South Florida Soccer News: Marine Stadium, NASL, Strikers, MLS and more.

Happy Valentines Day! This week's South Florida Soccer news starts with the Strikers Name Announcement event which is this coming Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A. Be sure to wear Strikers colors, Ultras scarves and be ready to cheer! Let's go Strikers!

See the attached flyer for more info. NASL

In case you didn't hear about it the USSF has granted provisional division 2 status to the NASL for 2011. After years and years of letting USL run division 2 at their whim, now, USSF decides they will impose tough standards. Meanwhile, USL still claims they are division 2 without meeting the standards... You want to hear a sad display of hate? Listen to this podcast from a Rhino's/USL fan boy. Funny, because most people I know in Rochester hate the idea that they will be playing Div 3 this year. I don't think this guy speaks for the the average Joe fan. My take is that we can't take sides in this issue, we need MLS, USL and NASL to work together for the sake of U.S. Soccer.

The USSF will have a teleconference today at 1 pm. We will keep you updated.



MLS

Alex Pineda Chacon was mentioned at the MLS site in their section "What Ever Happened To:". As most of you in South Florida may remember Pineda Chacon had a wonderful year in 2001 with the Fusion where he guided the team to the best record in the league winning the Supporters Shield while registering 19 goals and 9 assists for the team (leading the league in goals and points)and was recognized with the MLS MVP Award.

Today Alex is an assistant coach with NASL side Atlanta Silverbacks.

“Ray Hudson told me, ‘Alex, you wait on the bench, see what the level is and then maybe you can jump in [later in the game],” he remembered.

With 17 minutes left and the Fusion down 1-0, Hudson called him over.

“My heart was beating so hard, you know?” he said. “But I asked, ‘Any specific information?’ Hudson just said, ‘Alex: Enjoy it. Jump in and enjoy.’”

Boy did he ever.

Read more HERE

Following is a video of his Hat Trick against DC United in 2001:

Miami Marine Stadium

NBC Miami has a little piece about the Miami Marine Stadium and a contest they have for the design of a floating stage. They mention Football in Miami and Beyond and a piece that was made a few months back concerning an idea to put a floating soccer field at the site for a possible Major League Soccer team in Miami. You can also see the picture designed by Miami Ultras member Derek Reese. We encourage people to go ahead and submit their stage designs to this noble cause and why not? Submit a stadium design too! For more information about the stadium visit and support the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium



The Art of Diving

Yes, Diving has become part of the beautiful game. It seems some players should be acting in Hollywood as their performances are so believable that sometimes you need to go back and put it in slow motion to see that there really was no contact. I feel bad for the referees that make the calls. Here is a site that specializes in "The Dive" called the Diving Board.

Check out this terrible dive: