Mesa, who left behind his mother and 5-year-old daughter in Cuba, defected following Cuba's 5-0 loss to Mexico in a Gold Cup game in Charlotte, N.C. He walked out of his hotel without alerting any of the Cuban coaching staff, got into his uncle's car and drove to Miami where his uncle lives.
Yosniel is still waiting on his work permit. Rumors have surfaced that he will also have a tryout with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Here is a video from the Sun Sentinel:
"Anytime you get a chance to have any type of player come in, you want to take a look at him and see how he does with your group," Strikers coach Daryl Shore said. "Obviously it's a little extra special when you have a Cuban player who is looking for a better chance and better life than what he had at home."
Read the full article HERE
Picture by Robert Scorca
Here is a video from Univision:
It was a Soccer Marathon for South Florida Soccer fans. A few of the Ultras / Sam's Army Miami Brigade started off their day as early as 8 am at Fritz & Franz in Coral Gables. South Korea beat Greece 2-0, Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and the main event had USA take on England. Expectations were high to see what the USA could do. But it was England that started things off with a bang! Steven Gerard scored early making a few of the over 300 people at Fritz & Franz think the worst. A few thought it would be a blowout. Good thing we had English keeper Green on our side conceding a seamingly easy save and giving the USA a tie thanks to the efforts of Clint Dempsey. While at the watch party we were able to see Captain America and Uncle Sam! Check it out followed by the video of the goal that might just put the poor English keeper on the bench for the next game:
The perfect way to end a good soccer marathon is to watch live soccer. So the Ultras headed up North to Lockhart Stadium to witness Miami FC beat the MLS bound Portland Timbers 1-0 on a goal by Kyle Veris. To read more about the game go to www.miamifc.com It was "Tie Night" at Lockhart as fans commemorated Miami FC's record breaking Tie streak (7 out of 10 games until tonight) . Fortunately for the team the players got the message and ensured the fans will not wear their ties again! Here are some game night pictures: Pictures by Robert Scorca
Hola Amigos! Burrito, South Florida's top dawg see Mexico game on Uncle Ed's big screens and was sad Mexico lindo an querido no wins against South Africas. Pero thats life. Burrito CAM was on and ass you can see picture is up on right. (That chingado camera Victor Palkaninec put on Burritos head weigh too much!) Anyways, after that, Burrito take nap an wake up to see Uruguay vs French peoples and Virgen Santisima de Guadalupe that was a borings game that Burrito fall asleeps while chewing on chicken bone! So both game end in ties (1-1 and 0-0) like 7 of last 10 games that Miami FC play!
USA play against English mens today at 2pm! Did you hears about the elephant that get in way of USA bus? See it at Burrito's amigo Brant site The Other football
Want to know where to see game in South Florida? Ok here list of Burrito's favorites places! You live in Palms Beech County? Go to Wowies! That where Burrito's compadre Kartik gonna go. Wowies Sports Grill located at 7036 West Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33433-3404 (561)392-5040.
You live in Broward? Go to America's Backyard! That where Miami FC will be at! America's Backyard is located at 100 S.W. 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Main Phone: 954-727-0950.
You Live in Dade? Miami Ultras will meet up at the official Sam's Army Miami Brigade Watch Party at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way Coral Gables, FL 33134-5319 (305) 774-1883
After USA vs England game is over all South Florida Futbol Fans need to continue Soccer Marathon at Miami FC game! To celebrate all Ties in the World Cup and Miami FC games, fans gonna wear Ties to game today at Lockharts Stadium vs Portland Timbers! Game start at 7:30 PM so bring Tie or Burrito hit you on head with quesadilla! Uncle Ed says he giving away ties if you no have somes. So go to Miami Ultras Tailgate and get your TIE! You want to reads a good game preview? Our amigos at Dropping Timber have a good one on their site read it HERE or read the one on www.miamifc.com Vamos Miami! Let's go Strikers 2011... Burrito mean Blues!
Folks let's start out with Miami FC. As some of you might know Miami FC will become the Strikers in 2011! More on that HERE.
