The Strikers Official Name Announcement this Thursday 2/17/11

Today is a big day for NASL as they are poised to receive or get denied the approval of the Division 2 status they seek.

The NASL is confident they have met the standards imposed by the USSF, so much so that member teams continue to move forward signing players and making announcements. That being said the Strikers have organized an event.

The Strikers Name Announcement event is coming this Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be held at Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A.
See the attached flyer for more info: We urge soccer fans to attend this event and show their support for local soccer.
Let's go Strikers!

South Florida Soccer News: Strikers, WPS, MLS and more.

Lot's of soccer news this week!
We start with the Strikers re-signing 3 players yesterday. Here is what the team had to say:

The Strikers announced today that they have resigned forward/midfielder Martin Nuñez, midfielder Lennon Celestino, and forward Brian Shriver for the 2011 season.
“We are happy to have all three players back. Lennon brings a strong defensive midfield presence. Both Brian and Martin give us good attacking options. Both are versatile enough to play forward or attacking midfield. Again we are happy to have all three players as we continue to maintain our core group from last season," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.

Last week the team also announced the addition of one time Miami Fusion Captain Jim Rooney as assistant coach.

Rooney began his professional career in South Florida with the Miami Fusion in the MLS. The American midfielder made 67 appearances for the club from 1999 – 2001 scoring 12 goals in the process. Rooney also spent time with the New York MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) and the New England Revolution. Rooney served as team captain of the Fusion during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

Looks like the team is starting to take shape, can't wait for the season to start! Do you want to support soccer in South Florida?
Tickets for the Strikers 2011 are on Sale Now! Call today for pricing and availability. Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials Available! Call 954.829.9213 or e-mail info@miamifc.com

WPS
News about the Washington Freedom coming to South Florida to play a few games and the addition of Brazilian star Marta joining the team was all over rumorville. Unfortunately the later seems to not be the case. Marta signed with expansion team Western New York. The Freedom however will be coming to South Florida to a yet to be determined stadium.
The Freedom has 2 high profile American players in forward Abby Wambach and Goalkeeper Hope Solo who appears to have recently signed with the team. In addition the team has many international players such as Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa who has scored 72 goals in 152 caps with Japanese WNT. Australian Forward Lisa De Vanna who has scored 23 goals in 62 caps with Australian WNT and Norwegian forward Lene Mykjaland, just to name a few. We hope to have more information about the team and where they will play soon.

MLS
One time Miami FC forward Paulo Junior saw a few minutes with his new team Real Salt Lake in their practice game versus the Seattle Sounders. (Game ended 3-3). More info HERE (in Spanish)

Former MLS player and South Florida resident Mark Chung gets a mention on the latest edition of What Ever Happened To...

Charlie Davies has been practicing with DC United. He just might sign with the team. DC United is in town for pre season training. Full report by Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald.

DC United will play a scrimmage today against Florida International University at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, time will be at 4 pm. It will be open to the public!

For more South Florida soccer news you can follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/footballsoccerm

Don Garber meets Miami Ultras and more in pictures by Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito been in the dawg house (Liter-ally) lately. Pero no problem, He back now!

It's been almost a month since MLS Commisionado El Don Garber came to South Florida to talk to Burrito's compadres the Miami Ultras. Burrito was mad cause they no let in dawgs to Hotel pero Burrito was able to steal pictures from Uncle Ed's cell phone and si the picture not good qualities pero thats life. What you expect from a dog? So check out the picture Burrito bring you:

Here is a picture of Dan Courtemanche with Don Garber with Miami Ultras scarf. They look nice, si?
Notice how Don laugh... He like Wonder Woman in TV with chains! Muy Caliente!

El Don feel very patriotic with Uncle Sam in TV screen, Viva USA carajo! (Dan looks like he falling asleep!)

Burrito no know El Don was Star Trek Fan, here with Mister Sulu.

