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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Arsenal fantasy kits

Full name: Arsenal Football Club
City: London
League: Premier League
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Fouded: 1886
Shirt sponsor: Emirates
Kit manufacturer: Nike

Also known as Gunners, their traditional kit is red shirt with white sleeves. Here is my version of the Gunners kit, a little bit diferrent than traditional.
The home kit is used often with red socks in away games.
The away kit like most Arsenal fan want, yellow and blue, suitable for games against Man. United, Liverpool, Villa, West Ham, Burnley, Stoke City.
Third kit I preferred all in dark blue (can be used with white short, against Sunderland), some said it clashes with the away kit, but I think its perfect for international games against Galatasaray or even all white kits.

Middlesborough Futsal Contest (kit 2)

My second attempt for this Contest, based on the first design, a little darker shade of blue and the red panel on front.

REQUESTS

At a moment I have lots of drawings for kits, but I'll make some time for any particular request you make. Leave a comment with your request, and any proposals for the colours, sponsors.

A.S. Saint-Étienne fantasy kits

Full name: Association Sportive
Saint-Étienne Loire
City: Saint-Étienne
League: Ligue 1
Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Fouded: 1919
Shirt sponsor: Fruité, Conseil Général LOIRE, Teisseire, INVICTA,
Kit manufacturer: adidas

An other favorit of mine, I always like their kits. This is diferrent type of Marseille's design.
The away kit is the complementar of the home. It may be used all white also.
A third kit in dark green colour may be used against striped kits.
About sponsors I try to be accurate as possible, only two changes, I moved the INVICTA logo to the back to balance the kit, and left out the arm sponsor.

This second variant made by request. Initially I avoided to use this light green because not want to copy the actual away kit. But for my brother...

Olympique Marseille fantasy kits

Full name: Olympique de Marseille
City: Marseille
League: Ligue 1
Stadium: Stade Vélodrome
Fouded: 1899
Shirt sponsor: DIRECT ENERGIE, Touax, INTERSPORT
Kit manufacturer: adidas

Olimpique Marseille had always impresed us with beautiful kits. This is my try to continue the line. My designs for adidas kits are not based on the classic three stripes on arms and shorts. I'll try a diferrent approach of the stripes and their possition.

I use for the away kit dark blue.
The third kit is a remake of the 2007/2008 season kit, a little bit strange combination but as third or European kit I guess it's ok.
The fourth kit is the opposite for the home kit.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Middlesborough Futsal Contest (kit 1)


My third participation in kit design contests, hope more succesfully then the privious two. I have a some designs for this team, this is the first. It's something different to design for futsal team because myself practice this sport for long time. The novelty is designing for Errea, hope I'll not disappoint. The easiest part for this team is that the team is new, 2007 is their first year, and there are no limits imposed by tradition. Still I made a first kit very simple, the next one will hame some more variations.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Blues choked by Railhawks, USL rumors and other stuff

First off, Miami FC received a spanking of unnatural proportions! To say they choked is an under-statement!
This is what the USL site said was the beginning of the end for the Blues:
It started with Daniel Paladini’s free kick in the 30th minute. From 30 yards out, Paladini took the shot as Miami goalkeeper Pat Hannigan was still trying to set the wall. He curled it in at the far post for his sixth goal of the season.

“I asked the ref for 10 yards, and then he backed them up, and he blew the whistle,” Paladini said. “Kupono [Low] was like, 'Take it, take it, take it!' So it just clicked in my head real quick, and the goalie was setting up the wall, and I just put it in the corner.”

As Paladini took off on his celebration, Miami players were irate, and a handful of them charged toward referee Tony Crush. Within seconds, Crush flashed a red card toward the group of players, and it went to midfielder Edwin Miranda.
Losing a man at the 30th minute on what seems to have been a bad call sucks. Playing with 10 players is bad, but for the whole team to fall apart and concede 5 goals in 15 minutes is just plain nuts! It's not like the team didn't have all it's starting defenders either. Carolina had 20 shots, so basically every other shot they scored. Goalkeeper Hannigan, a solid player all year, made 7 saves but couldn't prevent the spanking. Here is more from the Miami Herald

More rumors on the sale of USL has been all over the news and I'm impressed by the level of misinformation that is out there. I don't claim to be the most knowledgeable person on the subject but some people need to do some research before posting something. Here are a few examples:
Miami New Times
New York Times
I think the best response to all this tomfoolery is made by the Kartik Report. Whether you love or hate Kartik (cause I know he has a lot of haters) I think he is usually on the money.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Hulk, please bring your daughter to the Miami FC game! by Burrito

Burrito is happy Hulk Hogan going to be at 2 Miami FC games as he wrestle to beat your property taxes, like he used to wrestle Andre the Giant and Ultimate Warrior!