But, to commemorate the Blue's record breaking "Tie" streak (7 ties in 10 games) fans have decided to wear ties to the next game this Saturday June 12, 2010 at 7:30 PM versus the Portland Timbers. If you forget your tie at home be sure to stop by the Miami Ultras tailgate just outside gate C at Lockhart Stadium and ask for a tie but hurry supplies wont last! The Tailgate might start early for the Miami Ultras because of the USA vs England game that same Saturday at 2 pm.
Here is the scenario:
Some of the Ultras will be watching the USA vs England game at America's Backyard where Miami FC will also be present. Expect giveaways and other tomfoolery and whatnot's! America's Backyard is located at 100 S.W. 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Main Phone: 954-727-0950.
The remaining Ultras will meet up at the official Sam's Army Miami Brigade Watch Party at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way Coral Gables, FL 33134-5319 (305) 774-1883 A number of members will be there as early as 10 am! Now that's hardcore!
Be sure to join us at any of the above locations and don't forget to continue the soccer marathon by attending the Miami FC vs Portland Timbers game at 7:30 pm! The Ultras will be at the Tailgate at Lockhart Stadium right after the USA game.
Let's go U.S.A! Beat England! Vamos Miami! Chop down them Timbers!
UPDATE: The Miami Ultras came out on the front page of the Sun Sentinel this morning. Check it out! HERE
This Wednesday Miami FC will play against Baltimore Crystal Palace at Lockhart Stadium. The game is set to start at 7:30 PM and as usual, get ready for a great Tailgate starting at 6 pm with Live band A Beautiful Cage , sponsors Holy Mackerel Beer will be giving away free samples of their great beer, just to name a few!
Baltimore is coming off a 2-0 shutout loss at home to the league-leading Austin Aztex on May 29 as they hit the road for a three game road trip that kicks off in South Florida.
You can read more of the game preview over at www.miamifc.com
In case you didn't get a chance to see, the Sun Sentinel had a number of articles about Soccer that included pictures of a few members of the Miami Ultras taken by Josh Ritchie. You can read more by buying a copy of Sunday's Sun Sentinel or go HERE
World Cup fever is upon us and Miami Soccer Fan has a good piece on how you can celebrate this event in all it's glory!
Soccer fans all over the world are brimming with excitement as the World Cup is just over a week away. Other than South Africa, Miami may be one of the most exciting places to watch the World Cup. That is because Miami is a microcosm of World Cup fervor with expatriates of all nations residing in one location. Needless to say, there are plenty of places to watch the World Cup all over South Florida.
If you are a true soccer fan then after you see the World Cup games you need to head up to watch the Blues who will play again this Saturday June 12 versus the Portland Timbers at Lockhart Stadium at 7:30 PM. Be sure to come out and see them!
Hola amigos! Burrito bring you the War of the Soccer Leagues between USL and the new NASL that the TOA will begin in 2010. We still wait for ok from USSF but Burrito's connections say it going to happen one way or another! Burrito want to warn you carnales this may be a little long so go get something to eat, or drink a cafecito and relax and read Burritos futbol poetrys!
Austin Aztex Aztex remind Burrito of Mexico except they in Texas... Team was so-so finishing almost last and they make a bubu during last season that cost them 2 points! They recently release 14 players! They faithful to USL. But no one cares.
Charleston Battery They finish 4th in USL, they just announce they are going down to USL-2! Pobrecitos! It is a step down for them and for USL.
Cleveland City Stars Stars ends season last and reports say "las Estrellas" are going to go down to USL-2 again. Things not go well with them this last year. They faithful to USL.
Portland Timbers Timbers finish first in league but not Champions and choke in playoff. They don't care about the TOA group and careless about USL even though their president get award for being best executive or whatever. (He only get it cause all other teams are gone) They going to MLS so 2010 is only preparation for the big league! Yawn.
Puerto Rico Islanders PR is ok with whatever happens, they finish 3rd in USL and play Concacaf champions doing mas o menos this year. They are keeping their eye out to see what happens with NASL but for now remain with USL. Puerto Rico also have hot womens!
Rochester Rhinos Not happy with USL, Rhinos are also not too fond of TOA. But they see no changes to USL so far. Rhinos might surprise everyone and jump ship if not this year then in 2011 for sure.
