MLS Futbolito in Miami, Strikers sign Abe Thompson and more...

MLS Futbolito is coming back to South Florida!
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. This years event in Miami will take place on Sunday May 22, 2011 at Kendall Soccer Park.
Last year yours truly, Miami Ultra member Uncle Ed was invited to play in the celebrity game that was live on Univision's Republica Deportiva. Uncle Ed played with one time Mexican national team player Francisco "Paco" Palencia, ex Mexico goalie Felix "El Gato" Fernandez , Republica Deportiva's Presidente Fernando Fiore and of course the lovely Senadoras, among others. Check out the pictures and video from last years event and check out my ugly mug!
For more details check out last years website and be on the look out for the new website to see what other cities futbolito will stop at. Go HERE

Strikers sign Abe Thompson

The Strikers website announced the signing of last years top scorer Abe Thompson. Here is what they had to say about it:

“Anytime you can bring back a MLS veteran who was your leading goal scorer last season it’s a positive move for the team. We will look to Abe for veteran leadership and hope he will find the same success he had last season.” Said Head Coach Daryl Shore.

You can read more at Strikers.com

Martyn Lancaster's Blog
Fan favorite Martyn Lancaster has a new gig! He will periodically write pieces about life as a Fort Lauderdale Striker. Already he has given fans a couple of gems that will embarrass his teammates ranging from a bad hair cut to skinny-dipping in a public pool!
Be sure to also check out and listen to Martyn's interview on 640 AM.
Looks like Martyn will be a broadcaster and blogger after his soccer career. Read more about it HERE

Strikers Soccerthon
This weekend is the Strikers Soccerthon it will be a 12 hour event with a Strikers pre-season match at 3:30 pm. Following is the Soccerthon Timeline.
Saturday March 19th
Ft. Lauderdale Stadium

8 AM- Public Schools Match (Field 2) 7v7 two 25 min halves
9 AM- Staff Match (Field 2) 7v7 two 25 min halves
10 AM- College Cup (Fields 1,2,3) 11v11 two 45 min halves
2:30-330 PM- Law Enforcement Match (Field 2) 7v7 two 30 min halves
3:30 PM- Strikers Exhibition Match (Field 3)
5:30 PM College Cup 2nd round games two 45 min halves (Field 1,2,3)

Player Pictures by Robert Scorca
Futbolito Picture by Zach Reese

Miami MLS futbolito and Miami Ultras seek South Florida MLS team

Last week the Miami Ultras, South Florida Soccer supporters began their MLS Miami Bid campaign with the launch of the official website http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/ To enhance the launch they also attended MLS futbolito in order to further the awareness of the MLS Miami Bid in South Florida. The Ultras passed out fliers and asked folks to sign up for Miami MLS Season Ticket Dedications. A “season ticket dedication” is basically a pledge that if South Florida does get a Major League Soccer team, that they 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. By doing this we send out a message to investors that South Florida is a good market for Major League Soccer. We believe that in order for MLS to have a true foothold in this country that they need to be in South Florida.

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. The event took place this past Sunday May 23, 2010 at Kendall Soccer Park. For more information on future futbolito city stops go HERE

The Fans that attended futbolito were very supportive and over 150 season ticket dedications were pledged. But our efforts will continue. For more information on future events please follow Miami MLS Bid on Twitter or Facebook and visit the official site.

Miami Ultras own Uncle Ed was invited to play in the celebrity game that was on live TV that same Sunday on Univision's Republica Deportiva. Uncle Ed played with current UNAM Pumas player Francisco "Paco" Palencia, ex Mexico goalie Felix "El Gato" Fernandez , Republica Deportiva's Presidente Fernando Fiore and of course the lovely Senadoras among other.
Here are a few pictures of the game and event:
All Pictures by Miami Ultra Derek Reese
Here is a video in Spanish during MLS futbolito:
Stay tuned as selected pubs and bars throughout South Florida have come on board to support Miami MLS bid and will cooperate by posting MLS Miami posters and fliers that will help gain awareness in South Florida. These same bars and pubs will host World Cup matches that we will announce shortly. Stay tuned for more MLS Miami events!