Strikers re-sign Defenders Martyn Lancaster and Aaron Hohlbein

Today the Strikers announced the re-signing of two key defenders, It's a good sign of things to come for Striker Likers!
Here is a little about them:

English defender Martyn Lancaster. Lancaster was born November 10, 1980 in Wigan, England.

He began his career playing for Chester City in the English Football League and Football Conference between 1998 and 2003. Martyn continued his career playing for Leigh RMI, Northwich Victoria and Southport, Lancaster moved to the United States in 2006 to join Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division. He later signed for the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2007 and then joined Scottish side Queen of the South. In 2009 he scored two goals for Queens, but left at the end of the season to signed for Swedish side Ljungskile. Martyn returned to the states to play with Miami FC of the USSF Division 2 Professional League.

With Miami FC, Lancaster became a fan favorite on and off the pitch. Martyn is one of those few players that always came by the Miami Ultras tailgates to say hi to the fans, be it before or after the games. A couple of the Ultras even wrote a piece called "Hanging out with Martyn Lancaster" over at the Ultras site. He is a class act and a true professional. We welcome the return of Martyn as a sign of things to come by the Strikers front office. Well done!
Following is a video of Martyn during his time at Atlanta:

The Strikers have signed Defender Aaron Hohlbein born August 16, 1985 in Middleton, Wisconsin.

Hohlbein played college soccer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 2003 to 2006. Over four years he started in all 77 of his appearances and managed 6 goals and 7 assists. During his college years he also played with the Michigan Bucks of the United Soccer Leagues and the Princeton 56ers in the National Premier Soccer League.

He was drafted in the first round, 3rd overall, by the Kansas City Wizards in 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft. On August 5, 2010 he was loaned to Miami FC for the remainder of the USSF D2 Pro League.

Hohlbein was chosen by the Columbus Crew with the second selection of stage 1 of the 2010 MLS Re-Entry Draft on December 08, 2010 but did not sign.
Following are video highlights of Aaron's interview with Kartik Krishnayer:


For more information go to www.miamifc.com

Soccer legends meet to support the new Strikers. Player movements and Robert Scorca.

Miami FC was able to bring together some of South Florida's most notable soccer legends this past Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Ft Lauderdale.

It was an electric atmosphere! Hearing the stories, laughter and watching these legends of the game reconnect was special. It's what the return of the Strikers is all about - family and passion. We take great pride in perpetuating the Strikers legacy and look forward to writing the next chapter of this storied franchise with the full support of those who embodied the Strikers spirit in South Florida," said Commercial Director Tommy Knapp.

You can read more at www.miamifc.com

We were able to gain inside information from 'sources' that the following ex players were present. Soccer greats Teofilo 'Nene' Cubillas, Arnie Mausser, Nico Bodonczy, Michael Ortiz-Velez, Ernst Jean Baptiste, Eric Eichmann, Branko Segota from the Strikers. Ian Bishop and Jim Rooney from the Fusion. There were also Traffic USA staff and other Soccer personalities.
Jeff Rusnak, of the Sun Sentinel, was present at the event and wrote a piece about the meeting.

The late conversation, as it almost does on such gatherings, centered on how to get more people to support the local pro team, in this case, the new Strikers. "Quality of play," Bishop said. "What you put on the field." Bingo.

Read more: HERE
Notable absences were that of GOL TV Commentator Ray Hudson, U.S. under 20 coach Thomas Rongen, ex coach Ron Newman, and former Ft Lauderdale Strikers owner Tim Robbie.

The most vocal of the group was said to be former Strikers Arnie Mausser and Nico Bodonczy, and Ex Fusion Ian Bishop. Discussions ranged from what the name of the team should be (Most agreed that if you bring the name back you should go all the way and name it Fort Lauderdale Strikers) to ways of bringing more people into the stands. No doubt that with the support of ex-players and fans the Strikers will be successful!

Strikers Announce new Historian.

If you didn't know his name you knew who he was just by looking at him. It seems a soccer game in South Florida is never the same if he is not there roaming the stadium. Robert Scorca is one of those people that you always see at soccer games, a character rivaled only by Hot Shot the team mascot himself. Robert missed maybe one or two games since the beginning of the Miami Football Club and I can remember him from back in the Miami Fusion days too. But Robert was at Lockhart during the old Striker days and even attended Miami Toros and Gatos games! Well folks, Miami FC /Strikers have recognized his commitment and named Robert the new team Historian.

"Robert's unparalleled passion and knowledge of South Florida soccer history and that of Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium, the home of the Strikers make him a natural for this position," stated NASL Communications Director Kartik Krishnaiyer, who has known Scorca for years.

