Austin... I mean Orlando and Rochester to USL

I really feel for Austin Aztex fans. The rumors of the move from Austin to Orlando that Inside Minnesota Soccer's Brain Quarstad broke out was right on the money. If anyone knows what Austin fans are going through it is us South Florida soccer fans who have been down that road before. The way it was done to Aztex fans seemed like a sneaky exit stage right (or wrong).

The fans didn't even get a chance to help the team find an investor. They had no warning. Did the front office really attempt to find buyers as they claimed? It seems Mr Rawlins had this deal done awhile ago. He just waited for the season to end and bye, bye!

So now its Orlando's team. A team that's headed to the USL Pro, the 3rd division so to speak, though the way they've been posturing it seems USL wants to pretend to be 2nd division. But more on USL Pro later...

Orlando's new team has come out even saying they want to make the jump to MLS! Thats 1st Division folks, so lets just skip 2nd division and jump up to the big leagues! So much for loyalty to USL Pro...
For more on the move to Orlando check out Brant Parson's interview of Phil Rawlins for the Orlando Sentinel

In other news this Monday, the Rochester Rhinos, a recent NASL member team, also decided they would re-join USL. The Rhinos basically relegated themselves and will now play regional soccer in Division 3.
I spoke to a few Rhinos fans and most are devastated by the move. Will this hurt them at the gate? We will see. More on their move to USL Pro HERE

USL's battle with NASL seemed to be over after USL claimed they would not apply for 2nd Division sanctioning. But, the return of the Rochester Rhinos to USL might be viewed as pay back after most 2nd division teams departed USL for NASL. Add to that a rumored Ft Lauderdale team that would enter USL this year and you might think the war is still on! Its no secret NASL is majority owned by Traffic Sports USA who is also the owner of Miami FC (Soon to be Strikers?) Currently playing in... drum roll... Ft Lauderdale.

Yup, it looks like this off season in the lower divisions of U.S. Soccer will be another one for the soap operas! get your popcorn, sit back and enjoy! I'm sure there is more drama to come.
Btw, check out a letter to The Rawlins by the Aztexan

Burrito attacked by Puppy haters!

Hola Amigos!
Burrito shocked by new video sent out to worlds by Conservative poopoo head Glen Becks to media attacking Burrito for his liberal stand on gay rights... and lefts, banning of Arizona law in favors of equal opportunity deportations and free quesadillas to all! Beck also think soccer is communist plot to corrupt the youth of America! Just for that Burrito will pee on your tires Señor Beck!

But here you can see video:

Follow Burrito's Twitter and Facebook!
Burrito is the only soccer blogging perverted dawg in the known universe! Since 1998!
Join Burrito or he hit you on head with quesadilla!

Miami FC: Tampa is coming! Get ready for a hell of a Tailgate!

This coming Saturday May 1, 2010 Miami FC will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.. It's expected the Rowdies will bring down a large number of fans and they are hungry for a win after their loss against the NSC Stars in Minnesota this past weekend. Read more HERE

The Blues played a friendly this Sunday versus Universitario Uruguay, a local pro-am team which ended in a Miami FC victory. read more HERE

Miami FC is organizing a Hell of a Tailgate! Rowdies fans can expect a warm welcome. Tailgate starts at 5 pm. Check out all the FREE things that will be available.

Tailgate Sponsors:

Weston Town Center – 6-8 hospitality tents, grill, food, cigars and giveaways (Blackberry at last game)

Regalia Vodka – Provides the vodka for the mixed drinks

Good Spirits – Provides mixers, cups, ice for complimentary pre-game cocktails

Play n’ Trade – Video Games, TV Consoles and giveaways (this week they will be launching the new FIFA World Cup South Africa Game – just released)

Powerade – Sampling truck and giveaways

Speed Shop – Exotic Cars and Engine Displays

Holy Mackerel Beer - a new sponsor/partner who will be sampling their beers with the fans (potent stuff!)