New teams New York and Tampa are expansion USL teams pero Tampa say they with the TOA...
Maybe teams: USL announce Edmonton and Ottawa along with Baltimore and Detroit as possible teams. We now know Baltimore went with TOA so Burrito think other teams might go to TOA too unless USL secure some pesos from the other cities pronto! Rumor has it another Minnesota team will come into USL-1 but that weird cause Thunder still exist kinda since they still have website! ... And then there is another team called the Minnesota Kings going into NPSL... that make 3 teams in Minnesota! A caray, 3 teams!?!? So if we take Baltimore out and Cleveland out oh and The Battery, well Burrito really can't add so someone need to tell Burrito how many teams USL will have this season, 5? Not looking good for USL-1.
Miami FC Blues They buy rights to NASL name. They have not mucho fans except for Burrito and some vatos called the Ultras (3 guys and one of their girlfriends). Owners of team Traffic Sports have mucho dinero. If Traffic wants to make a good team now is time to do it. No more excuse. Will Blues change name to Strikers? We will see... Nowheres to go but up for Miami FC. Vamos Miami!
Minnesota Thunder No moneys, no players, no nothing. Thunder owe money to everyone and their mami! USL trying to kill them to make sure TOA league doesn't work but even if Thunder say bye, bye there are enough teams now to make new league work. Burrito hope other TOA members help Minnesota survive.
Montreal Impact The new USL Champions are on top of the world. Joey Saputo playing all sides and running the show. Everyone want Montreal in their side but so far Impact only on their own side. If Saputo could he make his own league where Impact play with themselves... no pun intended... Impact will play where they want, they don't need MLS, with the 40 million franchise fee they can start the new league and give free croissants to fans for the rest of the year!
Vancouver Whitecaps They going to MLS anyway but they want the better for futbol in North America by sticking with the TOA (unlike the Timbers who just dont care). Whitcaps say they will keep a team in NASL even though they move to MLS.
Carolina RailHawks Burrito call them Railchickens. A loyal TOA member they were along with Miami and Minnesota the first teams to be kicked out by USL a move that Burrito thinks was the stupidest thing since Mild Sauce!
Atlanta Silverbacks They took a year off from USL cause they no like them. USL turn around and want to put team in Atlanta.
St. Louis Soccer United No team yet but Jeff Cooper have the dinero and the organization to make this team happen soon.
Tampa Bay Rowdies Rowdies have already given some pesos over to USL but are loyal to TOA. If they cant jump this year they will do it in 2011. Burrito looking forward to Florida derby!
Baltimore Crystal Palace USL-2 team ready to move up. They might have the same legal issues that Tampa have so they might have to stay in USL for another year but Burrito hope 2010 they will be in NASL!
More Teams? Burrito hear other teams may join NASL. One is Ottawa who waiting to see what happens before they make up their minds.
Epylogue: Burrito enjoying the War of the Soccer Leagues telenovela but hope it get resolved soon so that Miami FC can concentrate on getting star players like the ones who play in NASL back in the day like Pele, Beckenbauer, etc, etc.
What do you think will happen with NASL? Will NASL be a strong league? Will USL survive? Will USSF approve the new League? Will Taco Bell ever make a decent quesadilla?
Burrito leave you with a Great goal from back in NASL glory days by George Best!
It's getting old folks, the losing is getting old. First the Portland game on Saturday where the Blues lost 3-1 and then it seemed we would bring back a point from Vancouver but with only 10 minutes left Miami conceded a goal followed by another a few minutes later that sealed our fate and might keep us away from the playoffs for yet another season. Sure, playing back to back games didn't help. But now the loss versus the Thunder last week at Lockhart really hurts. The Playoffs look unreachable at this stage unless we pull off a miracle streak. If you want to read a little more about the games check out Total Futbol and the Kartik Report.
The question many people have on many soccer discussion boards and blogs is whether Miami really wants a soccer team in MLS. Support for USL side Miami FC has been dismal at both Lockhart and FIU stadiums. I often wonder how it would be if we still had an MLS team. The Miami Fusion averaged over 11,000 their last year in 2001, this compared to the barely 1,000 we get to see the Blues today.