But Burrito really hope the Hulkster brings his daughter Brooke! She is one hot mamacita! Burrito going to ask Hulk if it ok if Burrito marry her and then we have little Hogan Burritos! If you no think Brooke is muy caliente here are some pictures of her... Ay chihuahua!:
Come out and see Hulk Hogan ...and hopefully his hot mamacita daughter Brooke! ( Not scheduled to appear) next Saturday, Sept. 5th as Miami FC will play against the Austin Aztex @ FIU Stadium (Season Finale at FIU) There will be a Powerade Pre-Game Parade, Celebrity/Media Game and of course the Hulkster!

Pero if you can't make that one then you can see Hulk Hogan on Tuesday, September 8th when Miami FC will play against the Rochester Rhinos @ Lockhart Stadium! Hulk Hogan will also appear!
Support Soccer in South Florida! Vamos Miami FC! Let's go Blues!

We lose again! USL or MLS? Ultras are part of Sam's Army!

It's getting old folks, the losing is getting old. First the Portland game on Saturday where the Blues lost 3-1 and then it seemed we would bring back a point from Vancouver but with only 10 minutes left Miami conceded a goal followed by another a few minutes later that sealed our fate and might keep us away from the playoffs for yet another season. Sure, playing back to back games didn't help. But now the loss versus the Thunder last week at Lockhart really hurts. The Playoffs look unreachable at this stage unless we pull off a miracle streak. If you want to read a little more about the games check out Total Futbol and the Kartik Report.

The question many people have on many soccer discussion boards and blogs is whether Miami really wants a soccer team in MLS. Support for USL side Miami FC has been dismal at both Lockhart and FIU stadiums. I often wonder how it would be if we still had an MLS team. The Miami Fusion averaged over 11,000 their last year in 2001, this compared to the barely 1,000 we get to see the Blues today.

Miami FC's front office was criticized by fans in the beginning of the season for not showing an interest to advertise or market their product. Sure, we know they almost folded, yet still no real effort was made to get the word out. It seemed the head honchos thought that word of mouth would be enough to get people in the Stadium. Cries from fans for billboards or any sign in front of the Stadiums never materialized, the fact is most people in South Florida had no idea there were games taking place and still many people have no idea there is a professional soccer team in South Florida. Only recently as the season is ending have we seen an actual effort with a billboard going up and the new Miami FC Challenge viral campaign. Good stuff guys but very late.

If we go by what we read on the Internet Miami fans want MLS. This town is full of soccer snobs not willing to support a lower league. The fans demand top quality Soccer but while we read their demands I can only wonder if people will actually come out like they did in Seattle and how they are doing in Portland now. Many might argue that when the Barcelona Miami bid was developing that Miami did not rally to support this effort. Yet Claure and Barcelona did not advertise and did not try to get the word out on their own. These potential investors were relying on word of mouth to get the news out. So my question is why does Miami always get these stingy owners who are not willing to commit to this town? Why do they all do a half ass job? I mean if they actually advertise and still they fail then they are justified to close the doors and pack up.

Many Miami haters think the Miami Fusion was a failure. I don't see the Fusion as a failure, it was an owner not willing to commit and a league that was short sighted and who now regrets closing the doors to such a great market. Today, I find it funny that San Jose lost their team only to get it back and possibly lose it again. Move San Jose to Miami! I will further discuss MLS to Miami in future blog posts. For now support the cause to bring an MLS team to South Florida go to: http://www.miamisoccerfan.com/Soccer/Tickets.html

Good news for The Miami Ultras! They are now a brigade of Sam's Army! The Ultras will work closely with SA and all their brigades to grow soccer in our country. We will also join the Sam’s Army® Advisory Board to work closely in growing soccer, SA and the Miami Ultras. To join the Ultras go to Miamisoccerfan.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

Watch Party at Finnegans River! Miami FC vs Portland Timbers 9pm Saturday

Time for a Watch Party folks! Miami FC is on the road and will play future MLS team and the hottest team in the USL, the Portland Timbers, this Saturday, August 22 at 9 pm.
Miami FC will be hosting the Watch Party for all their fans at Finnegan’s River located at 401 S.W. 3 Ave. in the Brickell area downtown. Come out and join us for drinks and an all around good time as we cheer the Blues on as they make a run for the play-offs!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Cow Bell gets you 4 free tickets to the Next game! By Burrito

Hola amigos y amigas! Once again Burrito find tickets, bueno, this time Burrito "borrow" tickets from Uncle Ed's season tickets envelope when the vato wasn't looking so now Burrito will give them away! Yeeehaaa!

