Strikers host Bar Crawl in Downtown Fort Lauderdale Saturday May 7th starting at 5 pm

The Strikers will host a Downtown Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl at a few of the top bars in the area.

It all begins at T-Mex Cantina at 5PM. Continuing on to the Himmarshee Bar and Grill, followed by the Briny Pub and ending at Tarpon Bend where everyone will be able to watch the Strikers play versus the NSC Minnesota Stars.
For more information click on the picture to the right for exact times and drink specials.

Please don't drink and drive.

More Info: Tommy Knapp, tknapp@strikers.com or 954-829-9213

For a few game preview go to www.strikers.com 

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 remain undefeated! Will take on the Austin Aztex on Wednesday

After 6 games the Blues are the only undefeated team in the USSF Div2. It was Miami's first win in the season, product of a Paulo Jr goal! Christian Gomez sent a perfect pass to Paulo who buried the ball in the net with no mercy on Saturday night. Read more about it HERE
The Blues set their sights on the Austin Aztex this coming Wednesday at 7:30 PM at Lockhart Stadium.
Will Miami FC remain undefeated?
Following are pictures from this weekends win versus the NSC Minnesota Stars.
Pictures by Robert Scorca and Victor Palkaninec.






Want to see more Pictures? Check out Victor Palkaninec's http://miamifc2.com/

MLS Miami is not dead! Local Soccer Fans want the 20th MLS Expansion spot.

South Florida will not give up it's claim in obtaining the 20th spot for MLS expansion. Miami's Local Soccer Fan group the Miami Ultras have started a campaign to gain attention and find possible investors who believe in this market.

It begins with the launch of their very own website http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

The Ultras are also reaching out through twitter ( http://twitter.com/mlsmiami ) and facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495
) So join these groups to be informed on the latest news concerning Miami's MLS bid.

But there is more... Selected pubs and bars throughout South Florida have come on board willing to support this cause and will cooperate by posting MLS Miami posters and fliers that will help gain awareness. These same bars and pubs will host World Cup matches and will be announced shortly.

MLS Futbolito
To further the awareness campaign for the MLS Miami Bid, the Ultras will be passing out fliers and reaching out to the community at the MLS Futbolito tournament by asking folks to sign up for Miami MLS Season Ticket Dedications. A “season ticket dedication” is basically a pledge that if Miami does get a Major League Soccer team, you will buy season tickets. (It's only a promise) We need as many season ticket dedications as possible to enhance support for our case of getting an MLS team in the near future.

MLS Futbolito is the official 4 vs 4 tournament of Major League Soccer. It consists of a fun soccer tournament that involves 13 communities across the country. It is a day-long event which offers food, music and fun activities for the whole family. Miami's version of this event will take place at Kendall Soccer Park located at 8011 SW 127th Ave Miami, FL 33183. The event takes place this Sunday May 23, 2010 at 9 AM. For more information and directions to this event go HERE

The Miami Ultras want you!

If you are a die hard soccer fan and you are hungry for Soccer then join the Ultras! So what are you waiting for? Get involved! Be a part of the soccer movement in South Florida. It's free, just show up to our events and we'll welcome you to the family. We want people who will STAND and SING for the DURATION of the game, show their colors, bring original flags, give our team the home field advantage, and ENERGIZE the rest of the crowd! JOIN HERE

Where do we start? At Miami FC games, our USSF Div 2 Soccer team.
The next game will be at Lockhart Stadium in Ft Lauderdale this Saturday May 22 at 7:30 PM against the NSC Minnesota Stars. The tailgate begins at 5 PM and as always come and join the Ultras.
The Ultras support all soccer in South Florida!

Coming up: We will explore why Miami? MLS needs to expand to South Florida in order to have a true foothold on this country. Miami over other expansion cities and why it makes sense...