Miami FC's front office was criticized by fans in the beginning of the season for not showing an interest to advertise or market their product. Sure, we know they almost folded, yet still no real effort was made to get the word out. It seemed the head honchos thought that word of mouth would be enough to get people in the Stadium. Cries from fans for billboards or any sign in front of the Stadiums never materialized, the fact is most people in South Florida had no idea there were games taking place and still many people have no idea there is a professional soccer team in South Florida. Only recently as the season is ending have we seen an actual effort with a billboard going up and the new Miami FC Challenge viral campaign. Good stuff guys but very late.
If we go by what we read on the Internet Miami fans want MLS. This town is full of soccer snobs not willing to support a lower league. The fans demand top quality Soccer but while we read their demands I can only wonder if people will actually come out like they did in Seattle and how they are doing in Portland now. Many might argue that when the Barcelona Miami bid was developing that Miami did not rally to support this effort. Yet Claure and Barcelona did not advertise and did not try to get the word out on their own. These potential investors were relying on word of mouth to get the news out. So my question is why does Miami always get these stingy owners who are not willing to commit to this town? Why do they all do a half ass job? I mean if they actually advertise and still they fail then they are justified to close the doors and pack up.
Many Miami haters think the Miami Fusion was a failure. I don't see the Fusion as a failure, it was an owner not willing to commit and a league that was short sighted and who now regrets closing the doors to such a great market. Today, I find it funny that San Jose lost their team only to get it back and possibly lose it again. Move San Jose to Miami! I will further discuss MLS to Miami in future blog posts. For now support the cause to bring an MLS team to South Florida go to: http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Tickets.html
Good news for The Miami Ultras! They are now a brigade of Sam's Army! The Ultras will work closely with SA and all their brigades to grow soccer in our country. We will also join the Sam’s Army® Advisory Board to work closely in growing soccer, SA and the Miami Ultras. To join the Ultras go to Miamisoccerfan.com
Time for a Watch Party folks! Miami FC is on the road and will play future MLS team and the hottest team in the USL, the Portland Timbers, this Saturday, August 22 at 9 pm.
Miami FC will be hosting the Watch Party for all their fans at Finnegan’s River located at 401 S.W. 3 Ave. in the Brickell area downtown. Come out and join us for drinks and an all around good time as we cheer the Blues on as they make a run for the play-offs!
Tonite Burrito jump fence at FIU stadium only to see 300 peoples show up to a game no vato in Miami knew was taking place. There were no signs, except for one that say "Colombian Festival" where there was thousands of cars not far from FIU Stadium. Burrito talk to some Colombianos and tell them to come to game. They no even know Miami FC exist!!! Chingadamadre! On tops of that Miami play terrible futbol. Burrito think they would play like Friday's game where Los Azules were close to winning. Pero no, it not happen this time. Portland came to destroy Miami and in second half hit us with 3 goles. More on game at Miami FC site
If you want to see pictures of game see the ones Victor Palkaninec took of Fridays game, go HERE
The only thing good about Miami FC game was the Ultras girls new dance that Burrito hope the FIU cheerleaders pick up.... Check it out:
Miami Kickers FC tied with the ClearwaterGalactics Amazons 2-2 at St Leo College Wednesday afternoon keeping the Kickers in the mix for first place with two matches left. This is the second match this week for both teams that ends 2-2.
Our good friends and future USL rivals at Against the Run of Play (Tampa) have a great piece detailing the game. Be sure to check it out HERE In a miamisoccerfan.com exclusive, fellow Miami Ultras announced the transfer of Midfielder Richard Perdomo to CD Platense of the Honduran first Division. We at FMB (that's for Football in Miami and Beyond dumbasses...) wish Richard luck at his new club. Read the full interview HERE Professional soccer is a business after all and transfers like this will happen. Now we wait to see where FacundoErpen will be headed. Erpen has been rumored to be the next Miami FC player be in the transfer market.