Miami FC Blue Angels Cheerleaders/Ambassadors

American Top Team Demonstration – One of the top MMA training facilities in South Florida

Foot Volley Exhibition – World Class athletes showing how this game is played

America’s Backyard – Revolution Live Wheel Spin and Win, Gift Certificates and Prizes

Live Band – A Beautiful Cage (tentatively scheduled)

Dunkin Donuts Cold Drink Sampling and Giveaways

Into Energy Drink – Sampling with promo girls

After the game fans will be able to meet with players of both teams at the Tent by Gate C. Followed by the now usual After Game party at America’s Backyard. With your game stub you get in for free with a complementary drink! So don't miss it.
Vamos Miami!

Interview with Miami FC's new Head Coach, Victor Pastora (Part 1)

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.

From the Miami FC site:

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.

For more go to www.miamifc.com

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.******

Check out the latest Mindless Thoughts of a Miami Soccer Fan podcast.

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

Miami FC 1 Rhinos 1 in Pictures

Blues came back tonight to tie the Rhinos at Lockhart Stadium.
Read more about it at Miami FC

Here are pictures of the night!

Miami FC vs Rhinos Saturday April 10! Free Vodka and BBQ!

It's that time South Florida soccer fans! This Saturday at 7:30 PM is the start of the USSF Div 2 season as our Miami FC Blues take on the Rochester Rhinos! It's the cheapest ticket in town so come out and see Christian Gomez and the gang beat the Rhinos to kingdom come!
Be sure to show up early and head towards the tents by Gate C behind Lockhart Stadium See picture below:Gate C parking is reserved for Season Ticket holders but the tents will hold a special tailgating surprise for fans, so show up early! I'll be there at about 5pm! Miami FC has new sponsors, Regalia Vodka and Weston Town Center. That means free Vodka drinks and free BBQ!
After the tailgate the rowdiest fans, the Miami Ultras and the Southern Legion will unite this year at Section 120. So if you want to be loud and create havoc for the opposing team then joins us in Section 120! ****Remember, this area is a standing section, we never sit!Uncle Ed's recommended reading:
For a full review of the teams competing against the Blues be sure to go to Inside Minnesota Soccer's USSF Div 2 2010 Preview. Yours truly Uncle Ed, wrote the Miami FC segment and you can check out the rest of the teams from the point of view of local bloggers and writers.

Miami Soccer Fan is always a favorite stop for good South Florida Soccer news and you can check out the latest piece written by Brian Corey bashing the Tampa Bay Rowdies, yes, the rivalry has started! You can also see Media Day pictures that were taken by Victor Palkaninec.

For those that don't know him Victor (pictured at the right) is at just about every game there is snapping away as if there was no tomorrow! I remember Victor from back in the Miami Fusion days! You can check his work out over at his Miami FC2 site which also has a forum and Strikers Blog!

Talk about pictures! Victor helped me strap a camera on to Burrito's head so expect to see some pictures from Burrito's perspective. You'll be able to see those pictures in a little area on the right hand of this blog. The first picture was of his compadre and NASL guru Kartik Krishnaiyer! You can click on the picture to see the rest of Burrito's pictures. We'll be sure to update them. You can also follow that chihuahuas twitter http://twitter.com/Burritofutbol

Following are a few pictures taken at the Miami FC Media Day.




Vamos Miami! Let's beat those Whinos!

Maradona's dog bites him, Diego turns around and eats dog! By Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito here with latest news on Maradona getting bit by his perrito called "El Che". (After Ernesto "Che" Guevara)

In case you carnales don't reads about it, Diego Armando Maradona, known to most Argentinos peoples ass the greatest player to half played in the worlds, was bit in the culo (ok, ok in the face pero Burrito think his face look like an ass anyways!). Maradona was said to be playing with "El Che" and doggie get excited thinking Diego's face was a piece of meat and bite him.... no big deal, thats what he get for playing with "El Che"! Pinche comunista!

"El Che" being good loyal dog wait for doctors to show up and heal his pet. Yes, us perros are owners of humans... you no believe? Burrito, ask for food he gets food, Burrito poops, human pick up poop. So who is who's bitch?