Here El Don try to say "Live long and prosper" to Mister Sock! Burrito mean Mister Spock!

And of course said the horse, here with Spock and el Capitan Kirk! (They also want MLS in Miami)

El Comisionado say he also like Star Wars, here with Obi Wan and Luke.

El Garber say he grow up watching Mister Rourke and Tatu on Fanasy Island!

El Don smiles and compares his teeths with King Kong!

Here you see Godzilla, King of all monsters!

Don with David Beckham... is Becks giving the middle finger? Ay Chihuahua!

Mister Don say he want to bring MLS to Miami cause Abe Vigoda says so!

Finally best picture evers! El Comissionado Don Garber with Burrito!

Burrito hope you all enjoy these pictures commemoratings the 1 month anniversarys since El Don came to South Florida.
Now Senor Garber, Give Burrito his MLS team back alreadys!
Hasta los Huevos amigos!
Su amigo el perro mas chido!
Burrito!

You can follow Burrito on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Burritofutbol

If you want to help bring Major League Soccer back to South Florida please support us by going to our web page and sign up.
http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/
You can also follow us on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495
and twitter:
https://twitter.com/mlsmiami
You have suggestions? Want more information?
Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com

Calling all South Florida Soccer Fans! Meeting this Saturday in Hollywood.

Calling all supporters groups! Calling all Miami Ultras, Southern Legion, South Florida Football Fanaticos, Hooligans, Striker Likers, anyone who loves Soccer in South Florida!

It's time we all get together and meet each other. No matter if we don't agree and want to be different entities. We all have one thing in common, we all love the beautiful game.

We will be discussing many subjects from MLS to the NASL to the WPS and so on. Come by and help us organize, give us your thoughts. Help us grow!

Following is a note from the Miami Ultras, South Florida Soccer Supporters group President Pieter Brown.

We will be having our Miami Ultras pre-season planning meeting this Saturday, Feb 5th at 12pm @ Hollywood Ale House.
We will be talking about this upcoming Strikers season, the 24 Hour Soccer-a-Thon, plus any other Ultras upcoming events.
Such as a proposed road trip to Atlanta on April 23 to watch Strikers vs. Silverbacks.
Help make this supporters group the best there is.

Hollywood Ale House is located at:
3215 Oakwood Blvd.
Hollywood, FL 33020
--
Thanks and VAAAAAAMOS MIAMI!
Pieter Brown
Miami Ultras President
www.miamisoccerfan.com
www.mlsmiamibid.com

If you want more information you can email me at:
footballsoccerm@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

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 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

The New York Cosmos don't need MLS.

The New York Cosmos don't need Major League Soccer. But MLS needs the Cosmos.

The Cosmos flexed their muscles in recent weeks with the announcement of Eric Cantona and Cobi Jones joining the organization. The subsequent media blitz across the big apple further showed how the Cosmos brand still has allure even after 30 years since they last played in the old North American Soccer League.

If the Cosmos join MLS is still to be seen. Does it really make sense for them to pay over 40 million to join MLS? Does it make sense to enter a league that controls all player movements, merchandising, etc, etc? The way I see it MLS needs the New York Cosmos more than the NY Cosmos need MLS. The Cosmos have the brand that would take MLS to the next level. Cosmos in my eyes should get in free, they stand to make the league millions. Stadiums they go to will get packed across the country and this team has yet to sign a player!

What would I do if I was part of the Cosmos organization? I'd play hard ball, get my poker face on and negotiate a deal that would get me into the league for free and set a merchandising agreement.

MLS doesn't want to make a deal? Sure, this can happen , the Wilpons (Owners of the Mets) have been rumored to be interested in an MLS NY team, but a team set up by the Wilpons would only be just another team in NY, another Red Bulls. They will never be the NY Cosmos. The Cosmos are the Cosmos.With the right vision, The Cosmos can save millions while making millions joining the NASL.