For those wondering about ZourabTsiskaridze's (best known to fans as "Zee") heroics mentioned in my previous post. I could not get a hold of Zee for the details but a source tells me he was at the right place at the right time. Suffice to say he saved a child from drowning. We hope to see Zee play this weekend. This Friday July 17th is Presidente Supermarket Day at FIU Stadium. Poweradewith new ION4 will be hosting the Powerade Penalty Kick Shootout in which 4 lucky people will be selected to try and score on HotShot (Miami FC's Mascot) while competing to win a $100 shopping spree at Presidente Supermarkets. Join Miami FC as they face the Portland Timbers for Presidente Supermarket Day brought to you by Powerade ION4.
Miami Fans, the Blues will play two consecutive games against the second place Timbers on Friday 8PM and Sunday 6PM at FIU Stadium. For more information visit http://www.miamifc.com/ Let's support the Blues! Vamos Miami!
Miami FC Defender #6 ZourabTsiskaridzebest known to fans as "Zee" is said to have saved a child from drowning. No details are known about the incident but we'll get you the full scoop. This proves Zee is a hero on and off the field. He's also a good free kicker and has already scored for the Blues. We hope to see Zee play versus the Portland Timbers this Friday and Sunday at FIU Stadium.
As posted on this blog and on miamisoccerfan.com Our friend Burrito stumbled upon 2 Miami FC tickets the other day and donated them to the Miami Ultras. To get these FREE Tickets come up with the best chant, song or belligerent rant to be used at the soccer games Friday and Sunday against Portland. Go to the Miami Ultras site and get those free tickets! GO HERE
A few Miami FC Fans have put up a couple of videos this week of Sundays match against the Whitecaps, which I must add Miami FC won 2-1. Though not of great quality they are entertaining. Check them out:
USL Miami FC vs. Vancouver White Caps 2 - 1 Victory
When the Blues come marching in...
M-I-A Song
Miami Fans, the Blues will play two consecutive games against the second place Timbers on Friday 8PM and Sunday 6PM at FIU Stadium. For more information visit http://www.miamifc.com/ Be sure to check out the FIU Cheerleaders as they make their debut on Friday! Let's support the Blues! Vamos Miami!
Hola Futbol fans! Today Burrito come to you very enojado with Miami Fans. On Friday Burrito go to Gold Cup and see almost 18,000 vatos fill up FIU stadium and Burrito was happy eating Arepas, talking in espanish to all the ladies (Burrito get mucho telefono numbers!). So Burrito think to self, this good time for Miami FC to put flyers on cars! Pero Burrito no see any... Sunday come and Burrito do usual jump over the fence to get in Stadium and was mad there were only 400 peoples at game! Porque? One thing Burrito always get mad about is how those pinches Miami FC peoples no put sign out in front of stadium entrances saying there is game today!
The good thing is that while eating arepa on Sunday at half time as Miami FC was winning game 2-0, Burrito see on ground 2 tickets! Ah Chihuahua! So Burrito look around, no one there and pick them up! Then burrito see el Presidente of los Ultras, Mr. Pieter Brown and tell him Burrito donate so we can get some peoples to stadium! So if you want FREE tickets go to Ultras site!
Talk about Ultras, el presidente Brown also put up latest podcast "Mindless Thoughts of a Miami Soccer fan". With interviews of Marc Miceli coach/owner of hot mamacitas futbol team Miami Kickers! He also have some words with Miami FC General Manager Luis Muzzi and he also talk to Burritos compadre Kartik Krishnaiyer and Burrito's homeboy Adam Beasley of Miami Heralds. So go HERE and check it out!
Also, come back to this blog to read about the FIU Cheerleaders! Uncle Ed will have info about them as they team up with Miami FC. Burrito tried to see if Uncle Ed let Burrito talk to the ladies pero Ed say Burrito is a pervertido and no let him! He afraid girls fall in love with Burrito! It's ok, Burrito will meet them at game Friday! Miami Fans, the Blues will play two consecutive games against the second place Timbers on Friday 8PM and Sunday 6PM at FIU Stadium. For more information visit www.miamifc.com Let's support the Blues! Vamos Miami! Pictures by Jonathan Brownfield jonathanbrownfield@me.com www.jonathanbrownfieldphotography.com www.jonathanbrownfieldphoto.com
"With key players such as Diego Serna out, Miami FC continued its recent strong play and defeated Vancouver 2-1 at FIU Stadium." Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald
Things are looking good for the Blues on the field as they remain unbeaten at FIU Stadium. Miami looked strong in the first half and could have increased the score if their players had better aim. Numerous opportunities were wasted. Miami took a 1-0 lead in the 5th minute on a goal by Alan Marcina. Leo Inacio made it 2-0 on a penalty kick awarded after defender Jeff Parke grabbed the ball in the area with his hands.