So Maradona was taken to hospitals in helicopter and was said to be crying for his mami and askings doctors to please shoot him up with heroines or somethings pero doctor no half that so they give hims valiums which Diego had in his pocket.

What no one knows is that after a few hours Diego come out of hospital and say he still love "EL Che" even thoughs "El Che" bite the chingado out of him.
Ladies and gentlemens this is a lie! Burrito half proof that Diego kill poor "Che" and here it is in picture on right!
Si, Diego get so mad he eat el pobrecito "El Che" as retaliations for biting his uglys face. Maradona was quoted as saying "Boca es lo mas grande del mundo" and then proceed to eat "El Che" tail first!

Burrito has contacted the humane societies of Argentina pero they no return Burritos call! Join Burrito in condemning this act of cruelty against the dawg race! Write to your local dawg pound and demands a recall!

P.S. Five days away from the season opener against the Rochester Rhinos! Support Miami FC Blues as they beat the pinches Rhino's back to their ugly town! Vamos Miami!
For more info go to http://www.miamifc.com/

Miami FC Blues 2010 Season Preview

Brian Quarstad over at Inside Minnesota Soccer came up with an idea to create a 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League Season Preview.
It consists of:

* 12 Teams
* 12 Stadiums
* 12 Coaches
* 12 Previews
* 12 Authors

Best of all is a preview of each team. The previews are written by a representative in each team’s area who, in most cases, writes for an online publication that covers the team.

Here is the portion I wrote (with some help by Brian) about Miami FC:

MIAMI FC BLUES

Founded 2006
Stadium: Lockhart Stadium: Multi-use – Grass (capacity: 18,500)
Conference: NASL
Last season’s record: 8W-12L-10D (9th Place)
Head coach: Victor Pastora (1st Year-former asst. coach)
Key players: Christian Gómez, Zach Kirby, Abe Thompson
Team Website
Roster

by Uncle Ed - Football in Miami and Beyond

After a few years of fielding mediocre teams, 2010 seems to be the year of the Blues. Miami FC General Manager Luiz Muzzi and Fernando Clavijo have brought together an almost new team from last year. It started with the hiring of new coach Victor Pastora, who South Florida fans hope will put this team together with a little magic.

Returning to the team is fan favorite Zach “Beowulf” Kirby, Zach’s MLS career came to a halt as he was released to free up a roster spot for David Beckham on the L.A. Galaxy. Nonetheless, Kirby’s tenacity will be tested on the pitch. Zach is a solid central defender with great vision and a touch of genius that reminisces the great Franz Beckenbauer.

The midfield will be lead by the star signing of 2010, Christian Gómez. Christian will be a true general on the pitch for the Blues, something they lacked in past seasons. The former DC United play-maker was not offered a new contract with MLS this season and their loss is Miami FC’s gain! This veteran of many battles will no doubt infuse his experience to the many young players on the Blues roster this year including former U-20 Guatemalan forward Edward Santilez. But we can’t forget forward Abe Thompson, who spent the last four years in the MLS and recently with the Houston Dynamo. Both Edward and Abe have been in top form this pre-season and Blue’s fans hope to celebrate many of their goals. Vamos Miami!

In the last two months of the 2009 season, Miami FC could conjure up only 1-win with 9-losses and 2-draws. With an improved roster, look for the Blues to be a more competitive team in 2010 which will help this team down the stretch.

To read about the other teams in the league click on the 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League logo to the top right or go HERE

Miami FC signs Christian Gómez! Blues unveil their new 2010 Jersey

Yes, its true! Miami FC sign Argentine Christian Gómez!

Gómez will be a true general on the pitch for the Blues, something they lacked in past seasons. The former DC United playmaker was not offered a new contract with MLS this season and their loss is our gain!

Christian began playing at 17 with Argentine club Nueva Chicago, a 2nd division team at the time. He played with the team from 1991 to 1996, appearing in 155 games and scoring 46 goals. In 1997 Gómez moved to Independiente and played for them from 1997 to 1999, scoring 12 goals. He went on to Argentinos Juniors, returning to Nueva Chicago, where he would help the team earn promotion to the first division, scoring 14 goals. He returned to Independiente in 2002 and went on to Arsenal de Sarandí, where he would play in 30 games, scoring 6 goals, between 2002 and 2004.