Read more HERE
Robert has been a contributor to this blog as a photographer and writer, interviewing players and local soccer personalities for a couple of years now. He has also contributed to www.miamisoccerfan.com and other blogs. Robert was also a founding member of the Miami Ultras Soccer Fan club.
We wish Robert much success and we will miss his witty blogs. (Burrito, the blogging dawg will miss him the most).

Miami FC / Strikers players on the move.
Looks like Defender Aaron Holbein will not be back next season with Miami FC / Strikers. Holbein, played with Miami FC this past season on loan from Kansas City and contributed to the unbeaten streak at the end of the season which still stands. Turns out Aaron was selected in the MLS Re-Entry draft by the Columbus Crew. But Holbein still has options... read more HERE
JP Rodrigues (pictured at left) has had a busy year when it comes to his playing time. He has played for Miami FC, the Milwaukee Wave (MISL), DC United and the Guyana national team. But it seems he hasn't stopped there. JP is on his way to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to be exact. More details will follow when we get it.
In case you missed it, the new Strikers have already confirmed 4 players. Forward Aaron Wheeler from FC Tampa Bay and Miami FC veterans defender Zach Kirby, Midfielder Paulinho Le Petit, and Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser.
We've heard rumors of a few more players that have been signed. If we hear a name we'll let everyone know!
Player picture by Robert Scorca.
Alumni meeting pictures courtesy of Miami FC.

Miami FC vs Tampa Bay Rowdies this Saturday at 7:30 pm

The Blues will face the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Lockhart Stadium this Saturday August 14 at 7:30 pm. The tailgate will start at about 5 pm for the more hardcore fans and will include live band A Beautiful Cage. Sponsors Powerade and Holy Mackerel Beer will be giving away free samples starting at 6 pm. Expect a good crowd!

Tampa fans always come in large groups and this time its for bragging rights as the Coastal Cup will be awarded to one of the teams after the end of the game. The Coastal Cup is a competition between Miami and Tampa determined by the team that wins the most out of the 4 game they will dispute this season. So far 2 of the three games were tied and Tampa won the last game 2-0 up in Tampa. This means Tampa has an advantage and Miami needs to win by at least 3 goals to take the trophy home.

2010 Charity Kickball Classic

Miami FC is proud to announce the formation a Charity Kickball Tournament in an effort to bring local charities together in a fun and exciting way. The tournament will take place on Sept. 11 at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium, the team’s training facility located next to Lockhart Stadium. The event will feature 12 local charities facing off against each other in a one-day tournament.

For more information and details please visit www.miamifc.com

As most of you know Miami has signed 4 new players. You can read more about them HERE
Here is an interview by Kartik Krishnaiyer to Miami FC's Aaron Hohlbein
For more videos visit www.miamifc.com

Come out this Saturday and support your Miami FC Blues!
Vamos Miami!

Miami FC sign two players from MLS Chivas USA

Miami FC have signed midfielder Gerson Mayén and forward Chukwudi Chijindu from Chivas USA. The players will join Miami FC on loan.

Read more about this at the Chivas USA website

Gerson Mayen born February 9, 1989 in Los Angeles, California is of Salvadoran descent. Mayen was signed to a full professional contract by Chivas USA on March 27, 2008 after training with the club throughout preseason. He did not make an appearance with the first team in his rookie season, but made 12 appearances in the MLS Reserve Division, playing primarily as a defender and defensive midfielder. He made his professional debut on 29 March 2009, in Chivas's game against FC Dallas.

Chukwudi Chijindu was born February 20, 1986 in Upland, California is an American soccer who played as a forward with Chivas USA. Chijindu was signed to a developmental contract by Chivas USA on April 5, 2009 after training with the club throughout preseason. He made his professional debut on 11 April 2009, in Chivas's game against Los Angeles Galaxy, and scored his first professional goal on 18 April 2009 against Seattle Sounders FC.
He played college soccer at the University of Connecticut, leading his team in scoring in his freshman year, and finishing his college career with 26 goals in 86 career matches.

The Blues hope these new signings along with that of defender Aaron Hohlbein from the Kansas City Wizards, who debuted in the last game vs The Puerto Rico Islanders, will be enough to help them reach the playoffs. Read more about Aaron Hohlbein at MiamiSoccerFan

Miami FC's recent 2 game road trip has been succesful as they won 4 out of the 6 points. They defeated Crystal Palace Baltimore 1-0 with a Brian Shriver goal. Read more HERE
They also brought a point home from Puerto Rico as they tied the Islanders 1-1 with a goal from Abe Thompson. Read more about the game HERE

The Blues will be back at Fort Lauderdale to take on their most hated rival the Tampa Bay Rowdies this Saturday August 14th at Lockhart Stadium. The game starts at 7:30 PM with the Tailgate starting as early as 5 pm. Be sure to look for the Miami Ultras and join them for a drink. Live band will be A Beautiful Cage
Come out and support your Miami FC! Vamos Miami!