Miami Gold Cup Success. Strikers, MagicJack win and more.

Gold Cup in Miami was a success as over 18,000 people showed up to watch the beautiful game. FIU stadium was packed and the ambiance was spectacular. Every seat was a good one and it felt as if you could reach out and touch the players due to the proximity of the field to the stands. It's a great stadium to watch soccer and I dare say the only thing that I didn't like was that the ball made a few weird bounces due to the plastic turf. Hopefully, one day, they will put a proper pitch.
The games started off with a vibrant Jamaica versus Guatemala. Which saw the Reggae Boys defeat the 'Chapines' by 2-0. Followed by Honduras against Grenada which saw the Grenadines start off with an early goal only to be destroyed by Honduras with a final score of 7-1. Read more HERE
If South Florida fans wanted to send a message to Major League Soccer it was sent on Friday night and the message is: This area can and will support quality soccer. Let's hope the 'Don" gets the message and an investor steps up.

Strikers Win!
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers continue to win in the NASL as they defeated the NSC Minnesota Stars by 3-0. The Strikers form has been impressive as of late and they had a stellar game by substitute Brian Shriver who had a brace.

“We were struggling in the first half defensively, and we weren't doing well with the chances we had. Once the first goal came, we knew the confidence would be there to add more,” said head coach Daryl Shore about the first half. “After they started throwing numbers forward, the defense buckled down and took pride in the shutout. I'm proud to see the effort they put forth to hold the score to where it was.”

Read more about the game HERE
Be sure to check back for video highlights later today.
The Strikers go on the road this coming Saturday June 18 as they face the Montreal Impact at Saputo stadium. Game time is set for 2:30 pm  Watch it live on www.strikers.com

MagicJack wins
WPS side MagicJack gets a road win this weekend as they visited the Atlanta Beat. MagicJack was short on many players due to the Women's World Cup set to start soon but the reserves proved to be enough to get the job done!
MagicJack came in with an early goal by Ella Masar. Christen Press scored right before the half to give MagicJack a 2-1 lead and Johanna Rasmussen sealed the deal in the second half. Read more about the game HERE
Be sure to follow MagicJack on Facebook

Miami Ultras Alive
Be sure to check out the latest version of Miami Ultras Alive tonight Monday at 10 pm as El Presidente Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed cover everything and anything with regards to South Florida soccer. Topics that will be covered will be Gold Cup, Strikers, NASL, WPS, MagicJack, MLS and more. Call in (323) 927-1455 and join in on our live chat room as our special guest tonight will be Fort Lauderdale Strikers President Tim Robbie.
Be sure to tune in and tell your friends!
Go here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/06/14/miami-ultras-alive-10

Strikers tie, MagicJack win. Strikers fan pictures and more...

MagicJack and the Strikers both played this Saturday at almost the same time. While the Strikers attendance was apparently not hurt (they still average 5,000 a game) MagicJack had only approximately 860 people show up to watch them at FAU soccer field in Boca Raton.
MagicJack easily disposed of the Atlanta Beat by 4-0 with a hattrick from Abby Wambach! Read more HERE
The Strikers on the other hand once again struggled on offense this time settling for a stalemate versus the Montreal Impact 0-0. The problems in offense can be discussed tonight on Miami Ultras Alive as El Presidente Pieter Brown and I will have Strikers coach Daryl Shore on the show. It's tonight at 10 pm on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras be sure to call in or join us on the chat.
for further details of the game check it out a www.strikers.com
Following please find pictures of the Champions League watch party organized by the Strikers prior to the Strikers game and pictures of the tailgate and game. Special thanks to Mitch Rivera and Victor Palkaninec for the pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

See more pictures:
Strikers
http://fllstrikers.net/
News
Sun Sentinel
The Canadian Press
Montreal Gazette
Soccer by Ives

Everything you need to be a Strikers fan. By Burrito

Hola amigos! Burrito bring you Everything you needs to be the perfect Strikers fan!
* This is the Updated Re-loaded version of  "Everything you need to be a Strikers Fan" because stupid Blogger deleted the original a few weeks ago when they had a problem with their system. (Burrito hates them!)