In 2004 he came to D.C. United where they reached the MLS Cup. In 2005 Gómez was named to the MLS Best XI. In 2006 Gómez won the MLS Honda MVP award. In the 2007 he scored 10 goals and 9 assists. Gomez was named an MLS All-Star in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2008 he went on to the Colorado Rapids but was traded back to D.C. United during the 2009 pre-season.

The Blues now have a player that can be the face of the team. Check out the original press release HERE
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

Last night Miami FC unveiled their 2010 jersey at America's Backyard in Ft Lauderdale. Check it out folks! Picture by Victor Palkaninec. For more pictures check out MiamiFC2
or check out MiamiSoccerFan.com

Miami FC need to do Guerrilla Marketing! with video By Burrito

Before Burrito start a little remindererer... Los Azules (Blues for you gringos) will unveils their new 2010 uniforms this Thursday March 25, 2010 from 6 pm until 9 pm at America's Backyard.Its free so go or else Burrito hit you on head with quesadilla! For more information click HERE print the flyer and show up for a good time with the players and staff.

Burrito can see that Miami FC is getting some nice players this year most are very young and have mucho promise in the futures. Burrito believes Muzzi, Clavijo and the rest of the gang are creating a team of players that are the future of USA soccer!

Pero, whiles the team is looking good on papers we still need peoples to come to the stadium! Burrito in his 11 years of existence has been banned from Bigsoccer, kicked out of Lockhart, FIU and Tropical Park stadiums for discrimination (Cause they no allow dawgs... but Burrito still sneak in!) and now Burrito will be even more hated! Following are "Burritos Guerrilla Marketing Tactics":

Let's face it homeses we dawgs like pretty ladies! Last year they have FIU cheerleaders/ Blue Angels. Burrito like them mucho so bring thems back. Also get some in stands, Burrito going to go to strip joints and invite some hot mamacitas from there too! Yeeehaaa!

Tailgates with sponsors! The best part for the fans is when we sits back and talk futbol before the games. Get local Ft Lauderdale shops to sponsor with food or drinks and everyone win! This will attract hungry and alcoholic fans.

A few signs close to stadium don't hurt either. Problem with Miami FC is that many peoples no no they exists. When there is game no one can tell cause everyone park in back of Lockharts Stadium. Put sign in front of stadium!

Miami FC staff need to be tricky! Last year they think up the "We'll shave out heads" idea that was good at first but they never cut anyone's hair!!! Fans demand a re-count!They say they have no budget, that they are cutting back... then do something smart like these Heineken vatos did.

Heineken told a group of futbol fans via girlfriends, bosses and professors that a classical concert was to take place at the same time as the huge championship soccer match between Real Madrid and AC Milan. More than 1,100 soccer fans got tricked and 1.5 million people saw their reactions on live TV. Heineken received five million visitors to their site and a great deal of news coverage shortly after. Check out this video.

You have more Guerrilla Marketing ideas the Blues can do to get people in the stands? Leave a comment!
Hasta los Huevos amigos!

Miami FC Sign Lance Parker and more...

Today Miami FC announced 4 more players starting with former Chivas USA keeper Lance Parker. fighting for that starting goalkeeper position will be Caleb Patterson while in midfield we get Sean Cameron and local product Gabriel Hoyos.

It's great to have these two quality goalkeepers on the team. They are both very young but have the necessary experience to come in and make an immediate impact. In the midfield, Sean has played with us before and we're glad to have him re-join Miami this year. Gabriel is an exciting young prospect with international experience under his belt. This is shaping up to be an exciting 2010 roster, " said General Manager Luiz Muzzi

For more on the players go HERE
The Blues are finally looking good!

