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Thursday, March 31, 2011

We Americans May Be On To Something

Sometimes, ok most times, we are mocked around the world as not being part of the pure soccer tradition that exists planet wide. Because soccer is overshadowed by other professional sports in America, any involvement we have with the world's game is deemed insignificant.

But alas, take a real look at the history and at the state of the game today and try and tell me that Americans haven't had their influence on world football.

Performance wise, the USA finished third in the inaugural World Cup and in 1950 staged the biggest upset ever in the game.

Moving forward to the NASL of the 70s, we introduced "the Galacticos" a team of stars from around the world. That concept is commonplace these days, but the Cosmos did it first, so there.

Another gem to the world was the NASL ball, star studded for a reason, notice now how the UEFA Champions League has taken the concept for its annual tournament of club champions.

We statesiders deserve some credit, so with the launch of the new NASL (amazing logo by the way) and the re-introduction of classic NASL sides (Vancouver Whitecaps, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and now of course the Fort Lauderdale Strikers), history is coming full circle and the dark ages of American soccer shall be no more.

This rant is really just a reason to put out the thought that the new NASL should play with a cool looking ball. Anyone have any idea what they will be using?

Torino V Grosseto Preview

Fresh from their impressive 4-0 away victory at Ascoli, Torino will attempt to make it back to back victories as they face Grosseto at home on Friday evening.

A victory for Torino would mean, that for a few hours at least, they would occupy the final Playoff position in the Serie B table. If that were to happen, then it would send a message to the rest of the playoff contenders that the talk of Torino's demise throughout the last few weeks, was certainly premature. However, tomorrow's match will certainly be a difficult one against a fellow playoff rival, because a victory for Grosseto would mean that it would be them who would overtake Torino and take sixth place, evidence of just how close the division is at the moment.

Miami Ultras in New York. Fans visit MLS and watch USA vs Argentina.

ALERT: Be sure to listen to Jorge Ramos y su Banda on ESPN Radio 1450 AM in Miami or go HERE to listen online as Jorge Ramos will have a chat with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Jorge will be asking Don about a future MLS team in South Florida among other MLS related subjects. Be sure to check it out starting at 4PM and call in to 1 800 Deportes You can also follow and send questions on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ESPN_JorgeRamos
Radio address if anyone wants to go is: ESPNDeportesRadio
 Alhambra plaza - 9 floor Coral Gables, FL 33134
Ultras in New York
Miami Ultras were spotted this past weekend in New York City. A group of Ultras, led by Mitchell Rivera visited the Big Apple to watch the USA vs Argentina match that took place this past Saturday.



But before the USA game Mitch decided to visit MLS digital where he was greeted by David Agrell. The Ultras were given a quick tour and were told that we are the first supporters group to visit MLS Digital. David did tell us that FutbolMLS (The Spanish version of the MLS website) will soon get its own front page link. Mitch asked where does MLSsoccer.com, get the most hits outside the US. David replied that it was from Europe and the Middle East only because gambling is legal and they find that MLS is unpredictable and there is parity in the league.

As you will see in the pictures below there is a collection of scarves there. We found that the Miami Ultras scarf was already amongst the MLS supporters scarves. We don't know how they got it, perhaps from Garber's last visit and meeting with the Ultras in January, but either way it's a good sign of things to come. (Click picture to enlarge)


Below you can see more pictures at MLS, the USA game and around New York.


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Theo Walcott

      Theo james Walcott lahir Stanmore,Inggris, 16 Maret 1989. Adalah pemain sepak bola berkebangsaan Inggris. Sekarang Walcott bermain di klub Arsenal F.C arahan Arsene Wenger. setelah bergabung dari Southhampton 20 Januari 2006.

                                                                        Theo Walcott   








Luis Nani

        Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha lahir di Cape Verde, 17 November 1986. Pemain sepak bola asal Portugal yang lebih dikenal dengan nama Nani. Posisinya adalah sayap.  Sekarang Nani bermain di Manchester United, dengan nomor punggung 17. 