So here is the deal... The first carnal who shows up to the Miami Ultras Tailgate for the Saturday September 5th game at FIU Stadium, (drinking usually starts at 6 pm) with a Cow Bell will get 4 free tickets to the game! Just look for Miami Ultras Presidente Pieter Brown and tada! You get 4 tickets!

The only condition is you need to drink cervezas with the Ultras and play Cow Bell with the Ultras Drum Maestros during the game! Who knows, maybe you become official Ultras Cow Bell persona!

Don't know how to play cowbell? No problema señor o señorita! See the video and learn!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hulkamania is coming to town! Check him out at the next Miami FC game!

Yes folks Hulkamania is alive and well! His opponent you ask? He will be wrestling your Property Tax!
Saturday, Sept. 5th Miami FC will play against the Austin Aztex @ FIU Stadium (Season Finale at FIU) There will be a Powerade Pre-Game Parade, Celebrity/Media Game (Uncle Ed will be playing!) and Hulk Hogan!

Then on Tuesday, September 8th Miami FC will play against the Rochester Rhinos @ Lockhart Stadium~ Hulk Hogan will also appear!

So come out and support Miami FC as they make their playoff push and see Hulk Hogan!
For ticket information go to the Miami FC site!

Be sure to make your vote at Miamisoccerfan.com for your favorite Miami FC player! The Miami Ultras, official Miami FC fan club, will be giving out their traditional Fans favorite player award at the final game of the Season. Pick between Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Pat "The Man" Hannigan or chose a player not listed! GO HERE

Monday, August 17, 2009

Silly Striker Liker, Lockhart Stadium has the Blues


The Blues came back to Lockhart this past Friday night and as any good Striker Liker would do, I had to come out in full color. Showing off my new Zazzle 3/4 Sleeve Striker shirt, I sat next to Fernando Clavijo and watched Miami FC and Minnesota Thunder play a less than subpar match.

The Ultras were in full effect, the salted pretzels were just a little too lukewarm and the guy in the Miami Fusion shirt brought out the nostalgia. It was everything I would have hoped for.

The Blues lost 1-0 and I can't say it was a heartbreaker, the Thunder had chance after chance to make things ugly.

In any case, we've got two more games at Lockhart to cherish forever. Keep coming!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Where Will You Sit Tonight?


Soccer comes home tonight! Miami FC is promoting the final games of the season with great intent and the players are risking their scalps to eradicate empty seats see here.

Some come out and make some noise, wear a Striker shirt, if you got 'em. Bring the kids, come for the soccer, come for the arepas, just come!

See you all tonight!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Miami FC vs Minnesota Thunder this Friday at Lockhart Stadium!

The Blues continue their playoff hunt this Friday August 14th against the Minnesota Thunder 8 pm at Lockhart Stadium! We need all fans in South Florida out there to support Miami FC!

Be sure to get out to the stadium early as the Miami Ultras will be offering free beer starting at 6pm at the Tailgate! Just look for the crazy guys in scarves. You better hurry before supplies run out, them Ultras can drink!

Has anyone seen the new Billboard? For those traveling Southbound on the Turnpike be sure to look for it close to the Hard Rock. (Thanks Pieter for the correction)
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Miami FC signs Brazilian WC Veteran Junior Baiano

First it was Gale Agbossoumonde, defender for the U.S. Under-20 National team. Now Miami FC signs 1998 World Cup Veteran Junior Baiano to replenish a team plagued with injuries and recent transfers. The Blues have been struggling and the Brazilian will be a needed addition.

Raimundo Ferreira Ramos Júnior, known as Júnior (or adding demonym of Bahia state, became Júnior Baiano) (born March 14, 1970 in Feira de Santana, Bahia) is a Brazilian football centre back. He retired in the end of 2005, but in December 2006 he signed a professional contract with América from Rio de Janeiro to defend the club in Rio State Championship in the beginning of 2007. Baiano signed a contract with Brasiliense to play Série B Brazilian League in 2007
Baiano is an imposing 6ft 3in and will most likely be the target man on the team. No word yet if Junior will be available for this Friday's game versus the Minnesota Thunder at Lockhart Stadium.
For More info go to the Miami FC site.
Check out a goal by Junior Baiano

Sunday, August 9, 2009

First glimpse of the Bernabeu

Cristiano Ronaldo visited the stadium offices hours before his presentation

www.realmadrid.com

Cristiano Ronaldo is now familiar with the Santiago Bernabeu. The player arrived shortly after 14:00 and had a quick tour of the inner confines including a stop at the Presidential Balcony.