The Second half saw the Whitecaps come on strong in search of some goals but it wasn't until a red card given to AlenMarcina towards the end of the match that the Whitecaps were able to score with only two minutes left in the game. DeverOrgill gave Vancouver some hope but the game was sealed, final 2-1 for the Blues.
With the win, Miami FC is in sixth place and is only four points behind the Rochester Rhinos. The Blues will now play two consecutive games against the second place Timbers on Friday 8PM and Sunday 6PM at FIU Stadium. For more information visit www.miamifc.com Let's support the Blues! Vamos Miami! All pictures by Victor Palkaninec for more go here HERE You can also see videos at the Miami Ultras site check it out HERE
MLS is ready to start its new season and will soon announce the name of the 2 new teams that will play in the league in 2011 (Probably Portland and Vancouver, whoopee for those putos!). Burrito can't be happy for them, Burrito is mad! It should have been Miami, pero nos chingaron 'estilo perrito' once again! Burrito hate MLS! Burrito yells it to the 4 winds! Why? Here is why... click over highlighted thingies if you no understand Spanglish:
Uno - In 1998, Burrito, (who at time lived in Homestead, Florida) was happy to hear MLS was coming to South Florida. But Burrito think team was going to be in Orange Bowl. Pero they instead put team up in Broward! 50 miles from where Burrito live! Ay Chihuahua! At least we have a team!
Dos - (that mean numbers 2 for you no Espanish espeakers) Burrito take bus and train up to Lockhart Stadium! It take sometimes 2 hours cause Burrito no have moneys to buy car. Burrito used to sneak in to stadium, where a quesadilla with extra queso for the security man was good enough for admission, no problema!
Tree - Burrito do everything for Fusion, like yelling and fighting with opposing fans over which hair products Valderrama used to use and singing with Afusionados until Burrito lose voice but one day Ray Hudson even get mad at Burrito for yelling at player who make wrong pass, Burrito think Ray was going to come up to stand and fight him! ( Pero, Burrito think he can take Ray, mano a mano!)
Sorry, Burrito take break to go eat Taco de ojo! Si, Taco of eye! Okay, where was Burrito? Oh yeah! V - In 2001 after Miami have best season ever, winning Supporters Shield for best record in MLS, MVP in Alex Pineda Chacon and having attendance go up 50%... MLS decide to close team because stupid owner no have enough money!
That day was the worst feeling in Burrito's history! Los Pinches Putos nos chingaron! All Burrito have was the Miami Fusion! If it wasn't for the Mexican League and mami back in Toluca, Mexico Burrito would have died carnales!
Then 2009 came, almost 8 years later, an eternity for a futbol fan, MLS with Barcelona 'make up this story' they wanted MLS team in Miami. This was only conspiracy by MLS to hurt Miami fans feelings, almost like going to Taco Bell and some puto tell you "is on me ese, no worries, order what you want" and then you say que rico! Gimme #4 (the pinche Stuffed Grilled Burrito con steak!) and then when it's time to get it the homeboy (MLS) say "Sorry you no gonna get it!". What the F@c% MLS!
Will Miami ever have an MLS team? Burrito don't know. But if one day Burrito win Lottery Burrito use all money for team!
So it's like Burritos Mami say: "Orale Burrito, en estos dias dificiles de crisis economica tienes que pensar que todo va a estar bien, aver, come mijito, come tu taquito con carnitas y no te olvides de ponerle chile!" Translation: "Everything gonna be alright"
Now Burrito leave you with video that make him feel better, you watch or Burrito hit you on head with quesadilla!