Luis Nani

        Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha lahir di Cape Verde, 17 November 1986.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The new Ft. Lauderdale Strikers Jersey and more.

Last night the Fort Lauderdale Strikers revealed their new jerseys! I have to admit they look good. FMB contributor Mitch Rivera supplied us with these photos.


 
 
Check out more pictures and video at:
Miami Soccer fan
www.strikers.com

I also need to comment on the new updated websites. The Strikers website is great and the NASL's (www.nasl.com ) is even better. That, along with the new logos have been proof, for now, that Traffic has done their homework and improved from years past.
Still, though we have some new talent on the team, there is a question mark referering to the talent on the field. But last night they mentioned there are still 4 players to be signed. Today they mentioned 2 in Midfielder Patrick Otte and Goalkeeper Phillip Lamarre. Read more about them HERE 
Let's wait and see what coach Daryl Shore can muster up. We need a Championship team!

Check out this video of the Strikers glory years that the team released. The old meets the new!
Go Strikers!


UPDATE: 7PM
Just saw the Strikers on Univision. See the picture below:

Time to coronate the King

When Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson to become temporary manager in January he was welcomed with widespread approval from the majority of supporters, who were delighted to see the much-maligned Hodgson replaced with club legend and fans' favourite King Kenny.

However, a few doubts about the Scot's appointment persisted, with the main worries centring on his understanding of the modern game following over a decade out of top-level management. With the Reds' confidence-stricken squad enduring a torrid season some doubted his ability to transform our weak and worryingly under-performing side.

Now, only 81 days after his appointment, those fears have been compounded and the initial enthusiasm that surrounded his arrival has proved to be well placed, with many, including myself, hoping that the 60-year old is offered a long-term contract by new American owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) immediately.

Infusing the current squad with belief and confidence while also acquiring some top quality new signings in the form of Suarez and Carroll have been the King's main achievements, with the resulting resurgence transforming our performances and earning crucial Premier League points, taking us away from the jaws of a relegation dog fight and accelerating us towards the dizzying heights of the top six.

Whereas his predecessor Roy Hodgson would regularly cite the players' weaknesses and claim that replacements were necessary, thus undermining the squad's confidence even further, Dalglish has backed his squad to the hilt throughout while also acknowledging the need to gradually re-build with wise investment during the transfer window.

This rebuilding process began in January, when Dalglish oversaw the capture of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, two exciting young prospects who have instantly bolstered our attacking options. Alongside Damien Comolli and other senior officials Dalglish successfully replaced Torres and Babel with Carroll and Suarez, in deals which will benefit Liverpool in both the short and long term.



Perhaps more significantly Dalglish demonstrated that he can work efficiently and effectively with a Director of Football. Although many predicted that the King would not welcome Comolli's role due to his traditional British view of a dominant manager controlling everything football related, the reverse has proven to be the case, as Comolli has complimented Dalglish well, playing a crucial role in the recruitment of players while allowing Kenny to control training and player selection.

Doubts about his understanding of the modern game have also proven to be unfounded as the modern and progressive 4-2-3-1 formation employed has produced attacking and enterprising football, while also ensuring defensive stability at the back, with clean sheets in almost half (8 out of 15) of our matches under Dalglish's stewardship providing the platform to collect points and victories.

The initially sceptical media have warmed to Dalglish and his entertaining style of play as a result, which, although the opinions of London based media men are widely ignored by sensible Liverpool fans, is encouraging, despite the painful irony of them criticising Benitez for introducing the same successful 4-2-3-1 formation that Dalglish now receives praise for utilising.

Liverpool's promising youngsters have also received a considerable boost following the appointment of Dalglish, who fully appreciates the clear potential possessed by many in the Reds' youth set up after working in the Academy for two years. His willingness to blood young talent into the first team has been displayed by the likes of Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing, who have both featured and impressed regularly under Dalglish.

