster and blogger after his soccer career. Read more about it HERE

Strikers Soccerthon

This weekend is the Strikers Soccerthon it will be a 12 hour event with a Strikers pre-season match at 3:30 pm. Following is the Soccerthon Timeline.
Saturday March 19th
Ft. Lauderdale Stadium

8 AM- Public Schools Match (Field 2) 7v7 two 25 min halves
9 AM- Staff Match (Field 2) 7v7 two 25 min halves
10 AM- College Cup (Fields 1,2,3) 11v11 two 45 min halves
2:30-330 PM- Law Enforcement Match (Field 2) 7v7 two 30 min halves
3:30 PM- Strikers Exhibition Match (Field 3)
5:30 PM College Cup 2nd round games two 45 min halves (Field 1,2,3)

Player Pictures by Robert Scorca
Futbolito Picture by Zach Reese