First you needs to get your Fort Lauderdale Strikers ticket to this weekends game against them putos from Canada, the Montreal Impact. You can buy tickets HERE or call 954-606-0400 or buy them at the game!
Don't miss out as the Strikers destroy the Impact and make them our bitches! Game is Saturday May 28, 2011 at Lockhart Stadium. Pero first go to Champps Americana for the watch party as El Chicharito's team Manchester United will defeat Leo Messi and Barcelona. See the flyer for more info!

Ok here we go! Here is what you need to be the perfect Strikers fan!

1.- Season Tickets.
Burrito tired of sneaking in at the gate and being chased by securitys. Notice security dude has band-aid on finger! Si, Burrito bite him and take picture from Burrito Cam for proof! So to avoid getting chased around, better you buy your ticket in advanced!
Go HERE to buy your tickets or bad security guy will chase you!

2.- Personalized Strikers Jersey
Best way to start supporting your new team is to buy a Jersey. You can buy your Strikers jersey HERE.
But even better is to get it personalized so when peoples have too many cervezas at tailgate they remember your name! This one is Uncle Ed's jersey that Burrito sleep on sometimes. Burrito don't know why he have number 69... hmmm.

3).- Jersey for your pet
Since they no make jerseys for us dawgs then best thing you can do is buy this great Strikers dog shirt! Made in USA! Buy HERE
Wut up dawg?

4.- Strikers Cap.
South Florida have mucho sun... and rain! So best thing you can do is get a hat or cap for the Strikers. Some peoples take or make their own hats and caps. See this Retro cap from way back!

5.- Beer
A necessitys in every chingado tailgate and game is a good old cerveza! When Uncle Ed not looking Burrito drink his cerveza! If you not over 21 you can't drink so don't even think about it! remember to drink responsibably and no driving if you drink too much or Burrito hit you on head with a quesadilla! Oh, and no spilling, throwing beer at people or not finishing your cerveza. That is Beer abuse!

Getting ready to get into the stadium? Don't forget these:

6.- Paint
If you can't afford Strikers jersey it's okeydokey. For very little you can get red and yellows paint! Just do what this Srikerfan did and paint yourself all over! Nothing shows you more hardcore Strikers fan then your buddy than being painted red and gold!
So go do it!

7.- Drums and Cow Bell!
If you wants to make noise like a true Strikers fan then you need to bring your drum to the "Mecca" and let people know you are there! Here Miami Ultras grand maestro Cesar Sfreddo with his famous quads. Boom, boom, boom!

8.- Horns, Trumpets and Vuvuzelas
Drums are not complete without horns. Here is Miami Ultra Kyle "Trainwreck" Kaly with his red Strikers Trumpet. Pero if you no have the money then just get a vuvuzela! Si, the vuvu get much bad press in South Africa pero who cares! They are the poorman's trumpet! Check out the vuvu's the guys from the CSE ( City of Sunrise Elite) have. Get them in Stikers colors and use them to make enemy teams hate us more! Buy HERE

 
9.- Socks
Like Lieutenant Dan say in Forrest Gump "I want you boys to remember to change your socks wherever we stop". Si, and these socks look good! Here our sock models Victor and Justin show us their socks which you can get HERE
Stylin and profiling!

10.- Flags
Red and Gold flags are preferred to support your Strikers. Here Flight 19 member Derek Reese with one. You can get the flags HERE. Just buy Catalunya flag and don't worry Burrito no tell no one it is the flag of a country. You can also make your own, it no matter as long as you support los Strikers!
11.- Masks
Futbol and Wrestling in Mexico are one in the same so why not bring it to the USA? Si senor! Get a mask that has Strikers colors and you are good! This guys name is El Estriker! You can get your specially made mask HERE
Burrito want a dog mask too!

12.- Scarves
This tradition come from Europe. There its cold so make sense pero the gringos like it too so why not? Pero in South Florida? Just do it! Striker have official Team Scarf you can buy HERE or if you want to be hardcore then look for the South Florida United tailgate and ask one of the members if you can get one of their scarves. The Ultras and Flight 19 have some nice scarves that Burrito sometimes uses to sleep on. Go Strikers!



13.- Screen Saver and more...
When you drive home do what Striker Liker Chris Walsh has done and put a screen saver on your car! You can do this to computer too. Nothing say you are a fan 24/7 like anything Striker related. Go HERE to buy Striker stuff!