On top of that several other youngsters, such as Jack Robinson, John Flanagan and Conor Coady, have enjoyed trips to Europe with the first team, allowing them to taste first team football and clearly establishing a route through from the youth sides to the first team. Such refreshing trust in youth compares favourably with former incumbent Roy Hodgson, who mainly marginalized the Academy, preferring to stick with older, more experienced yet less talented players rather than select gifted youngsters.

Crucially, Dalglish excellently exudes legitimate authority over his squad by his sheer presence and stature within the club, with the resulting respect for the manager and his style of play coupled fittingly with the renewed atmosphere of enjoyment encompassing Melwood.



This support for the temporary boss has been evidenced by many senior stars stating their desire to see him stay at the club beyond the length of his current six-month contract, as well as commenting on the much-improved training sessions under Dalglish and his popular, highly esteemed assistant Steve Clarke.

With the fans and the players now fully backing Dalglish it seems almost inevitable that he will be offered a new, long-term contract in the not so distant future. His impact at the club has been so significant that FSG have changed their plan to get a younger manager and instead appear likely to appoint the King on a permanent basis in the summer.

However, the instant and considerable boost Dalglish's permanent appointment would provide should be utilised immediately, as this could provide the added impetus needed to compete and claim the top five finish necessary to qualify for next season's Europa League.

The King of the Kop must return permanently to his Anfield home.

YNWA

Strikers Jersey is Upon Us!

Say what you will, and I hope you do, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2011 jerseys are here!

When the logo was introduced a few days back sans any black, I was worried that our team shorts would be the same charcoal grey, but behold the new Strikers kit, very classic and luckily for Joma, no need to redesign anything they had already in the production line.

At first glance anything Joma may not perk your fancy all that much, but let it sink in and enjoy the fact that we're back! We look damn good too!

From afar, the new logo has a very classic, european football look.

Next step, NASL Champions!

Sidenote: the FC Tampa Bay (we're not the Rowdies) are revealing their kits tomorrow. Let the rivalry begin.

Real Madrid C.F

       Real Madrid Club de Futbol adalah sepak bola asal Spanyol. Real Madrid merupakan klub sepak bola tersukses. Real Madrid didirikan pada 6 Maret 1902  bermain divisi utama Liga Spanyol. kandang/satdiumnya adalah Santiago Bernabeu yang berkapasitas 80.345 penonton. Sejak beberapa tahun terakhir, Madrid dikenal gemar membeli pemain top dunia seperti Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Mezut Ozil, Kaka, dll. Oleh karena itu Real Madrid diberi julukan Los Galacticos(Tim Galaksi). Pelatih Real Madrid sekarang adalah Jose Mourinho

Kostum:
























Logo:


Pemain Bintang:




                                                                   Karim Benzema
                                                                        Mezut Ozil
                                                                    Cristiano Ronaldo
                                                                        Iker Casillas
                                                               Gonzalo Higuain

Pelatih:
                                                                   Jose Mourinho











Sami Khedira

        Sami Khedira lahir di Jerman Barat, 4 April 1987. Pemain sepak bola asal Jerman berposisi sebagai gelandang. Saat ini Khedira bermain di Real Madrid. Sebelum di Real Madrid Khedira bermain di VfB Stuttgart 1995 sampai 2004.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Former River Plate Star Coudet Joins Strikers

Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet has recently signed with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers which gives a little more meat to the hungry Striker Likers out there waiting for opening day. Coudet, a bleached-blonde defensive midfielder is known for his take out the legs and ask questions later attitude. He peaked back in 2000 when he was an integral part of River Plate's early millennium success.

Most recently he's been a journeyman, last year spending the season with MLS debutantes Philadelphia Union.

One thing's for sure, his hair will continue to be bleached. Just kidding, expect to see some hardcore River supporters out there, and many other Argentines. Coudet played for a total of 5 Argentinean clubs including River Plate, San Lorenzo, Rosario Central, Platense and Colon.