The new NASL has a few teams most of us can remember, the soon to be known as (I hope) Ft Lauderdale Strikers and FC Tampa (soon to be called Tampa Bay Rowdies?). These were two of the most successful teams the old NASL had before the league disappeared. If you add further teams in Edmonton, Atlanta, San Antonio you have more former old NASL markets.Already we know that due to MLS's salary cap, many quality players are forced to play in other leagues, some in division 2. This bleeding of talent has made division 2 competitive in quality to current MLS teams. Just look back the past few years to the Montreal Impact and Puerto Rico Islanders in their successful runs in the CONCACAF champions league.

The Cosmos name is enough to attract high quality players which they will be able to afford,since they didn't pay the MLS entry fee. Not being held by the restraints of MLS salary cap rules will help. Furthemore Division 2 status would not hinder their views for world domination.

With the Cosmos, the revival of the NASL would be complete and in my eyes one day rival the MLS. If the Cosmos join NASL I predict that in 2 to 3 years more teams will join the league (paying about only 1 million as an entry fee) and the NASL as a division 2 league will rival MLS. This will one day force a merger of both leagues.

In the end the Cosmos have MLS by the balls (pun totally intended).

NASL News: Abundis and Pineda Chacon to coach Atlanta. Shore signs with Strikers

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced that Mexican Jose Manuel Abundis is their new coach. They also announced that one time Miami Fusion star Alex Pineda Chacon will be the assistant coach. Check it out:

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today that JOSÉ MANUEL ABUNDIS will join the club as its head coach. Abundis, a first-time coach, will take the helm of the Silverbacks immediately.

Abundis, 37, is best known for the 17 years he spent competing at the top levels of international soccer. As part of the Mexican national team from 1996 to 2001, he appeared in 47 games and scored 10 goals, representing Mexico in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup.

As early as 1992, Abundis made a name for himself as the top player for Toluca, a club in Mexico's top soccer division. He totaled 270 appearances and notched 80 goals there, and he also played for Mexican clubs Atlante, Pachuca, CF Monterrey, and Querétaro. In 2006, he played a season for Major League Soccer's New England Revolution. Since arriving in Georgia, Abundis has led youth soccer clinics and become a respected part of the Atlanta community.

"José is a very talented player, but he has also demonstrated that he has the energy, the passion, and the leadership to succeed in coaching," said Director of Soccer RODRIGO RIOS. "We're honored to have him here, and we know Atlanta will welcome him enthusiastically."

Joining Abundis on the coaching staff will be Assistant Coach Alex Pineda Chacon who returns to the Atlanta Silverbacks after previous stints with the organization, both as a player and an assistant coach. Chacón, who played for over 10 years on the Honduran national team, was named Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player in 2001.

Read more HERE
following is a video of Jose Manuel Abundis in action:

Here are goals by Alex Pineda Chacon with the Miami Fusion:


Shore signs with the Strikers
The Strikers announced this week the re-signing of coach Daryl Shore. Shore came in last season and turned the team around. I'm sure the fans will be happy to see coach Shore back.
Here is what the Strikers had to say:

The Strikers have announced today that they have agreed to a contract extension with head coach, Daryl Shore. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I am grateful that Traffic Sports has given me the opportunity to return and lead our team as we embark on a new era. I understand what the Strikers mean to South Florida soccer and I can promise that we will be one of the hardest working clubs in the NASL, with the goal of making the playoffs and bringing a winning mentality back to this team. We want to build on the success we enjoyed late last season by returning a good core group of players from last year’s team and bringing in new players that are going to help us achieve our goals. The Strikers legacy is powerful in South Florida, and we are ready and humbled to follow in the footsteps of some of the game's greats," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.