Miami FC needs to play with Huevos! Watch party at America's Backyard By Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito been a patients dawg this season. Burrito no bite anyones, nor has Burrito done pee on anyones tires in parking lot this season and si, Burrito no hump no legs either... yet. Burrito has come to point where he is mad as a chingado! Why? Because Miami FC can't wins, thats why! Burrito really, really, really think it time for Miami FC to start playing with Huevos! Si, Burrito be first one to says it. If any of you Miami FC players read Burrito's blog, then time to look down an see if you got two down theres!
Why? How many time you homeboys going to tease Burrito with all these ties? Sure, we undefeated pero that still don't fly with Burrito when we only tie at home!

This year we finally have a great team on papers starting with one time MLS MVP Christian Gomez. We also have players with mucho experience in MLS like Abe Thompson, Chris Gbandi, Mike Randolph and Lance Parker. So why the slow start?
In defense we look strong starting with Caleb Patterson who has been solid in goal so fars. Burrito can't complain about the back cause they doing okey dokey.
From the midfield up it seems to be the problemo. Only 3 goles so far one by Mister Abe Thompson in the last game so we hope now that Abe score one we hope Abe score many more as he be our best hope up tops!
The rest of the goles come from Christian Gomez and Edward Santilez. Burrito believe Miami FC need to half more shots from the outside. Then we can score like crazys!

Ok so a word from Burrito to the players... "Time to grab your cojones before game and go out there and make those pinches NSC Stars your bitches!"

The Blues visit the NSC Stars this Saturday May 15, 2010 at Minnesota so the official watch party will be at America's Backyard in Downtown Ft Lauderdale. Be sure to say you are there for the Miami FC game at the entrance and you will get 1 FREE DRINK! Si, you hear it from Burrito first! The Watch Party will be in the upstairs bar as usual. Game starts at 8PM so be there or be squares!
Vamos Miami! Juguemos con huevos!

Danger! Tampa Bay Fans coming. By Burrito

Burrito want to welcome hated Tampa Bay fans to Burrito's casa in Lockharts Stadiums this Saturday May 1, 2010. Tailgate start at 5pm and game will kick off at 7:30 pm.

Burrito hear most peoples in Tampa are borings and dumb pero Burrito want all to know thats not true. In most cases si, they dumbs and all that enchilada pero the truth is a few are good peoples so there. Thats as far as Burrito will get to saying good stuffs about Tampa Fans. Beware Miami Fans, they come to drink our beers and vodkas, they come to eat our BBQs and take all they can from us good South Floridas futbol fans.

As you can see Burrito get pictures of Tampon fans so Miami fans can identify what they looks like. Si, they all look like terrorists and they likie throwing a good cerveza into the pitch! Why would anyone do that? If Burrito see that kinda beer abuse he bite first Tampa Fan he see on knee!
Burrito want to warn Rowdies fans that any beer abuse will be punished by laws! Burrito also get picture of Tampa fans arrested for being estupid. Si, peoples if you throw away good beer you go to jail, you no pass GO you no collect $200! So don't be a pendejos Tampa fans. Give beer to Ultras we drink it! Now that we know what Tampa fans looks like Blues fans can keep childrens and womens aways from them.

But enough about the fans. Burrito now concentrate on team. The Rowdies come from a game in Minnesota where they lose to NSC Stars. Too bad cause Burrito woulda wanted these chingados to lose to the Blues first pero is ok now they lose 2 in rows! Burrito get picture of Tampa player who was axed what he think of Miami FC and here is picture to rights. Si, he get so scared he peepee in pants. Pobrecito, can't blame the hombre for being afraid of the Blues.

Burrito predict Miami FC will wins 5-0 with goals by Christian Gomez (2), Abe Thompson, Paulo Junior and Edward Santeliz. Again our back line will be strongs anchored by Kaka and Beowulfs Kirby and great performances by Mike Randolph and Burritos dawg Martyn Lancaster.

So get ready for a great game Blues Fans and don't let those putos from Tampa get to you.
Vamos, Vamos Miami! Que esta noche tenemos que Ganar!
Vamos Miami!