Be on the lookout for more interviews by South Florida Soccer Guru Robert Scorca!
Picture by Victor Palkaninec, see more over at Striker's Supporters

Miami FC add Abe Thompson, Re-signs Paulo Jr. and 4 more Brazilians

Abe Thompson joins the Blues!

Abe is a special player. His pace, ability to finish and experience will take our front line to another level," said General Manager, Luiz Muzzi

More at the Miami FC site HERE

Brazilian forward Paulo Jr has also been added.

Five players will join the ranks of the Blues including one of Miami's best forwards from last season, Paulo Araujo Jr. Terms of the signings were not disclosed

Further Details HERE

The Miami FC Blues have so far, in addition to the above, confirmed the following players on this years roster:

M-Ariel Germiniani
M-Lennon Celestino
D-Euzebio Neto
M-Paulinho Le Petit.
D-Mike Randolph
D-Chris Gbandi
M-Jarryd Goldberg
D-JP Rodrigues
F-Bryan Perez
D-Kyle Veris
D-Cristiano Dias
F-Edward Santeliz
D-Zach Kirby

Be sure to check out videos of the new players over at Miami FC TV

But don't think its over! Word out of Miami FC Central is that there are more players in the horizon and they are going to be some good ones!

Miami FC vs Barry University play for Haiti Relief, Jersey Unveiling and more...

The Miami FC Blues continue their pre-season this week when they play against Barry University with all proceeds going to Haiti Relief. The game will be on Saturday, March 20th. Admission to the game requires a cash or soccer gear donation. The game starts at 7pm at Barry University’s campus. So far the Blues have won 2 games and their only loss coming against the New York Red Bulls. Full details of the game from the Barry University site can be read HERE

Miami FC will also unveil their new 2010 uniforms on Thursday March 25, 2010 from 6 pm until 9 pm at America's Backyard located at 100 SW 3rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 just behind Revolution off of Broward Blvd. For directions call 954-449-1030. You will get to meet the players and spend some time with staff. Click on the flyer above for more details!

JP Rodrigues is wrapping things up with the Milwaukee Wave of the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) before he joins the Blues for pre-season and we are glad to see he is in great form after playing the last regular game of the season and scoring two goals. The Wave clinched the MISL regular season title on Sunday with a 17-12 victory over La Raza of Monterrey. JP's last two games will be for the Championship against the Philadelphia Kixx in a Home and Away format to determine the Champion. We wish JP good luck and are ready for him to add on to an already strong Miami FC back line.
Check out the video of JP's two goals; the first is right off the bat and the second at about 1:52.

Miami FC Internet Fan Guide

We rapidly approach the start of the season and many South Florida Soccer fans keep asking me for information about the team, the players, the stadium, etc.

Well, I decided to put together this list of everything Miami FC related. Links from the actual news media to blogs to discussion groups. If I missed any please let me know. I'm grouping them up and will have permanent links to all of them on the right hand side of this blog.

Where do we start? The actual team site of course!
Miami FC Official site

But if you want an up to the minute update follow them on Twitter at:
www.twitter.com/miamifc

Official News Papers

Miami Herald
Coverage of Soccer has been done for years by Michelle Kaufman. I've followed her since the Miami Fusion days. Adam Beasley also contributes and together they also run the blog Total Futbol I follow Adam's twitter and so can you at http://twitter.com/AdamHBeasley But beware, he sometimes twitters other sports info.

Sun Sentinel
Talk about following since the Miami Fusion days... I also remember Jeff Rusnack from back in the day and he continues to write about Soccer over at the Sentinel. Now that the Blues will be playing up in Broward I imagine he will cover the team much more.

BLOGS
Blogs have become more soccer friendly as of late; sometimes replacing regular news media. I guess its a sign of the times. Here are some good sites that I follow and so should you.

