The end of their undefeated streak came at the hands of 1st place Austin Aztex last night at Lockhart Stadium. Miami FC fans were thinking positive as the game started but soon we saw how our defense started to fall apart thanks to Austin's fast forwards.
Robert Scorca: How does it feel to be the newest Head Coach for Miami FC? Victor Pastora: It’s a great feeling and a great opportunity. I am doing what I love at a professional level, in the city that I like to be, close to my family and friends. It is a great moment definitely a great moment in my life. I am very thankful to the Traffic and Miami FC directors for the trust and opportunity.
RS: What do you feel will be the biggest difference between being Head Coach for a professional team as opposed to an amateur or youth club? VP:The pressure for game results. Good results prevent you from properly evaluating performance, and bad results are sometimes a distraction for growth. I have had the opportunity to have great success in an environment where I could have one or two bad months, this time you take until a team takes form you don’t have at the professional level.
RS: Which formation do you favor running with the team you have assembled? Is this the formation you are most comfortable with? VP: I like to play with a back four, one or two central MF’s in front of the back line, and the rest of the formation depending on the players we have.
RS: Who do you think will win the World Cup? VP:The obvious choices would be Brazil and Spain, I also think Argentina and England have a chance. You can never count Germany and Italy out, and the surprise I think is going to be Chile.
RS: How do you feel the U.S. National team will do during the World Cup? VP:I feel our National team have not progressed much in the last few years. We will also miss Charlie Davies and Onyewu form is questionable. If they get through it should be as second and if they find a strong team in the next round that may be it. I would love for them to do more, but realistically I don’t see them going into quarterfinals.
RS: Who would you consider the best soccer player in the world? VP:I like many players but Messi is a step ahead of everyone.
RS: Hopefully you can clarify some questions about the rules which I am often asked. What is the minimum and maximum number of players each club can have on their roster? Maximum foreigner players roster and dressed for a game. Who by definition would be considered a foreigner player? VP:We can have up to 30 players roster, 7 foreign spots and you can use them as you wish, a foreigner is everyone who is not an American and doesn't have a green card either.
RS: Who do you feel was most important in your development as a coach and person? VP: My family, friends and this country. My father always told me to make sure I do something that I loved. He advised me not to worry about what society expects, that some people are destined to do things that are different than others. He gave me confidence to break away from the mold. My mother always gave me a hand with whatever I needed. Support, advise, financial assistance, and a shoulder whenever I needed one. My daughter inspires me, she makes me want to be a better person. My grandmother makes me feel like everything is possible, she is the backbone of our family and makes it very clear that we all have to take advantage of the efforts our grandparents and parents have made for us. My wife I think is my biggest fan, she doesn’t say much but she has made it very easy for me to focus and get ahead in this profession. I am very fortunate to have the family that I have, my sister is a survivor, my uncles, aunts and cousins are honest hard working people that always support me. I am lucky, besides having a great family I have the best friends in the world. They keep me grounded, always cheering me on, and making fun of me whenever they can. Also, if it wasn’t for the this country, I probably would not be doing what I am doing. Here is different than in most Latin American countries. In the US no matter who you are, or where you are coming from, if you are legal and you want to make something of your life you probably will. Here you control many factors that allow you to prosper. Without money, thru soccer and the government financial aid I got my college degree. I arrived here on a Friday at 6pm when I was 15 years old, and I had a job Saturday at 8am. I have had access to work, school, and professional opportunities since I arrived.
RS: If you were not involved with soccer what would you be doing? VP:Something boring until 5pm, then playing or watching a game from 7pm to 9pm.
RS: Any closing thoughts you wish to mention to the fans of Miami FC? VP: Miami FC is an organization that is making an honest effort to bring a product South Florida can appreciate and feel proud of. On the field we are working hard to play well, get in the playoffs, and play a brand of soccer the fans can identify with. The front office has very ambitious plans for the future of the team. The development of a youth system that can service the best talent in the area, the acquisition of a training facility for the team, the youth system and for other professional teams to come and train, and many other projects that will hopefully soon take form. It is obvious that fan support is the most important factor for a professional team, and it is the fuel that can make a difference on the prosperity of this project. If you want a great team in the city one day, support us while we get there. In the mean time we hope to entertain you and most importantly we hope we make you feel proud of the team. It will be nice if one day you can see this team as your team instead of the team. This is a romance we have to start right away, come support us or come criticize us, but make an effort to come to the games.