Shore, 41, is a New York native who graduated from South Plantation High School, in Plantation, Florida. He played in college as a goalkeeper for Birmingham-Southern College and went on to play professionally for the Birmingham Grasshoppers and the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers. After managing professional organizations all over the country such as the New Orleans Storm and the Lehigh Valley Steam, he began a ten-year tenure for the Chicago Fire as an assistant coach. Shore served as an assistant to four head coaches with Chicago, including Bob Bradley, Juan Carlos Osorio and former Striker Dennis Hamlett . He also played a significant role in the growth of the Fire’s player development program. He was hired last July as the head coach for the Blues.

Read more at www.miamifc.com

Strikers announce 2011 season schedule.

The Strikers have released their 2011 schedule Here is the press release:

Miami FC/ Strikers 2011, NASL 2011 Schedule Released

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (January 25, 2011) – Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 and the North American Soccer League have released the 2011 schedule today. The 28-game regular season will start for Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 in early April and finish in late September.

“We are excited that the schedule has been finalized, I know I speak for everyone at the Miami FC/Strikers 2011 organization when I say April 9^th can’t come soon enough” said Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo.

The regular season kicks off for Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 on April 9^th at 7:00 pm as the Strikers will host FC Edmonton at Lockhart Stadium. The exciting Coastal Cup rivalry (Strikers vs. FC Tampa Bay) continues this season when FC Tampa Bay comes to Fort Lauderdale on May 14^th and again on the Fourth of July when Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 travel to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 will end their regular season on Saturday September 17^th against FC Tampa Bay at Al Lang Field.

The Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 regular season schedule consists of 28 games total – 14 home and 14 away. Between April 9^th and September 24^th, Miami FC/ Strikers 2011 will play each NASL team four times, twice at home at Lockhart Stadium and twice on the road.

Sat., 4/9	vs. FC Edmonton	Sat., 7/9	Vs Atlanta
Sat., 4/16	vs. Minnesota	Wed., 7/13	@Montreal
Sat., 4/23	@ Atlanta	Wed., 7/20	@ Puerto Rico
Fri., 4/29	@ Puerto Rico	Sat ., 7/30	vs FC Edmonton
Sat., 5/7	@ Minnesota	Sat., 8/6	vs Carolina
Wed., 5/11	@Carolina	Wed., 8/10	@ Minnesota
Sat., 5/14	vs FC Tampa Bay	Sun., 8/14	@FC Edmonton
Sat., 5/21	@Atlanta	Sat., 8/20	@ Carolina
Sat 5/28	vs Montreal	Sat., 8/27	vs FC Tampa Bay
Sat., 6/4	vs Puerto Rico	Sat., 9/3	vs Montreal
Sat., 6/11	vs Minnesota	Wes., 9/7	vs Carolina
Sat., 6/18	@Montreal	Sun., 9/11	@Edmonton
Sat., 6/25	vs Puerto Rico	Sat., 9/17	vs Atlanta
Mon., 7/4	@FC Tampa Bay	Sat., 9/24	@ FC Tampa Bay

Tickets for the Strikers 2011 are on Sale Now! Call today for pricing and availability. Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials Available! Call 954.829.9213 or e-mail info@miamifc.com

ABOUT MIAMI FC

Miami FC, South Florida's only professional soccer team, is currently in its sixth season. Starting in the 2011 season, the Blues will play as the Strikers honoring the ethos of the most successful soccer franchise in the history of South Florida soccer. The team is owned by Traffic Sports USA, the North American subsidiary of The Traffic Group, the leading soccer event management company in the Americas with headquarters in Brazil, and offices in the U.S. and Europe. The organization is committed to the advancement of soccer in South Florida at the youth, amateur and professional levels.

Miami FC / Strikers PR Manager Ignacio Rodriguez on Feuerstein's Fire

Miami FC's (Soon to be Strikers) PR Manager Ignacio Rodriguez was on Daniel Feuerstein's "Feuerstein's Fire Episode #40" yesterday along with FC Tampa fan and Ralph's Mob member Garrett Tozier.