After being given the green light at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, Cristiano Ronaldo was driven to the Santiago Bernabeu where he was welcomed by Jorge Valdano.

The Director General and Presidential Aide gave the player a bried tour of the stadium and took several minutes to overlook his new pitch from the Presidential Balcony. The two later made their way to Puerta 57 restaurant, where Ronaldo could look out the window to see the sight of where he hopes to have many magical nights of football.

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

As many as 80,000 fans may attend Cristiano Ronaldo's presentation Possible new record

www.realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Maradona, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Beckham are some of the players who were greeted by thousands of fans when they arrived to new teams. More than 55,000 people attended Kaka's presentation at the Bernabeu last week and all eyes are now on Cristiano Ronaldo, whose unveiling could break every existing record with the attendance of 80,000 supporters. It would be the most popular presentation since Maradona's at Napoli.

Diego Armando Maradona signed for Napoli in 1984 after a stint at Barcelona. His arrival in the Italian city was highly anticipated and 75,000 fans greeted him at the stadium despite having to pay for tickets to attend the presentation. There were more than 300 accredited journalisrs and RAI televised the event after paying $30,000 for the rights.

Cristiano Ronaldo's presentation could prove even more popular. More than 55,000 supporters greeted Kaka at the Bernabeu last week; his presentation being more popular than Ronaldinho's at Barcelona (20,000 fans) and Milan (40,000).

Thirty thousand Barcelona supporters gathered at Camp Nou for the presentation of Henry, and David Beckham's arrival at LA Galaxy met with the fervent support of 8,000 fans; quite a record in a country in which football is yet to become a popular sport -there were more accredited journalists there than at the Superbowl-.

Madridistas will start taking the Bernabeu this evening at 19:00 CET to greet their new idol and may well pack the stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo's presentation could make history by breaking every existing record.

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

The perfect strike

www.realmadrid.com analyzes Cristiano Ronaldo's method of taking free kicks

Carlos Cristobal / Translation by realmadrid.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has a multitude of strong suits on the field of play, and one of them is without a doubt his ability to take free kicks. Ronaldo has mastered the art of the set piece and has scored many important goals. Realmadrid.com has decided to analzye the steps taken by the Portuguese as he prepares for a laser-guided free kick.

STEP 1: PRIOR TO SHOOTING
Cristiano always follows the same routine before winding up for a shot. First, he meticulously places the ball on the turf with the air in the exact spot where he will strike it with his foot. This provides more power and makes it easier to put any curving effect on the ball. Once satisfied with the placement, Cristiano prepares the run-up to the ball. He measures between four and six long steps and takes a stance with legs wide apart. Always slightly left of the ball, the new Madridista concentrates on the shot.

STEP 2: RUN-UP & STRIKE
The first few steps taken by Ronaldo are short strides on the tips of his toes, much in the same way Roberto Carlos takes free kicks. What differentiates the two however is that once the Portuguese is in full stride, the actual run-up is shorter and at a curve towards the right rather than straight like the Brazilian.

Cristiano's last stride is the longest. His left support foot will be several centimeters behind the ball. At that very moment, his entire body is angled back with his support leg fully extended and the right beginning to pull the trigger. During the follow through, Ronaldo's body moves forward to keep the ball from sailing too high. His maintains his balance with his left arm, while the right moves to add power to the shot. The right foot strikes the ball on the lower left section of the ball. He doesn't make contact with either the exterior or interior of his boot. It's a clean strike with the instep, which puts even more power beihnd the ball.

STEP 3: BALL TRAJECTORY
The run-up to the right and the strike with the left foot on the left side of the ball. The result is a parabola that is hard to describe with words. While the ball rises, it first tends to carry left. But all of a sudden its trajectory changes. The lateral movement ends and the ball moves away from the goalkeepe and sinks, making it virtually impossible of saving.

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

Saturday, August 8, 2009

My first love (in football) F.K. Crvena Zvezda

Full name: Fudbalski klub Crvena zvezda
City: Belgrade
League: Jelen Superliga
Stadium: Stadion Crvena Zvezda (Maracana)
Fouded: 1945
Shirt sponsor: TOYOTA
Kit manufacturer: NIKE

I will start with my first love: Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Red Star Belgrade), love I inherited from my grandfather and my father since I was little kid. I will not write about club, this is not my purpose here, I will post four version of the fantasy kits I made for this club. The design was inspired from the glory period (when Red Star become European and World Champion). This is my favorit, red and white striped shirt, white short and red socks.


The same shirt with red short, a very usual combination, especially in their glory days.For the away games I made an predominant white with two red stripes instead of an all white, clashes a bit with the home version but for games against red/white teams here is a third kit all blue.