Miami Soccer Fan
For fans by the fans and it's true. "El Presidente" Pieter Brown of the Miami Ultras leads a rag tag group of soccer crazy fans who write about anything Soccer related in South Florida and just about anyone can contribute. They even have a Miami Soccer Fan in Spanish! See it HERE

Simply Football
Once upon a time they were called Mad about Football. Juan Arango leads the way covering everything and I mean everything soccer related. I don't know how he does it but he finds the time to write about the Blues too. You can also read his work over at the Miami Soccer Examiner His twitter http://twitter.com/SimplyFutbol

Behind the Blues
The official blog of Miami FC is a brand spanking new site. They say many of the front office staff will contribute. We still have to see what they can give us but be sure to check it out.

Miami FC 2
If you want to see pictures of the games this is the site for you! Victor Palkaninec is a long time South Florida Soccer Fan. He's basically the official Miami FC photographer and you can be sure to see pictures and read about the games every week.

Discussion Boards
Soflastrikers.com forum
Also run by Victor Palkaninec these boards have been around since the Fusion days and is now dedicated to the Miami FC Blues and other South Florida soccer related themes. Be sure to join it!

Big Soccer Miami FC Forum
I really shouldn't be advertising Big Soccer especially after they gave Burrito a red card banning him from ever commenting there for life. They just couldn't handle Burrito's style. Pretty harsh, but they have a good Miami FC section.

FAN SITES
Miami FC Has 2 supporters groups that from what I hear will be uniting or at least be sitting next to each other this year. Please be sure to look them up and join their ranks!

Southern Legion
President Sean Gibb leads this group that has a special latin style. Join them on facebook where they have 142 members

Miami Ultras
They run the Miami Soccer Fan site and are also an Official Brigade of Sam's Army (Team USA supporters) The Ultras have a special season ticket offer, so JOIN them for free and take advantage of the deal!

Player Sites
Under this category is anything related to Miami FC players such as fan clubs, blogs, etc. I was only able to find one.
Show Me Ur Soccer Ball
Miami FC fan favorite Jarryd "The Hammer" Goldberg's blog consists of taking a picture of a soccer ball in a really cool spot wherever you live or visit. He already has some cool pictures up but fans can contribute by sending pictures. Go check it out and send him your pictures to Showmeursoccerball@gmail.com

Last but not least you can follow this humble little blog Football in Miami and Beyond. We now have 5 official contributors ranging from the guru of South Florida soccer history Robert Scorca to the infamous quesadilla eating dog Burrito. You can also follow us on our twitter http://twitter.com/footballsoccerm

NY Red Bulls vs Miami FC this Friday at 11 AM and more news...

The Blues will face the New York Red Bulls this Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11AM at Lockhart Stadium! Make note of the change

The Red Bulls have released their full roster which includes Colombian star Juan Pablo Angel, Americans Chris Albright and Mike Petke, Costa Rican Roy Miller, Jamaican Dane Richards and many more.

The Miami FC Blues have so far confirmed the following players on this years roster:
D-Mike Randolph
D-Chris Gbandi
M-Jarryd Goldberg
D-JP Rodrigues
F-Bryan Perez
D-Kyle Veris
D-Cristiano Dias
F-Edward Santeliz
D-Zach Kirby
More signings to be confirmed. Some of the above players may not be at the game.

A few good links to read:
The AC St Louis Fanatic has a piece called "Miami FC looking toward the future". Dave Trotter was able to speak with Miami FC President Aaron Davidson, Miami FC’s General Manger Luiz Muzzi and US Soccer legend and Miami FC’s Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo. Do check it out HERE

The Potomac Soccer Wire has a great interview with NASL's Kartik Krishnaiyer

Yes, I’ve said some incendiary things about the federation and about their youth structure, more than anything – player development,” he admitted with a sheepish smile. “But hopefully those can be seen as constructive critiques going forward. We can help as a league, help MLS, help U.S. Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer going forward…We’re going to work with MLS. We’re going to enhance and complement the good work MLS has done for 15 years.

To read more go HERE

On the other side of the USSF Div 2 we have a piece over at Inside Minnesota Soccer. Brian Quarstad interviews USL President Tim Holt.

We are fully committed to apply for sanctioning as a USSF Division II Men’s Professional League for the 2011 season. Currently, USSF is going through an internal process of reviewing their standards for leagues/teams at this level. Once this is complete, the league application process will commence and we intend to be prepared to submit an application compliant with these revised standards.

