Miami MLS Champions League Final watch party, MLS Miami videos and more...

Our good friend and Miami Ultras member Brian Corey has started a new MLS Meetup group with the intention of catching big MLS games and tonight happens to be one of those days as Real Salt Lake will attempt to be the first MLS team to win a Champions League Final. Come join us at Mickey Byrnes tonight, Wednesday at 10 PM. Please come join us and join this awesome group: http://www.meetup.com/Miami-Major-League-Soccer-MLS-Fan-Club/ .

Talk about MLS... I've never won anything before so when I received an envelope in the mail the other day I was surprised I had won a Major league Soccer T-Shirt. Here is how I won it:

Hey Ed, Thanks for pledging to watch Tuesday night's opening match of the MLS season. I'm happy to report that you were one of the first 2,000 fans to take the pledge, so your free t-shirt is on its way! Russ Findlay Chief Marketing Officer Major League Soccer

MLS asked the winners to post a picture of yourself with the T-Shirt on so I decided to wear the T-Shirt to a Strikers game and sent it in. MLS put the picture up on their facebook page! Check it out below:

The push for MLS to Miami continues and it is being talked about in Bigsoccer and other forums not to mention blogs and other media.
Following are videos of recent mentions of MLS Miami, both in Spanish. This one is from ESPN's Jorge Ramos y su banda. They even mention the Miami Ultras.


This video is from an MLS game transmitted on Galavision, one of the Univision channels. They constantly mention MLS Miami in their broadcasts.


Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Then join, follow or visit these sites:

Website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

Blog:  http://mlsmiami.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlsmiami

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid

Email us to: info@mlsmiamibid.com

Don't forget to support your local soccer teams WPS team magicJack and the NASL's Strikers!

SF Soccer news: MLS Miami, Strikers sign Arguez, WPS and more.

This week we start with MLS Miami expansion news as ESPN is reporting that MLS to Miami might be closer than we thought.

Talk is heating up that Beckham will, when his contract expires after this season, execute the clause in his contract that allows him to purchase an MLS expansion team, and that Miami is the best bet. British tabloid People last month reported Beckham “will be offered a chance” to make Miami the league's 20th team, in part because a clause in his contract won't allow him to invest in teams in Los Angeles or New York.

Do you want MLS to return? Support our efforts in bringing MLS to South Florida. Follow our MLS Miami Bid. You can help by spreading the word. Email your friends and send them the information below.

Website: http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlsmiami

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MLS-Miami-Bid/123889570963495

Email us to: info@mlsmiamibid.com

WPS
The Freedom will be moving to South Florida according to the Palm Beach Post. The name of the team will change, for now they are being called  "MagicJack’s Washington Freedom". The team will likely play out of Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University.

The Women's Professional Soccer league released its season schedule on Thursday and it contained this little nugget:
The home venue for magicJack’s Washington Freedom will be Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. The team might play one or two of its home games in the Washington, D.C. area. “

Read more and get the game schedule HERE

Strikers
South Florida's only professional soccer team the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have just announced the signing of Bryan Arguez.

“We are happy to bring Bryan back from Portugal to join our team,” states Strikers Head Coach Daryl Shore. “Well feel like he will add a great presence in our midfield and are happy to have him on board for the 2011 season.”

 Arguez, a South Florida native, began his career with the United States U-17 team in 2005 and continued on with the U-20 team and became the eventual eleventh overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.  Later in 2007, Arguez signed with Hertha BSC of the German Bundesliga where he played for one season. Arguez was later named to the U.S. roster for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and again for the FIFA U-20World Cup in Egypt, scoring a goal against Cameroon.

The Strikers have also started their preseason practices HERE is a report of day #1.
Do you have your Strikers Season tickets yet? If not, Founding Season Ticket Holder Specials are Available! Call 954.829.9213 or go to www.strikers.com

Corruption in Soccer, Beckham to Miami news and more.

An interesting piece was sent to me about corruption in FIFA. Yeah, that is nothing new but I thought it was a good read. In the picture you can see FIFA President Blatter (left) sharing a drink with alleged Russian criminal Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov (right) and Russian World Cup bid member Viacheslav Koloskov at a Moscow nightclub in 2005.

"It is common knowledge that the race to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was not a fair fight and that Russia and Qatar offered 'special incentives' that were essentially bribes," Kistner told OffshoreAlert. "Indeed, there hasn't been a single voting process to host the World Cup or The Olympics during the last two decades that has not been tainted by serious and reasonable suspicions."

This piece was written to promote the OffShore Alert Conference to take place April 4-6, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami Beach. You can read more about the conference and the article HERE

The answer to counter FIFA's corruption? To vote against Blatter in June when he seeks re-election. Sports Journalist Grant Wahl has tackled this idea head on and has humbly volunteered himself to become the next FIFA President!

After careful consideration, I have an announcement to make: I'm running for the presidency of FIFA in the election to be held on June 1. And no, I'm not kidding. Have you seen who else is running? That's right: Sepp Blatter, the 74-year-old Swiss strongman atop the world's most popular sport, is campaigning for his fourth term.

Read more
With Grant Wahl as Fifa President and Burrito (See previous blog below) as USSF President world soccer would be ours!

Beckham to Miami
Looks like Beckham to Miami rumors never cease. This time it's the Daily Mail who claims Becks is in search for the best location not only in Miami but in other markets.

Avid Beckham and his 19 management advisors, led by Simon Fuller, have begun exploring possible locations for the Major League Soccer franchise that Becks has an option to buy at a reduced price at the end of his LA Galaxy playing contract in December.
Beckham and Fuller are looking at the potential of establishing a team in Miami, San Diego, Atlanta or Montreal.
The plan does mean Beckham won't get involved with the New York Cosmos being run by his former personal manager and close friend Terry Byrne.

Strikers
Today is the announcement of the Strikers full name. It's not a secret at this point but South Florida Soccer Fans should come out as there will be a few surprise speakers. The event is today Thursday, February 17th at 5:00 PM. It's going to be on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas and A1A.

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

SF Soccer news: NASL sanctioning issues, Strikers, Beckham, Marine Stadium and more.

The main topic of the week so far was the decision by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to pull its provisional Division 2 sanctioning of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
What bothers me is that for years the USSF sat there and watched the United Soccer Leagues (USL) do anything they wanted to soccer in this country from division 2 down. We saw dozens of teams fold, instability reign and nothing was done to correct it.
The moment a proposed league run by the team owners themselves was created, due to the USL's inability to work with its teams, is the moment the USSF decides to create rules and regulations that in my eyes looks like a road block to those opposing the incumbent league they were so used to dealing with. Suddenly, they decided to get strict... kinda makes you go 'hmmmm'.
So, the USSF says the issue was money. Well, the NASL just put up 6 million to cover that hole. If that doesn't ring stability I don't know what does! Let's see if the USSF comes up with another excuse. If they do then I think its obvious that there is more then meets the eye going on behind closed doors.
My message to the USSF: Work with the NASL to get them sanctioned. Create the stability you claim to want and get MLS, NASL and USL to work together for the good of soccer in this country.

Strikers
The NASL has invested too much time and money to stop and not continue business as usual, having said that our local team the Strikers have released their 2011 schedule. You can see it by scrolling down to the previous blog post below.
The Miami Ultras are planning ahead for road trips to Tampa and one to Atlanta. Stay tuned for more information on that!

Beckham to bring MLS to Miami
The news of MLS to Miami continues this time People U.K. states David Beckham is being offered a deal to bring a team to the Magic City. While MLS Commissioner Garber was in South Florida for his meeting with the Miami Ultras, he did mention Beckham has the option of starting a team anywhere in the United States at a reduced price. Apparently the only condition is that it can't be L.A. nor N.Y.
More news from Ministry of Soccer says Beckham Might Buy Miami FC for MLS and Tribal Football has the same report.

Miami Marine Stadium
The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium were graceful enough to include this blog in their monthly news letter after a blog post we published made a little noise. Here is what they had to say:

The blog Football In Miami And Beyond provides up-to-date information on all things soccer in Miami and South Florida. Recently, the blog posted a story about placing a temporary floating soccer field in front of the Miami Marine Stadium. We don't know if this is fully feasible as the field would have to be easily moved and stored- but one already operates in Singapore. This particular story "went viral" and was posted on various soccer and sports blogs nationwide. Think of the possibilities the Stadium offers!

If you want to support the restoration of the Marine Stadium be sure to visit them at http://www.marinestadium.org/Marine Stadium design by Derek Reese

South Florida Soccer news: MLS Miami, DC United, Strikers and more.

South Florida is a magnet for Soccer news and will continue to make headlines as Major League Soccer teams get ready for preseason training in our area.

D.C. United
The first team to pay a visit to our area will be D.C. United as they announced the club's preseason schedule this week. DC visits Fort Lauderdale, where they will train from February 1 until February 12. During United's stay in Florida. We hope one of the teams they play will be local NASL team Miami FC / Strikers.
We do know United will play two exhibitions in Florida, vs. the Canadian under-20 national team and an opponent to be determined.
DC has a few players on trial, one known in our area is forward Abe Thompson who played for Miami FC last season and helped the Blues gain a 7 game unbeaten streak at the end of the season (which still stands). Other notable players are goalkeepers Chase Harrison, Joe Willis (third-round draft pick from Denver); midfielder Brandon Barklage; defender Chris Korb (second-round pick from Akron); and forward Blake Brettschneider (supplemental pick from South Carolina).

MLS Miami
While the Cosmos keep making news in the big apple, the same could be said of Miami, as the buzz continues following MLS Commissioner Don Garber's visit to South Florida. Now, another possible investor has poped out as MLS's very own site reports Boca Juniors of Argentina have been in talks to bring a team to the league.
South Florida, after New York, seems to have the most possible investors lined up. Rumored investors are Miami FC owners Traffic, Brightstar owner Marcelo Claure, Galaxy player David Beckham and now Boca Juniors.

Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Visit http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/ and sign up for season ticket dedications. It's just a promise that if Miami gets a team that you will buy season tickets. So far we have collected over 1,000.
You can also follow MLS Miami Bid on facebook and twitter
Email : info@mlsmiamibid.com

Strikers
The Strikers will have open tryouts this weekend January 22 and 23 at Ft Lauderdale Stadium. If you are an aspiring player and have not received a confirmation email from someone inside the Strikers front office or from PayPal, you DO NOT have a guaranteed spot at the tryout. Be sure to contact Ignacio Rodriguez at (305) 496-7780 or email Ignacio@miamifc.com

Miami Ultras
Are you a passionate Soccer fan who wants to be part of something special? Join the Miami Ultras, South Florida soccer supporters as they get ready to follow the Strikers in 2011! It's free, just visit www.miamisoccerfan.com and sign up for more information. You can also join their facebook page.

Meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber: Fan pictures and video.

Following you will find pictures and fan video taken during the meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber. None of the video is professional so bear with us. The video does give you a little taste of what it was like to be there.
I've seen much criticism out there from fans from other cities concerning the number of fans that showed up to the event. MLS asked us to only take 60 people.




Part 1 - Here Dan Courtemanche starts off the festivities, hands it over to the Miami Ultras President Pieter Brown who introduces the Miami Ultras video presentation. (You can see the video in the previous blog post below).

Part 2 - Uncle Ed reads a Fan letter to Don Garber. Pieter Brown and Miami Ultras Vice President Julio Caballero give Don Garber a Miami Ultras Scarf. Don Garber proceeds to talk to all in attendance about MLS. (Video not filmed very well but you can hear most of Don Garbers views prior to the Q & A)


End - Final moments of the meeting.




More pictures can be seen at the Miami Ultras site Miamisoccerfan.com

Meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber: The day after.

Much is being said in the media about the MLS Miami meeting that took place on Saturday at the Marriot Harbor Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. South Florida soccer supporters, the Miami Ultras, have worked for months on a campaign called the MLS Miami Bid, with the purpose of attracting followers and investors willing to work together to bring a team to the area.

Commissioner Garber encouraged us to keep growing and, we will. It's only a matter of time before we get a Major League Soccer team! Notable attendees included Tom Mulroy, founder of the Copa Latina, and Miami FC/Striker and NASL President Aaron Davidson, who were invited by Don Garber.

The event began with Miami Ultras President and founder Pieter Brown thanking Commissioner Garber and the audience for showing up. He also introduced a fan made video. Special thanks to Miami Ultra Erick Perez for making it.

Here is the video:



After the video, yours truly Uncle Ed took the stage to state the case for bringing an MLS team to South Florida. I ended my presentation by pointing out the fact that MLS will only have a true national foothold with a team in the South, a neglected area by the league.

Miami Ultra Julio Caballero then proceeded to give Commissioner Garber a Miami Ultras scarf, which set the stage for a Q&A that proceeded.

During the Q&A, a fan claimed that reliable sources informed him that businessman Marcelo Claure, Simon Fuller and David Beckham were interested in a team in South Florida. Garber deviated the topic of conversation away from Claure and Beckham and began speaking about NYC2. He announced that MLS is committed to bringing NYC2 into the mix. Garber continued by stating that any investor that approaches MLS will be taken to the best possible city. He then said, "We're not going to lead the charge to bring a team here," meaning Miami. But isn't that what MLS is doing with NYC2? I wondered.

Some fans then started directing questions and statements to Aaron Davidson about our local team. They addressed reasons why many people do not know about the existence of Miami FC (soon to be called the Strikers). Davidson vaguely responded by saying, "I am not against a move to MLS," and he left it at that. Regrettably, I think the presence of Davidson was a distraction and a mistake by MLS. Clearly Garber allowed him to attend in order to avoid animosity and so that he didn't feel threatened. I'm in favor of a similar Q&A with Davidson, but this was not his platform. It's not his fault though. The fans should have kept directing their questions to Garber solely.

The new Strikers and Traffic, the owners of the team, have the opportunity to start from scratch and do what they didn't do with Miami FC. They now have the opportunity to properly promote the team! How can they fill up stadium seats if no one knows about the games? We still hear nothing from them: no one announced the launch of the Strikers, there has been no advertising, JUST NOTHING. Time is ticking and, if they truly want to build momentum, they need to start now!

But we must support them, for good or bad, because they are all we have. MLS will come! It's just a matter of time. Fans, get the word out, attend Strikers games, go to the WPS games (I'll write about that in another blog) and support soccer in South Florida!

Further videos and pictures of the meeting with Don Garber will come in the next few days.

Here's what the local media had to say:

Sun Sentinel

Miami Herald

El Nuevo Herald

Total Futbol Featuring GOL TV's Phil Shoen and his take on the truth behind the Miami Fusion demise (A good read for those haters out there that keep saying MLS in Miami failed).

For more pictures and info go to the Miami Ultras site
Miamisoccerfan.com

Haters be hatin on Miami as fans set to meet MLS Commissioner Garber

Hola amigos! Burrito, your favorite and only futbol blogging Chihuahua mix dawg here with the latest on all them haters out there attacking Burrito's compadres the Miami Ultras and South Florida Futbol Fans in general. Why them putos got to be talking smack when they know Burrito gonna hurt them?

What it come down to is that all these carajos are just jealous cause down here in South Florida we got beautiful beaches, hot womenseseses, warm weathers, Lebron James, more hot womenseseses, Burrito the blogging dawg and all the cool things they only wish they had but never will. Most of those haters are freezing now next to fire place while Burrito chilling by pool in 70 degree weather with a bone in one paw and keyboard in other.

Burrito been reading all the hate for MLS in Miami and decide to divide blogs and media pieces in 2 categories. Hatererers for those cabrones who hate for the sake of hating. Burrito will pee on their tires if they ever come here. And the Not Haters who when they come to Miami, as soon as we get a team, Burrito gonna let them stay at his dawg house and let them feed him scooby snacks!

Burrito shocked by all the hate from the comments on these sites. It's as if Burrito had humped their pets or something... sheesh! Most are ignorant of facts and Burrito will address that after he eat a quesadilla.

Mmmmm, quesadilla was good. Burrito think the hate for Miami is good for the sport.

But before he continue, check what this chump write to Don Garber on twitter:Dear Stupid Tampon fan, (That's the backwards town of Tampa for you other haters that don't know). Why don't you get off your lazy culo and do somethings to get MLS in your ugly town instead of talking smack to El Don? Burrito would like nothing more than to see Miami's team beating your sorry team in MLS and make you our bitches (As usual).
As you can see those 2 or 3 Miami fans you criticize got things going on and they are going to meet with the Don. Have fun having hancky packy with family members! That all Burrito have to say. Fin.

Now back to the haters list...

The Not Haters

The Examiner "Miami Ultras making noise with Garber meeting"

Juanito Arango is first (After Uncle Ed on this blog) to announce the meeting with Garber.

MLS Rumors "MLS The Daily Talks About Upcoming Meeting Between Miami Ultras and MLS Commish Don Garber."

MLS Rumors is like a good Mexican telenovela (Soap opera) nothing but drama and Burrito like that! They no criticize and think adding Miami is okeydokey. They even make timeline of past articles they write! Burrito give them 5 bones on the Burrito scale of goodness!

MLS Talk 'Time for South Florida Soccer Fans to Stand Up and Meet Don Garber"

The Gaffer talk about all the pain South Florida Futbol fans have gone through in the past. This a must read for all you haters who just say Miami sucks. Go read it and learn!

The Offside "What to expect from 2011"

Ben gives preview of the year that just start and include the meeting South Florida Soccer fans going to have with Comish Garber. While everyone say Cosmos is going to happen and be 20th team in MLS; Ben's the only one that knows there is more than meets the taco... or eye. Taco de ojo!

The Shin Guardian 'Where does MLS go after lucky number 20?"

This piece talks about everything. A little long (Burrito fall asleep 3 times) but good.

Hatererers

SB Nation Don Garber Will Talk To Miami Ultras: This Is What He'll Say

This homeboy all over the place and think he psychic predicting what El Don will say! Jajaja... sorry, Burrito laugh in Spanish... Hahaha, so you gringos understand.

Match Fit USA "Garber throws a bone."

Que? Burrito wish he throw bone! Burrito would be all over it! This guy not so much hate but says the same things that people who don't know anything about what happen with the Fusion say, that MLS "Failed" in Miami. Ok, for the last time ignorant hatererers the owner of the team Ken Horowitz didn't have the money to keep the team afloat. That is why the team went bye, bye. Not the fans.

WVHooligan "Put up or shut up time for Miami"

This one not so much of a hater but Burrito no like the title and por favor stop teasing Burrito with bone reference! Then hero go on saying Garber meet with Ultras just so they stop emailing him. Que pendejo!

In conclusion:

Burrito want to make prediction for all you hatererers. Miami will get a team and soon!
***Burrito just hear that Marcelo Claure, Simon Fuller and David Beckham are very interested in bringing a team to Miami. This from very credible sources.
You hear it from Burrito first!
Burrito expect the signing of Ronaldo and Chad Ochocinco for 2013!Ochocinco & Ronaldo picture taken from Twitpic

Don't forget! Our time is now!
Wear your Ultras and MLS gear, don't forget your scarf!

This Saturday, January 8 at 1 PM
Don Garber / Miami Ultras Get-Together
3030 Restaurant @ Marriot Harbour Beach Hotel (3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)

Burrito very sad. Hotel no let pets in! Discrimination!

UPDATE 12:24 PM

GOL TV's Phil Shoen posted a blog called "South Florida Deserves Another Shot". It has some great information for all you haters. Read it and get informed and stop this "Miami Failed" rant you pinches pendejos!

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