14.- Miami Ultras Alive
Every good fan needs to listen to Miami Ultras Alive hosted by El Presidente Pieter Brown and Uncle Ed every Monday at 10 pm. If you like to talk soccer then listen to these soccer nuts. If Burrito could talk he would be the host and make you all his bitches! Pero you can listen to them talk about the Strikers, MagicJack, NASL, WPS, MLS and anything about South Florida Soccer so do it or Burrito hit you on head with a quesadilla!

15.- NASLGuru
"NASLGuru is a game where you compete with your friends, a tool that will allow all NASL football fans to keep a record of all their forecasts throughout the tournament." Si, NASL Guru is fun and easy to use. Even a dog can play it! Burrito is on and will win a Strikers Jersey! Top prognosticator wins a Jersey every month! If you join be sure to join the Strikers Group called "StrikerLikers" password is: Burrito . The leader so far is NewtbombRocks!
16.- Striker Girls!
Ay Chihuahua! Nothing better than Striker Girls! So be sure to say hola to them at the tailgates and during the games and make sure your girlfriend, wife, sister and female friends wear hot Strikers shirts and jerseys! Viva los Strikers!

If you think Burrito left some thing out leave a comment! Burrito will copy your idea and make it his own!
About Burrito:
Burrito is the only soccer blogging dawg in the known universe! Since 1998! Join Burrito's Twitter or he will bite you! Vamos Strikers!

NASL Supporters Groups Unite and send a letter to the USSF.

After the decision made by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), that revoked their preliminary sanctioning of the North American Soccer Leagues (NASL) for Division 2 soccer, the NASL teams supporters groups united and sent a letter to USSF President Sunil Gulati.
Their message follows:

February 1, 2011

President Sunil Gulati
U.S. Soccer Federation
1801 S. Prairie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616

Dear President Gulati,

As supporters of North American Soccer League (NASL) clubs, we would like to voice our concern regarding the recent decision by your Federation to rescind the provisional Division 2 status of the NASL. We are personally appalled by the decision of the Federation to deny second division sanctioning to the NASL. Many fans were positively encouraged by the interest the USSF paid to second division soccer this season, and were pleased by the new standards put in place to ensure stability and continuity at the second division level. We thank the USSF for the interest and leadership you have provided during 2010 to stabilize and maintain second division.

Should our community be deprived of high level, but affordable entertainment in the form of NASL soccer for 2011, fans will be starved of access to the beautiful game. Without professional soccer in our community, many fans may simply move on to other sports and an opportunity to continue the upward trajectory of interest in soccer here at home will be lost.

For our youth soccer community, it is imperative that the NASL play at the second division level this season. The USSF is striving to improve soccer in the United States and improve our national team. But if we deny young fans in five key American soccer markets local heroes to emulate and a club to support, we potentially lose a generation of kids who can help make the United States the best we can be in World Soccer. The partner federations and communities in Canada and Puerto Rico would also be severely affected.

The loss of our league will also have an inevitable ripple effect that will hurt not only the US National Team program and supporter’s base, but also development of soccer throughout the CONCACAF region. The NASL serves as a competitive league where many nations throughout the region have players developing their talent. Having better players throughout our region will no doubt be beneficial to the development of US Soccer, providing stronger competition to challenge and grow the US Nation Team.

When our teams played in USL, we were never able to keep track of our opponents or the composition of the league. The NASL has been forthright and aggressive in its local marketing while pledging a needed stability at the second division level. The NASL’s ability to attract the type of investors the USSF wants involved in the sport based on the new second division standards also has local fans excited about the future of both our teams and the league we compete in. We feel ownership and a connection to our league, the NASL that we never felt for USL.

The teams of the NASL have already invested much time and resources to establish this second division league. This is the foundation for creating a stable second division in this country, as opposed to a league that benefits from the constant expansion and contraction of teams. We believe that it is time for the USSF to work for what is best for the future and stability of U.S. Soccer. The mission should be to further the game's roots in our communities by supporting soccer at all levels.

We hope you recognize the vital role second division soccer plays across North American and Puerto Rico. We ask that you reverse this shortsighted and damaging decision. Displacing fans and hurting the development of soccer in the United States should not be what the USSF is all about. Your role as a governing body is to promote the sport and grow the game. Working with the NASL to establish a long needed, stable second division is the type of positive development this sport sorely needs.