Following you will be able to listen to it but it starts off talking about the world Cup and the awarding of the 2022 event in Qatar and the possible changing of the schedule to accommodate the World Cup to the Winter. (To avoid the heat of the summer)

Then at about the 15th minute Daniel goes on to talk about the MLS meeting the Miami Ultras had with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. My question is why didn't Daniel have a Miami Ultra on the show?

Either way Ignacio had the Ultras back and challenged the Mob on behalf of the Ultras to play a game and he also proposed a game between Strikers and FC Tampa's front offices! Props to Ignacio.

But let me not bore you with words, go ahead and listen and leave a comment. (You can X out of the advertisement).

Listen to internet radio with Feuerstein's Fire on Blog Talk Radio

Follow Ignacio Rodriguez on Twitter http://twitter.com/Blues_PR_Guy

Want to listen to Daniel Feuerstein? Be sure to check him out every Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern time http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feuersteinsfire
You can also follow him on Twitter http://twitter.com/DFeuerstein

You want to talk smack to Evil "Ralph's Mom" member Garrett Tozier? Follow him on twitter and tell him what you think! http://twitter.com/gtozier

Strikers Open Tryouts January 22-23

Think you have what it takes to be a Professional Soccer player?

The Strikers announced that they will be hosting their sixth annual open tryouts (Their first as the Strikers) for aspiring soccer players over a two-day span from January 22th to the 23rd at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, home of South Florida's only men’s professional soccer team.

“We are always looking for talent and South Florida is one of the best places to do that,” said Traffic Sports Executive Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo. “Every year we find at least one player who has been able to earn a spot on the team. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to play at the professional level.”

Soccer players from around the world will have an opportunity to make the Strikers’ roster and join one of the youngest professional soccer leagues in the country. The cost to try out is $99 per player. Tryouts will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.

Last year’s tryouts were a success as more than 150 skilled athletes were present to showcase their football skills to Miami FC and Traffic Sports scouts. Since the club’s birth in 2006, Miami FC has signed over a dozen players that participated in its tryouts, including J.P. Rodrigues, Stephane Guillaume, and Zurab Tsiskaridze.

Important Notes

The Strikers are not providing transportation to the combine or equipment. If you are traveling from outside South Florida you must also arrange your own accommodations.
You must come prepared for the tryouts with your own cleats, socks, gloves, shin guards or any other equipment related to your position.

Due to the limited enrollment of the event, once a player pays and is accepted into the tryouts, there are NO REFUNDS. There are no exceptions. We hold the right to refuse and/or decline any player we feel will not benefit from the tryouts.

To register click on the link below

http://miamifc.com/page/strikers-2011-open-tryouts

You can also contact Ignacio Rodriguez at 305-377-2700 or email him ignacio@miamifc.com

Miami Ultras on MLS The Daily

The Miami Ultras, South Florida soccer fans were mentioned on MLS the Daily today.

It's all due to the meeting they will have with MLS Commissioner Don Garber this coming Saturday. We will have a full report.



Also this weekend is the MLS Combine which is taking place this weekend. South Florida Soccer fans need to come out and support! For Combine info go HERE

Check out the video:





Want to know about the meeting with Don Garber?

Don Garber / Miami Ultras Get-Together

Saturday, January 8 @ 1 PM

3030 Restaurant @ Marriot Harbour Beach Hotel 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Get your Strikers 2011 season tickets!

You want to support soccer in South Florida? Start by getting season tickets for the new Strikers! It's the best deal in town. As you can see from the picture, I got the first seat in section 120 which is the area designated to the Miami Ultras and all (noisy) supporters groups. So if you want to be loud, bring your drums, horns and your voices and get ready to make some noise!For those that just want to enjoy the game without all the ruckus, there are other sections just for you.
Check out the Seating chart:Wondering how you can get your tickets?
Contact Tommy Knapp at 954-829-9213 or email him: tommy@miamifc.com
You can also buy them online. Go to www.miamifc.com

Players the Strikers need to sign.