The rest of the Interview can be read HERE

Orlando USL Team? Questionable owner? Schulz Academy holding tryouts and more.

The Orlando Sentinel Blog, "The Other Football" is reporting that the United Soccer Leagues (USL) will announce a New Orlando Soccer team for next year. We might be looking at a new 3 way rivalry with the Rowdies and Miami FC.

Sources have told us the proposed investor is Steve Donner. He helped bring pro-soccer (The Rhinos) and lacrosse to Rochester. He was also influential in the construction of two of Rochester’s most significant sports facilities; the ESL Sports Centre and PAETEC Park.

Irregularities have been mentioned in a recent article by Jeff Di Verronica concerning the deals made with the Stadium. Our sources indicate Donner left owing the Rhinos something in the millions, not mentioning fees owed to USSF and USL from 2002 to 2007 that apparently USL is ready to look the other way on. Perhaps because of Donner's interest in a USL team in his now home town Orlando, Florida. I'm sure we'll get more information on this in the days to come.

Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy PDL-Team will be holding tryouts and here is the schedule:
Sat, 6 March 2010, 12:30-2:30pm (field 1)
Sat, 3 April 2010, 4-6pm (field 3)
Mon, 5 April 2010, 4-6pm (field 3)
Sat, 17 April 2010, 4-6pm (field 4)
All tryouts are at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale (Sunrise and US-441)
If interested you'll need to bring your soccer gear, a copy of your birth certificate and a picture.

Here is the Schulz Academy PDL 2010 SCHEDULE
Friday, May 7 Bradenton (Open Cup) Away
Sunday, May 16 Central Florida Home
Friday, May 21 Nashville (Open Cup) A
Sunday, May 23 Atlanta A
Saturday, May 29 Atlanta H
Monday, May 31 Central Florida (Open Cup) H
Saturday, June 5 New Orleans H
Thursday, June 17 Bradenton H
Sunday, June 20 Panama H
Friday, June 25 Baton Rouge H
Friday, July 4 Central Florida A
Thursday, July 15 Mississippi A
Saturday, July 17 Baton Rouge A
Wednesday, July 21 Bradenton A
Friday, July 23 Panama A
Sunday, July 25 Nashville H

Miami FC continues to build their team we have so far confirmed the following players:

D-Mike Randolph
D-Chris Gbandi
D-Cristiano Dias
M-Jarryd Goldberg
D-JP Rodrigues
F-Bryan Perez
D-Kyle Veris
D-Zach Kirby

We know of a few more players but the Blues have not announced them yet. Word has it Miami FC is now practicing at the Holiday Inn Hotel on University Dr in Sunrise.
There is a rumor that Miami FC will play FIU's soccer team this Saturday morning at FIU. For more details go to http://www.miamifc.com/


UPDATE: 3:00 PM
USL-1 pro soccer headed to Orlando in 2011 as announced by USL

The future of professional soccer in Central Florida began to take shape with the announcement of a new United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division franchise in Orlando. The Orlando Titans will serve as the principal owner and operator of the franchise, and will also be responsible for securing local minority investors.

It looks like USL will not let NASL take over the 2nd Division of U.S. Soccer without a fight! While NASL moves forward with Edmonton,(...and a few other markets to be announced from what I'm told) USL announces Steve Donner's Orlando Titans will operate the new team.

“We’re most excited about the quality of ownership joining USL in the Orlando Titans and Steve Donner." -Papadakis

Quality? Would be nice to see what the current Rhino ownership thinks about this...

***Jeff Di Veronica just put out this little gem called ‘Teflon’ Donner does it again; ex-Rhino owner prez of new Orlando soccer team

Last year Donner also launched a pro lacrosse franchise in Orlando. Sounds all eerily similar, doesn’t it?

By the numbers:
9 great years with the Rhinos
3 bad years with the Rhinos
1 tarnished franchise thanks, in part, to his mismanagement

Interesting stuff! Full Story HERE
To be continued...