Not a star signing by any means, but should be fun to watch as he throws elbows, goes into tackles with both feet and yells at the referees constantly.

Cristiano Ronaldo

                                                                   "CR7"

        Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Averio lahir di Portugal, 5 Febuari 1985. Seorang pemain sepak bola yang berasal dari Portugal. Ronaldo bermain di Manchester United dari 2003-2009, setelah itu Ronaldo pindah ke Real Madrid pada 1 Juli 2009 dengan harga transfer sebesar  80 juta poundstrerling menjadikan pemain termahal saat itu.

Xabi Alonso

        Xabi Alonso Olano lahir di Tolosa, Spanyol, 25 November 1981. Pemain sepak bola asal Spanyol yang bermain di klub Real Madrid. Sebelum bermain di Real, Xabi Alonso bermain di klub Liverpool. Peamain tengah ini bergabung dengan Liverpool pada Agustus 2004.

"Alonso"

Strikers to unveil new Jersey and sign Eduardo Coudet , plus NASL news and more.

The Strikers continue to make noise. This weekend they released their new logo. Miami Ultras President Pieter Brown made some great observations on the design. Read about it HERE.
Following the logo, yesterday the Strikers announced the signing of experienced midfielder Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet.
"Players like Coudet are very hard to find, his professional experience will be a great addition to our team. We will look to his leadership this season," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
Coudet, 36, is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina where he began his professional career in 1993 with Platense. In 1999, Coudet signed with one of the Argentine giants, River Plate, and would go on to win three league titles. Coudet has played professionally in Argentina, Spain, and most recently the U.S. He signed with the Philadelphia Union of Major League in the summer of 2010.
Read more at www.strikers.com

If you think it ends there you are wrong. Tonight, the Strikers will unveil their official team jerseys. The event will take place at The Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood at 7 pm. For more information please see the flyer below.

NASL
The NASL re-launched their website and introduced their new NASL logo. The league also announced their new Commissioner David Downs.
The North American Soccer League (NASL) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Downs as the league's first Commissioner. Downs will assume his new role with the NASL on April 4th.
Downs joins the NASL after serving as Executive Director of the USA Bid Committee, the organization created by the U.S. Soccer Federation to participate in the bidding process to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 and 2022. Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years in the broadcast industry as an executive with both ABC Sports and Univision Communications. During his broadcast career, Downs was instrumental in the successful negotiations to secure the U.S. television rights to every World Cup from USA '94, through Brazil '14.
Read more at www.nasl.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

Sergio Ramos

        Sergio Ramos Garcia lahir di Sevilla,Spanyol, 30 Maret 1986. Sergio Ramos adalah pemain sepak bola asal Spanyol, bermain sebgai bertahan. Sebelum di Real Madrid Sergi Ramos bermain di Sevilla selama 2 tahun, setelah itu Sergio Ramos pindah ke Real Madrid pada tahun 2005.

                           Sergio Ramos

Iker Casillas

        Iker Casillas Fernandez lahir di Mostoles,Spanyol, 20 Mei 1981. Seorang penjaga gawang asal Spannyol. Casillas adalah kiper utama Real Madrid dan Spanyol. Casillas memulai kariernya di kota kelahirannya dan bergabung pada usia 8 tahun. Casillas menyatakan akan pensiun suatu saat sebagai pemain Real Madrid dan akan terlibat dalam pengelolaan Real Madrid.
                                                                       Iker Casillas

New Fort Lauderdale Strikers Logo

Drink it in folks 'cause this is it!

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers unveiled their new logo this weekend and in doing so murdered the past history of the logo.

OK, that maybe a little harsh, but it's hard to see the similarities between this new venture and the classic logo from years past.

The new logo, designed by a veteran sports branding group, can explain each aspect of the logo, but it might take some time for this Striker Liker to swallow.

What do you think?