Today Robert Scorca brings us his latest interview and this time it's with none other then Miami FC coach Victor Pastora. Here is the first of a two part series where Robert explores Coach Pastora's past, present and future.
Victor was born on April 8, 1975 in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Victor played high school soccer here in Miami for Braddock Senior High. He went on to play for Averette University in Danville, Virginia before becoming a coach. He has been coaching soccer for 11 years, all of which has been spent in Miami. He started as a 19 year old coaching a local AYSO team. He has coached for local clubs including West Kendall Optimist and Coral Springs Renegades. He has won 3 National Championships as well as prestigious youth tournaments like Dallas Cup, Disney Showcase, Tampa Bay Sun Bowl, Jefferson Cup and many others. He has also served as a coach for the ODP at the state, regional and national level. Victor has his USSF “A” Coaching License and plans to get his UEFA license after the Miami FC 2010 season.
Pastora has been an assistant coach since the formation of the club. He has had experience as an interim Head Coach with Miami FC, taking over in August 2007 for then-coach Chiquinho de Assis.
Robert Scorca: Many fans of Miami FC might not be aware of the political turmoil that Nicaragua was going through while you were growing up there. What was life like growing up in Nicaragua during the 1980's?
Victor Pastora:Even though my parents stayed away from politics as much as possible, all Nicaraguans lived very close to the political conflicts. We heard it on the news, and because it is a small country you would often know about someone that suffer directly from it. Also, my uncle Eden Pastora was deeply involved first with the Sandinistas and then with the Contras, this of course was reason for us to more informed and interested in the developments.
RS: What do you feel was the biggest pluses about life you learned from these years?
VP:That life is precious, we should be thankful for our health, and cherish every moment we have with our families. I also learned politicians don’t always have the right intentions, those with good motives don’t always have the conviction to stand for what they believe, and the ones that stand for what they believe are not considered good politicians. It’s a dark world, one I would not want to be part of.
RS: When I think of Nicaragua and sports, Alexis Arguello (professional boxer) and Denny Martinez (professional baseball player) immediately come to mind. What sports did you play or follow while in Nicaragua?
VP:When I grew up I was like most kids; played soccer, basketball, baseball, boxing, etc. I took swimming seriously for a few years (5-11) and did very well, but I always liked soccer the best. What people don’t know is that in Nicaragua there is a lot of soccer being played at the early ages, up to U15 Nicaraguans play as much soccer as in other Central American countries, but from U15 other countries become stronger because of the influence professional soccer has on the development of players and growth of the sport overall.
RS: When did you first become introduced to soccer? What were you feelings about the sport when you first saw it?
VP:We always played it in our neighborhood growing up. Every afternoon one or two hours. In 1986 I fell in love with it watching the world cup. I could not stop watching and playing, I am fascinated by the sport since then.
RS: What was the biggest change from playing the game to coaching the game?
VP:There is nothing like playing, coaching is the next best thing. It was a slow transition, first I did it as community service, then I wanted to do it because I felt I was helping other players the way I would have liked to be helped, then I enjoyed becoming better at it, and becoming better at it gave me the chance to succeed and to grow in the sport. The big difference is that you go from doing to telling how to do.
RS: In what ways did playing the game help you as a coach?
VP: In so many different ways, still every time I play it helps me be aware of how players feel in different situations.
RS: What position did you play in high school and college?
VP:Central Midfielder, mostly attacking Midfielder RS: Do you favor a defensive or offensive style of play? Did the position you played have any input in this?
VP:Offensive, I understand players need to work hard to recover the ball, but the reason we defend is so that we can play. I also rather work with someone that can play and help him with the defensive aspect of his game, than work with someone who defends well but doesn't know how to play once he recovers the ball. This game is to be played with the ball, you have to be very efficient at recovering the ball, then take good care of it. Today the best teams in the world are very good at defending/recovering the ball, but the ones that win championships are the ones that have players that can make a difference on the ball.
RS: Do you consider yourself a tactical coach or a motivational coach?