The new Strikers have big shoes to fill. Their prior name sakes were for the most part powerhouses, with star players, great attendance and a record that boasts never missing the playoffs. Will this new incarnation be up to par?

Traffic (owners of the new Strikers) have given us quite a few quality players in Romario, Zinho, Christian Gomez, among others. We know they have connections and could sign great players for the 2011 season. Let's hope they can pull off a few good transfers and surprise us!

Here is my fantasy list followed by players that might realistically be in the teams budget.

Ronaldinho: Yeah, I'm dreaming. If the Strikers were in MLS it could be realistic considering Traffic has the Brazil connection. Rumors have him going to the LA Galaxy or a return to Brazil.

Carlos Tevez: The Argentina striker has troubles with current club Manchester City and requested a transfer. Imagine watching Tevez at Lockhart Stadium...

Andres D'Alessandro: This Argentine has completed his stay at Internacional of Brazil and just got eliminated from the Club World Cup. Rumors have his sights on a likely return to River Plate in Argentina. A few European clubs are interested too.

Gianluigi Buffon: Wow, talk about dreaming... This Juventus goalkeeper would be any teams dream. He would likely be the reason the team would make it to the playoffs. A russian club is said to be after this 32-year-old shot stopper.

Clarence Seedorf: This Dutch player is a midfielder for Italian club A.C. Milan. The 34-year-old is said to be heading to MLS.

Juan Pablo Angel: Yeah, I know, the Galaxy are going to sign him, but this star was made for the Strikers. The huge Colombian population in South Florida would have flocked to see him.

Coming back to reality... Here is a list of players that could be within The Striker's reach.

Jaime Moreno: This former DC United star would be great for the Strikers. Speaking English fluently and originally from Bolivia he could be the face of the team on TV and radio. He is recognizable to most soccer connoisseurs.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto: Former Columbus Crew Designated Player, Schelotto was among the players not taken in the MLS Re-entry draft. He is still a great player and would be the perfect replacement for Christian Gomez if he doesn't return.

Dema Kovalenko: This rugged player will no doubt get carded every other game but no one can deny the man plays with spirit. Could play in midfield or as a back up striker.

Nick Garcia : Recently played for Toronto FC. Was not selected in the Re-entry draft. At 31 he is still a great defender.

Adrian Serioux: Former Houston Dynamo and Canadian international defender, currently a free agent. Would be great for our defense.

Gale Agbossoumonde: Played for Miami FC in 2009 for 6 games, went to Portugal on loan but didn't get playing time. It's time to bring him back and have him play regularly rather than sitting on some bench in Europe. Rumored to be heading to a Swedish team.

Pat Onstad : Canadian goalkeeper is a free agent and a member of the Canadian national team. Last played with the Houston Dynamo.

Franklin Salas: Out of favor at Ecuadorean Champions Liga de Quito, Salas is a skillful dribbling forward with an electrifying pace. His hard shot from 25 yards won the award for the goal of the tournament in the 2005 edition of the Copa Sudamericana.

Claudio Bieler: Forward from Racing Club in Argentina. A proven goalscorer. He is so good that this past February he was called up by then Argentina manager Diego Maradona, but ended up not playing because of an injury.

Diego Serna : Former Miami Fusion and Miami FC player. He was and forever will be a fan favorite. It could be his last hoorah! Wouldn't mind chanting "D-i-e-g-o" one last time!

Can you think of any other players? Suggest a few by leaving a comment below or flood the Miami FC/Strikers email with your player suggestions: fclavijo@trafficsports.com
(He might kill me for giving out his email)

Our Time - MLS Miami (Video)

A long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away, there were two MLS teams South of Washington DC... But that is no more.
Today South Florida soccer fans are still working to bring MLS back to our area by contacting potential investors and sponsors.
In a perfect world the Strikers would be headed to MLS.
As fans, all we can do is support local soccer and continue to push to make our dream eventually come true.

Here is a fan video:

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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.