Sincerely,

Pieter Brown
President, Miami Ultras
Miami FC / Strikers Supporters

Steve Holler
President, Ralph’s Mob
FC Tampa Bay Supporters

Tim Hayes
On behalf of The Dark Clouds
NSC Minnesota Supporters

Kristian Vázquez-Díaz
President, Islanders Foreign Legion
Puerto Rico Islanders Supporters

Daniel Stroud
Member, Jailhawks Member
Carolina Railhawks Supporters

Chris Martz
Westside 109
Atlanta Silverbacks Supporters

Steven Beauregard
Member, Ultras Montréal
Montréal Impact Supporters

What are your thoughts concerning the USSF decision? Should NASL be sanctioned as Div 2?

Strikers / Miami FC players on the move? NASL AGM info

Our rivals in Tampa have already announced a list of players returning for the 2011 season. Miami FC has still not transformed into the Strikers, nor are there any signs that this has started. Leading only to speculation and concern by those of us that follow the team. Perhaps they are waiting for NASL to be sanctioned as a Division 2 league by the USSF.
Fortunately, player movements have already begun. Word out of Lockhart Stadium (via sources) is that a number of players have been asked to return and a few others have not.

Christian Gomez was seen in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, generating buzz that the former DC United star is on his way to the Union. His play at Miami FC this season was solid, enough so that he received the Fans Player of the year award. Still, no official word out on his possible move but we have learned that Gomez has not closed the door at a possible return to South Florida.

As we all know, Paulo Araujo Jr. was with Real Salt Lake on Loan and had an impressive run scoring 2 goals in their last match versus Mexican side Cruz Azul. Looks like Paulo is destined for bigger things. JP Rodrigues was also on loan with DC United and also played coming on as a substitute. JP is now taking part in the Gold Cup elimination phase where he represents Guyana. He is also set to play Indoor soccer with MISL side Milwaukee Wave. There is no word yet on if any of these players will make the jump to MLS. Stay tuned.

Aaron Hohlbein has returned to the Kansas City Wizards. Chukwudi "Chucky" Chijindu and Gerson Mayen have returned to Chivas USA. No word yet on whether they will stay with their teams or will return to Miami FC/Strikers next season.

Our sources have indicated the following players will not be returning to the team:
Players out:
2 Euzébio Andrade Silva Neto D
19 Jair Cabas M/F
17 Sean Cameron M Playing Gold Cup elimination phase with Guyana.
4 Cristiano Dias D
23 Bryan Dominguez M
3 Zach Kirby D Recovering from season ending injury. Weighing options, has multiple offers.
15 Paulo Henrique Le Petit M Will play with the Omaha Vipers (MISL Indoor Soccer)
40 Caleb Patterson-Sewell GK
20 Bryan Perez M - Will play with The Missouri Comets (MISL Indoor Soccer)
11 Edward Santeliz F - Will play with the Chicago Riot (MISL Indoor Soccer)
16 Kyle Veris D

Players on the list to return:
8 Lennon Eduardo Carvalho Celestino M
Out of all the Brazilians on the team, next to Paulo Jr, Lennon seemed to be the only one that consistently performed.
6 Chris Gbandi D
Chris brought experience and leadership to the team.
24 Matt Glaeser GK
Matt was an important part of the unbeaten streak at the end of the season.
14 Jarryd Goldberg M
The "Hammer", a fan favorite, did not play as much as fans would have liked this season but he always played with heart.
7 Stefan Jerome F
This young forward is the future of the team and American soccer. Look for him to get more playing time.
27 Martyn Lancaster D
Another fan favorite, Martyn can show the youngsters a thing or two about work ethic. A solid player all around.
12 Mike Randolph D
Great at the flanks, Mike used his speed to cut through the opposing sides.
21 Brian Shriver M/F
Brian started to find his playing form at the end of the season. Looking forward to seeing him with the Strikers.

Status unknown:
? 13 Danilio Martins F
A great addition at the end of the season, contributed to the final winning run.
?1 Lance Parker GK
Didn't get the chance to prove himself on the field as much as fans would have wanted.
? 9 Abe Thompson F
Abe started off slow but at the end of the season was on fire! Fans would love to see him back, but we want the Abe that we saw in the end.

***NASL Annual General Meeting in Miami
No real information on the AGM that took place this weekend. We hope to have some information soon. We can confirm the following teams attended Puerto Rico Islanders, Carolina RailHawks, Montreal Impact, Miami FC Blues, FC Tampa Bay, Crystal Palace Baltimore, FC Edmonton, AC St. Louis, Atlanta, NSC Minnesota Stars and San Antonio. The amount of teams or groups attending is a positive sign of things to come.

Our sources out of Austin tells us a minority owner of the now defunct Aztex was at the meeting and is looking at bringing a new team back to Austin by 2012.
Pictures by Robert Scorca

Miami FC 2 Montreal Impact 1 in pictures and video

The Blues came out looking for a 'W' this Saturday and they got it, as they beat the Montreal Impact 2-1 at Lockhart Stadium. Miami scored its first goal off of a Christian Gomez free kick that curved around the wall and snuck in. It was a wonderful strike! Montreal later tied but an inspired Abe Thompson scored off of a long pass by JP Rodriguez that was enough to give Miami 3 points and an outside chance of making the playoffs. For more on the game please visit www.miamifc.com

Following are a few pictures from Saturdays game and after party at the Frog and Toad Pub!










Here are highlights of the game courtesy of Miami FC :

Soccer fight, Miami FC vs Montreal and Burrito now father of 78 pups

Hola Amigos! Burrito no write nothing in awhiles cause he become fathers of more pups which make Burrito father to 78 pups in 12 years of doggie style existence! Not bad, don't you hommies thinks?

Anyways, the bitches name is 'Princess' and she one mean chihuahua! She not happy cause Burrito no call her since we makes pups! She even bite Burrito's tail!

So, to conmemorates birth of Pups here is video of fight that take place in Singapore. Si, believe or not they play futbol in Singapores too!

This crazy fight involve players, trainers and fans! Leaving 2 players in hospital and involving 184 police inspectors to investigates. The game was between the Young Lions vs Beijing Guoans. (No idea what a Guoans is...)


By the ways, Burrito pups all macho like their papi so Burrito name pups after Miami FC players. First is Gomito (He the oldest), then there is Chucky (he hump everything!), Gbandi (He sit when he use bathroom...), Lancaster (the meanest, stuck in oral stage, bites everything) and the runts name is Caleb (He fart too much!). Burrito proud of his pups!

Don't forgets Miami FC faces the Montreal Impact this Saturday September 11th at 7:30 PM at Lockhart Stadium! Go early for tailgate fun starting at 5 pm and Support your Miami FC Blues! Vamos Miami!

Miami FC ties in Montreal. Miami Ultras on the Sun Sentinel and more...

A group of Ultras and Miami FC fans gathered at America's Backyard in Ft Lauderdale this Sunday and watched the Blues hold on to a tie versus the Montreal Impact.
Miami FC started off on fire and scored via Christian Gomez early on but Montreal's Tony Donatelli tied it on a Penalty kick.
Read more about the game at www.miamifc.com or at the NASL site, go HERE

On the eve of the World Cup this Sunday's Sun Sentinel had a number of articles about Soccer that included pictures of a few members of the Miami Ultras taken by Josh Ritchie. One of the articles titled "Why you should cheer for U.S. team" was written by Miami FC President Aaron Davidson and Miami FC Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo, here is a section:

In South Florida, our diversity is our strength. With the 2010 World Cup almost upon us and South Florida boasting the best World Cup television ratings in the United States, our diversity will be on colorful display from June 11 to July 11. Via the heated national rivalries that flare up around the World Cup, the irony remains that soccer is the thread that unites us...

You can read more by buying a copy of Sunday's Sun Sentinel or go HERE

For those that missed it, following are a few pictures taken during the Miami FC watch party at America's Backyard: The guys over at South Florida "Football Fanaticos" (SF3's) have a cool piece on "The competitiveness of USSF D-2 Pro League (NASL/USL)" be sure to check it out HERE
Also be sure to go to Miami Soccer Fan for future info on Miami FC and World Cup watch party's.
Don't forget to join the Miami MLS bid facebook and twitter and visit the site to join http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/