VP: Both, one doesn't go far without the other. Every time I have the opportunity to learn from other coaches that have been successful, or players that have played for successful coaches, I realize coaches always have something that characterizes them. Some are good motivators, some are good tacticians, some are good scouts of talent, some are good negotiators. I work every day taking into account all those aspects, and I understand that I have to make an effort become better in every aspect.
******Be on the look out for Part II next Wednesday.******
Host Pieter Brown, aka as the Miami Ultras President, is joined by Uncle Ed and Miguel Mejia each and every week to discuss what's going on with soccer in South Florida. Topics range from Miami FC's game vs the Rhinos, The World Cup, the Tampa rivalry and more! Go HERE
Today we bring you an interview Robert Scorca and I did with Jarryd Goldberg, one of Miami FC's standout players. Jarryd was born November 13, 1985 in Livingston, New Jersey. Goldberg attended Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and played college soccer at Boston College and Boston University. While at college, Goldberg took part in the 2005 Maccabiah Games, winning a silver medal with the US team.
Following are some questions Jarryd answered for us:
Robert Scorca: Last year you came into your own with Miami FC. What do you feel helped you the most with your development from your first year here to last year?
Jarryd Goldberg: Thank you for the compliment on me coming into my own last year. I truly felt that last season I grew in a lot of ways as a player. I felt more comfortable on and off the field. A big reason for this was the opportunity Zinho and the rest of the coaching staff gave me. I felt a responsibility to my teammates, to the coaching staff, and to the fans to become somewhat of a leader on and off the field. Being one of the returning players from the season before, I felt it necessary to help out others on the team that were in need of some guidance. In addition to honing certain responsibility, I also tried to build on the things that Zinho preached at practice everyday and worked very hard to do the things I could do to help the team.
RS: Do you have any superstition before the game?
JG: I eat the same type of meal the night before a game (chicken and pasta) usually and I always put on my shin guards during warm up on game day and don't take them off at all before kickoff.
RS: You recently came in third in the "Miami Ultras Player of the Year" voting, even though you were a write-in vote. What do you think about that? Have you noticed that you are one of the fan favorites? Do you hear the Fans in the stands during the game or do you lock them out?
JG: I am very honored to have been one of the fan favorites at Miami FC. Thank you to all the fans that voted for me and also to all the fans that came out to support me this year. I am very grateful. I truly enjoyed playing for Miami and I always had fun after the game, win or lose, hanging out with the fans and signing some autographs. Yes, I could always hear the fans during the game but sometimes your so locked in on the game that you don't hear the words.
RS: Who is the USL-1 player who matches up best against you or the player you get along with best on the field?
JG: Playing against Johnny Menyongar of the Rochester Rhinos is always a challenge. He is quick and crafty and always tries to get you unbalanced, but I enjoy going up against him because he is one of the best players in the league.
RS: You are good friends with Ethan Zohn the winner of Survivor:Africa. Tell us about your friendship and your common love of soccer. JG: Ethan Zohn is the man. We first came into contact with each other through mutual friends of ours. Turns out we know a lot of the same people through Maccabi USA, both of us being Maccabi Alums. In my short time knowing Ethan, I have learned quickly how amazing of a person he is through his work with grassroots soccer and his player agency. He really cares about helping people and I think the world of him.
RS: You also have a very creative blog called "Show me Ur soccer Ball" We would love you to introduce this blog to everyone out there. Any familiar names who have posts on Show me Ur soccer Ball? JG: Show me Ur Soccer Ball evolved out of my love for soccer and my passion to spread the joy soccer brings into so many people's lives around the world. I thought it would be a creative way to bring soccer fans around the world a little bit closer together. I want to ultimately create a medium where people can post their own pictures and stories, and I have recently realized a blog might not be the best thing for that so I am re-evaluating how to bring Show Me Ur Soccer Ball to the next level. So far, there are a few posts from people, including Ami Monson (program director for Maccabi USA) and Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze from Miami FC, now of the Vancouver Whitecaps. More are sure to come!
RS: Was soccer always your first love growing up or was this the sport that you excelled at?
JG: Soccer was always my true love. I played baseball, soccer, and tennis growing up, but when I entered middle school, I chose to focus on soccer and play year round. My baseball coach from the year before, who drafted me first in the Basking Ridge little league draft, called me to see if there was anything he could do for me to continue with baseball. It was pretty flattering and is a funny story to tell today, but I chose soccer because it was what I loved the most.
RS: Who was the player you admired growing up?
JG: I greatly admired Tab Ramos growing up. I remember watching him with the MetroStars and the US National Team and loved the way he played. I went to his soccer camp and actually got pretty close with him. He is a really nice guy. He always told me that I reminded him of himself as a player. That was one of the best compliments ever.
RS: Who from your past was the most instrumental in your growth in soccer?
JG: My mom is definitely the most instrumental person in my soccer growth. If it weren't for her driving me everywhere I needed to be for the numerous teams I competed on growing up, I would not have grown into the player I am today. She always pushed me to do my best and go after my dream, playing professional soccer.
I also have to give credit to the rest of my family for always being on my side and coaches Tom McLaughlin and Ian Hennesy for being major contributors in my growth as a player. Thank you to everyone else who has helped me along the way, for there are so many people I am leaving out.
RS: What was your biggest soccer moment?
JG: Winning a silver medal with the US Maccabi team in the Maccabi Games in Israel was a major soccer moment in my life. Our team battled against the U-23 Israeli national team in the Gold Medal match in front of 15,000 people in Maccabi Haifa's stadium, eventually falling 2-0.
RS: Any closing thoughts or a word to fans heading into the New Year?
JG: I want to sincerely thank all of my fans for following my career and appreciating what I do on the field. It is very flattering and makes me feel very lucky to have fans come up to me after games and tell me that they like the way I play. I will always try to play my best, and more importantly, be a good person on and off the soccer field. I want to thank you Robert for your devotion to the game of soccer and for being an amazing fan. I also want to thank Ed and the rest of the Ultras. I want to wish you guys (and girls) and all of the world a happy new year! Check out this video of Jarryd:
We recently found out that Zourab Tsiskaridze, better known to Miami FC fans as "Zee", was signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps. Here is a recap of his career. Taken from the Whitecaps site:
Zourab Tsiskaridze aka "Zee", 23, played with Miami FC Blues in 18 USL-1 matches. He is 6-ft, 185-pounds and a left-sided player who scored one goal and added one assist in 836 minutes of action. His only goal came during Miami's 3-2 defeat to the Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium on June 12, 2009.
Prior to joining the Blues, Zourab spent 18 months with the reserve and first team of FC Sète 34, who play in France’s third division.
A native of Tbilisi, Georgia, Tsiskaridze first moved to Poland in 1990 before moving to the United States in the spring of 2001. It was in the U.S. that he quickly became a standout soccer player at McLean High School in McLean, Virginia.
Our good friend Robert Scorca asked "Zee" a few questions and here is his response :
Robert Scorca (RS): You came for an open tryout with Miami FC. How many players participated? How many signed on with Miami FC?
Zourab Tsiskaridze (Zee):There were 128 players trying out, 4 players were invited back to train with the team, I was the only one who signed.
RS: After the tryout was over did you feel good about your chances to make the team? Zee:Yes of course, I talked to (Coach) Zinho and he was very pleased with my performance and he liked me a lot, so I felt that I had a good chance of signing.
RS: What was it like during your first days here in Miami?
Zee :I was getting to know the city a little bit and it was chaotic in the beginning because I was looking for an apartment with Facundo Erpen and we were staying in Diego Serna's house for about 3 weeks until we found a place.
RS : What position did you play before joining Miami FC? I feel you were stuck as a defender with the injury to Facundo Erpen but did not feel comfortable there. Zee :I played a left sided midfielder or a left sided forward all my life. At the beginning of my career I had played as left back also, but I learned the center back position in Miami thanks to Zinho. I'm glad I did because it made me a more versatile player even though I had trouble learning the position in the beginning.
RS : In your time here we saw your growth as a player. How much of this was because you were more comfortable when you were moved to an attacking roll?
Zee :I love creating, scoring goals or making assists, that's the way I always played. I adjusted to the system we played here in Miami and when I was moved back as an attacker I felt very comfortable.
RS : Do you have any superstitions before a game?
Zee : I like to talk to my dad the day before games, he gives me the best advise and he's my best fan and critic, without his support and advise I wouldn't be able to do what I love.
RS : Which player or coach do you feel was most helpful during your career?
Zee :Coach Greg Petrosian, is a great part of my becoming a complete player. He helped me develop my strength, power and speed. He was a strength and fitness coach in DC United for many years, He won 3 MLS championships with them and also was a Olympic gold medalist in long jump in the 80's. He still performs and he's a world champion in long jump in masters. I've been training with him for the past 6 years, he's a great teacher, great person and a great coach that influenced my professional career.
In my time in Miami I'm very thankful to Zinho for bringing me into the team and giving me the opportunity to perform. He gave me a lot of advise and I'll be always thankful and proud that I had him as a coach. My teammates were there for me too, I had a great relationship with everyone, I still talk to many of the guys, they helped me and I helped them in different situations, we had good chemistry.
RS : What are you going to miss most about your time here in Miami?
Zee: My teammates, the city and the beach, the great weather and of course you Robert:)
RS: Any idea what position Vancouver plans on playing you?
Zee : There are several positions that the coach wants me to learn and be ready to perform in if necessary, I'm waiting for the preseason to start to find out what my roles are.
RS: Any closing thoughts on your time here in Miami?
Zee :I think if Traffic invests more money into the team they'll be able to establish a core of players that will be there for a few seasons. Every team has that. Its a shame that so many good players came and went. The past few years the squad had changed every season making it difficult not only for the coach, but for the whole organization to be successful. I want to wish Miami FC the best of luck in NASL, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to play here last season.
The most important thing about last year is that I grew as a player and person. I'm very happy and glad to have meet so many great people in South Florida. If I had to say something that sums up the whole thing is that a soccer career is only for couple of years and it passes, but the friends you make along the way are forever. I want to thank ALL my friends including you Robert for the support now and for bringing happiness to my life. Here is a video of Zee scoring on his new team!
Miami native, Chad Ochocinco (formerly known as Chad Johnson) is a supporter of the beautiful game here in the United States and as evidenced by the picture supports Miami's bid for the World Cup. The American Football star who plays for the Bengals as a wide receiver is also said to be a Fan of the Miami FC Blues!
In case you didn't know Chad changed his surname from Johnson to Ochocinco prior to the 2008 regular season to reflect his Bengals uniform number.[85] More info HERE
Currently Miami's World Cup bid has picked up steam and has surpassed 9,000 votes, but we need your support to be one of the cities to host world cup games go to http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/MIAMI-FL and support Soccer in South Florida!
Meanwhile it looks like Miami FC has lost one of its most popular players, it is defender Zourab Tsiskaridze better known as "Zee" by the fans. Last week soccer guru and Miami Ultra Robert Scorca mentioned to me that he heard Zee was on trial with the Whitecaps and sure enough this week he was signed. We want to wish Zee luck with his new team and tell him to expect some heckling from the Ultras when he visits Southern Florida with his new team. More on this HERE
Talk about the Blues, they continue to Support Local Youth Soccer Tournaments as this past weekend, Miami FC's front office and Mascot, HotShot, attended one of the more prestigious youth soccer tournament in South Florida, the Plantation Eagles Thanksgiving Classic. Check it out HERE
Our good friend and Miami UltraRobert Scorca went over the team sites for all the members of the NASL and here is what he found:
Minnesota Thunder has not had a news update since Oct. 15th before the news of NASL broke out.
Atlanta Silverbacks and St. Louis Soccer United have updates mentioning that 7 teams are part of the new league. This is before Crystal Palace Baltimore and Tampa Bay Rowdies joined the new league and before the NASL name was chosen.
The Vancouver Whitecaps team site ties into all the other teams home sites. Also in google if you type in NASL there is the new NASL listed with google links to all the NASL teams. This is good because it mentions the other teams under each NASL team, the reserve teams, and woman's team. Being google there is no guarantee this is correct.
The USL site tells a different story. If you go to the team sites for the Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Tampa Bay Rowdies they are still members of the USL-1. How do they do this? Under the news for the clubs they are updated prior to their news release mentioning the split. Vancouver team news stops on Nov. 3rd, Tampa Bay's stops on Nov. 18th, and Montreal stops on Nov. 10th. The Charleston Battery team site is updated to Oct. 28 so there is no mention of them dropping down to the USL-2. I guess the USL philosophy is no news is good news.
The USL news site is updated much more frequent. Nov. 4 there is a post titled "New era under way for USL-1" This article mentions that in attendance are representatives for the following. Austin, Cleveland, New York, Puerto Rico, Portland, Rochester, Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Ottawa, Baltimore and Detroit. With things breaking the way they are I am sure these cities know how to reach the NASL's front office for a place to play.
Nov. 10 there is a post titled "USL Statement regarding USL-1" This came out in response to the TOA's application being sent to the United States Soccer Federation.
Nov. 20 there is a post titled USL statement regarding Tampa, Baltimore. This mentions about both clubs being under contract to the USL. This was in response to Tampa Bay and Baltimore being mentioned as entries of the new league which is at the time of the article being named the NASL.
Miami FC President Aaron Davidson was on WQAM 560 yesterday and spoke a little to the Big O about the new, yet to be named TOA League. He Speaks about Miami FC, Traffic Sports and the Miami World Cup bid.
Check it out, Press play:
All South Florida Soccer Fans need to listen to the Big O (Orlando Alzugaray) everyday from 2pm to 4pm. The Big O loves Soccer so be sure to write to him at BigO@wqam.com and let him know you want to hear about Miami FC and Soccer in General.
If you like good Soccer then be sure to follow this weekends World Cup qualifier between Costa Rica and Uruguay. Only one will advance, the other will watch it from home! You can only see this game on pay per view brought to you by Traffic Sports. As you may know Traffic owns Miami FC so please support them. You can follow Traffic on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TrafficSportsUS They also have a blog with game information so check it out: http://trafficusa.blogspot.com/
We need the Blues to be a powerhouse this coming year so stay tuned and follow South Florida's only professional Soccer team Miami FC here: http://twitter.com/Miamifc
Talk about support, the city of Miami needs your support to bring the World Cup to Miami. Please go to the link below and fill in your name and email. Thats all you need to do. Help us bring the World Cup to Miami! http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/MIAMI-FL
A special thanks to Ignacio Rodriguez at Miami FC for a copy of the interview along with WQAM and the Big O! Picture by Robert Scorca
Thanks to Miami Ultra Robert Scorca who sent us some of the following information concerning Miami FC players on the move. With the announcement of a New League in the works; Miami FC needs to start rebuilding and so far it seems we have already lost a few players. Note: Some players still appear on the Miami FC roster. Final word of their moves should come from Miami FC.
First off is Midfielder Brian Shriver who played 6 games for the Blues impressing the stands with his quick witty play. USL reports the Tampa Bay Rowdies have their eye on the Clearwater native who was an all-state performer in High School. He played for the University of North Carolina, reaching the NCAA Men’s College Cup championship game in 2008. Played for Miami FC and made six appearances after being drafted by FC Dallas in the 2009 MLS Super Draft. For more go HERE
Fan favorite Walter Ramirez has his eyes set on a return to his home country Honduras. The speedy defender played 21 games in 2009 and has played with Miami FC since 2006. Walter is well known in Miami playing for amateur teams Real Honduras and Honduras Five Star (Honduras Cinco Estrellas) in the prestigious Florida-based Copa Latina. Look for more information on his future as we pinpoint which team he will go to. Most notable and expected are reports of US under-20 star and Miami FC player Gale Agbossoumonde. According to Portuguese ABOLA Gale is expected to join Sporting Braga on loan on Nov. 17 to join the club's youth team. This defender who is 6'2 and 185 pounds is impressive for a player who is only just turning 18. Read more about it at Soccer by Ives
Gale who played 6 games for the Blues was signed by Miami FC owner Traffic sports in a deal that was to see him go to Brazil but it seems he is destined for Europe.
Below you can see video of Gale Agbossoumonde in a little blunder that was to contribute to the end of Miami FC's 2009 playoff dreams. Here's hoping Gale doesn't make this kind of bubu in Europe. At the end of the video you also get a glimpse of an Aaron King goal set up by Brian Shriver.
This Season it seems everything that has to do with Miami FC is late. The team almost folded due to MLS and we didn't know until the last minute it would survive. Therefore the team was organized at the last minute and so to continue with that trend this season the new Miami FC jersey finally came out in time for the July 4th game against the Puerto Rico Islanders. To get a better view click on the picture to the right. What do you think? You can get the new jersey at Miami FC games or at Soccer Locker for a mere $40.00. Get your jersey and support our professional team.
It seems Miami FC will lose FacundoErpen and Richard Perdomo. This according to the Miami Herald. Both seem to be ready to make moves Perdomo to Platense of Honduras and Erpen to a yet unknown team. Perdomo was recently on RepublicaDeportiva where incidentally the Miami Ultras also appeared (You can see the video in a post below). For more thoughts and the direction this is taking the team read this Miami Ultra piece called "Traffic Sports 2 Miami FC 0"
Also on the Ultras site you can check out more History of Pro Soccer in South Florida as Robert Scorca takes us back to the Miami Gatos days. Click here
Folks lets get out there this Sunday July 12th as the Blues will take on the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps at FIU Stadium. The game is set to start at 6 pm with an Ultras tailgate starting at 4 pm. The Beer is FREE! So get out there and support Soccer in South Florida! Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!
The end of their undefeated streak came at the hands of 1st place Austin Aztex last night at Lockhart Stadium. Miami FC fans were thinking positive as the game started but soon we saw how our defense started to fall apart thanks to Austin's fast forwards.
Robert Scorca brings us the second part of Miami FC coach Victor Pastora's Interview:
RS: Who do you think will win the World Cup?
RS: Who do you feel was most important in your development as a coach and person?
RS: Any closing thoughts you wish to mention to the fans of Miami FC?
Today Robert Scorca brings us his latest interview and this time it's with none other then Miami FC coach Victor Pastora. Here is the first of a two part series where Robert explores Coach Pastora's past, present and future.
Victor Pastora: Even though my parents stayed away from politics as much as possible, all Nicaraguans lived very close to the political conflicts. We heard it on the news, and because it is a small country you would often know about someone that suffer directly from it. Also, my uncle Eden Pastora was deeply involved first with the Sandinistas and then with the Contras, this of course was reason for us to more informed and interested in the developments. 
RS: When did you first become introduced to soccer? What were you feelings about the sport when you first saw it?
RS: Do you favor a defensive or offensive style of play? Did the position you played have any input in this?
Check out the latest Mindless Thoughts of a Miami Soccer Fan podcast.
Today we bring you an interview Robert Scorca and I did with Jarryd Goldberg, one of Miami FC's standout players. Jarryd was born November 13, 1985 in Livingston, New Jersey. Goldberg attended Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and played college soccer at Boston College and Boston University. While at college, Goldberg took part in the 2005 Maccabiah Games, winning a silver medal with the US team.
he Fans in the stands during the game or do you lock them out?
Check out this video of Jarryd:
We recently found out that Zourab Tsiskaridze, better known to Miami FC fans as "Zee", was signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps. Here is a recap of his career. Taken from the Whitecaps site:
Miami native, Chad Ochocinco (formerly known as Chad Johnson) is a supporter of the beautiful game here in the United States and as evidenced by the picture supports Miami's bid for the World Cup. The American Football star who plays for the Bengals as a wide receiver is also said to be a Fan of the Miami FC Blues!
Meanwhile it looks like Miami FC has lost one of its most popular players, it is defender Zourab Tsiskaridze better known as "Zee" by the fans. Last week soccer guru and Miami Ultra Robert Scorca mentioned to me that he heard Zee was on trial with the Whitecaps and sure enough this week he was signed. We want to wish Zee luck with his new team and tell him to expect some heckling from the Ultras when he visits Southern Florida with his new team. More on this HERE
Our good friend and Miami Ultra Robert Scorca went over the team sites for all the members of the NASL and here is what he found:
Miami FC President Aaron Davidson was on WQAM 560 yesterday and spoke a little to the Big O about the new, yet to be named TOA League. He Speaks about Miami FC, Traffic Sports and the Miami World Cup bid.
Thanks to Miami Ultra Robert Scorca who sent us some of the following information concerning Miami FC players on the move.
This Season it seems everything that has to do with Miami FC is late. The team almost folded due to MLS and we didn't know until the last minute it would survive. Therefore the team was organized at the last minute and so to continue with that trend this season the new Miami FC jersey finally came out in time for the July 4th game against the Puerto Rico Islanders.
