Soccer legends meet to support the new Strikers. Player movements and Robert Scorca.

Miami FC was able to bring together some of South Florida's most notable soccer legends this past Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Ft Lauderdale.

It was an electric atmosphere! Hearing the stories, laughter and watching these legends of the game reconnect was special. It's what the return of the Strikers is all about - family and passion. We take great pride in perpetuating the Strikers legacy and look forward to writing the next chapter of this storied franchise with the full support of those who embodied the Strikers spirit in South Florida," said Commercial Director Tommy Knapp.

You can read more at www.miamifc.com

We were able to gain inside information from 'sources' that the following ex players were present. Soccer greats Teofilo 'Nene' Cubillas, Arnie Mausser, Nico Bodonczy, Michael Ortiz-Velez, Ernst Jean Baptiste, Eric Eichmann, Branko Segota from the Strikers. Ian Bishop and Jim Rooney from the Fusion. There were also Traffic USA staff and other Soccer personalities.
Jeff Rusnak, of the Sun Sentinel, was present at the event and wrote a piece about the meeting.

The late conversation, as it almost does on such gatherings, centered on how to get more people to support the local pro team, in this case, the new Strikers. "Quality of play," Bishop said. "What you put on the field." Bingo.

Read more: HERE
Notable absences were that of GOL TV Commentator Ray Hudson, U.S. under 20 coach Thomas Rongen, ex coach Ron Newman, and former Ft Lauderdale Strikers owner Tim Robbie.

The most vocal of the group was said to be former Strikers Arnie Mausser and Nico Bodonczy, and Ex Fusion Ian Bishop. Discussions ranged from what the name of the team should be (Most agreed that if you bring the name back you should go all the way and name it Fort Lauderdale Strikers) to ways of bringing more people into the stands. No doubt that with the support of ex-players and fans the Strikers will be successful!

Strikers Announce new Historian.

If you didn't know his name you knew who he was just by looking at him. It seems a soccer game in South Florida is never the same if he is not there roaming the stadium. Robert Scorca is one of those people that you always see at soccer games, a character rivaled only by Hot Shot the team mascot himself. Robert missed maybe one or two games since the beginning of the Miami Football Club and I can remember him from back in the Miami Fusion days too. But Robert was at Lockhart during the old Striker days and even attended Miami Toros and Gatos games! Well folks, Miami FC /Strikers have recognized his commitment and named Robert the new team Historian.

"Robert's unparalleled passion and knowledge of South Florida soccer history and that of Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium, the home of the Strikers make him a natural for this position," stated NASL Communications Director Kartik Krishnaiyer, who has known Scorca for years.

Read more HERE
Robert has been a contributor to this blog as a photographer and writer, interviewing players and local soccer personalities for a couple of years now. He has also contributed to www.miamisoccerfan.com and other blogs. Robert was also a founding member of the Miami Ultras Soccer Fan club.
We wish Robert much success and we will miss his witty blogs. (Burrito, the blogging dawg will miss him the most).

Miami FC / Strikers players on the move.
Looks like Defender Aaron Holbein will not be back next season with Miami FC / Strikers. Holbein, played with Miami FC this past season on loan from Kansas City and contributed to the unbeaten streak at the end of the season which still stands. Turns out Aaron was selected in the MLS Re-Entry draft by the Columbus Crew. But Holbein still has options... read more HERE
JP Rodrigues (pictured at left) has had a busy year when it comes to his playing time. He has played for Miami FC, the Milwaukee Wave (MISL), DC United and the Guyana national team. But it seems he hasn't stopped there. JP is on his way to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to be exact. More details will follow when we get it.
In case you missed it, the new Strikers have already confirmed 4 players. Forward Aaron Wheeler from FC Tampa Bay and Miami FC veterans defender Zach Kirby, Midfielder Paulinho Le Petit, and Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser.
We've heard rumors of a few more players that have been signed. If we hear a name we'll let everyone know!
Player picture by Robert Scorca.
Alumni meeting pictures courtesy of Miami FC.

Miami FC loses yet again. We suck again!

Sadly Miami FC lost again this past weekend. We are now in last place and its not looking pretty! What can we say at this point? Can we really, realistically make the playoffs? Can our new coach Daryl Shore pull a rabbit out of his hat and turn things around? It's difficult for a coach to make things happen with a team he didn't pick. But we hope the coach has that magic.
We all say that on paper, Miami FC has a good team. But, the mix of Ex-MLS players and youth hasn't panned out. We have seen a weak defense this year. It doesn't help that our best player in the back, Zach Kirby, has been hurt for large portions of the year. Even a great goalkeeper like Caleb Patterson can't stop every shot. (Talk about Caleb, check out his new blog on the Blues site "Don't fear the keeper" ).
Our other weak point is our forwards. We just can't score. We need a Romario or Alex Afonso up front.
We can only hope things turn around for the better in the weeks to come. It's not unheard of that a team could make a come back. But do we have what it takes?
Maybe it's time to start building for 2011, the year of the Strikers!
For more on the Blues loss to Austin check out www.miamifc.com
Coach Shore picture by Robert Scorca

Miami FC take on the Houston Dynamo for the U.S. Open Cup

U.S. Open Cup continues for Miami FC as they take on MLS side Houston Dynamo in the third round of the cup. The game takes place today Tuesday, June 29 at Robertson Field and will start at 8:30 p.m. EST.

As of this moment there seems to be no live video feed (If I find one I'll let you know) but you can listen to the game if you go to Sports Talk 790 in Houston.

It will be the first ever meeting between the two teams and the second time the Blues have faced an MLS team in the U.S. Open Cup. Miami FC dropped a 2-1 decision to FC Dallas in the third round of the 2008 competition.

For a full preview and more visit www.miamifc.com

Below is a picture of Miami Ultra Pedro and Miami FC players Zach Kirby and Sean Cameron who were checking out the USA vs Ghana game over at Wowies in Boca this past Saturday!

The Return of Beowulf (a.k.a. Zach Kirby)

Zach Kirby was born and grew up in Georgia. After high school his pursuit of knowledge and soccer took him north to Boston University. His final season he was the 2006 All-America East Conference Defender of the Year, College Soccer News All-American, among other honors. This bought him to the attention of Alexi Lalas and he was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Zach became the answer to a trivia question as he was released to free up a roster spot for David Beckham. He finished out the year playing for the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. 2008 saw him return home to play for the Atlanta Silverbacks. With Atlanta sitting out the 2009 Zach traveled south and became a member of the Miami FC Blues.
Our good friend and Miami Ultra Robert Scorca asked him a few questions:

Robert Scorca: Marietta is only 15 miles from Atlanta. Were you a fan of the Silverbacks?
Zach Kirby: Yes. I also remember attending games when they were called the Atlanta Ruckus.

RS: During your childhood who was the athlete you look up to?
ZK: There was never one athlete in particular. I enjoy talent from a very wide spectrum. If the person was fun to watch I would take a liking to them.

RS: Who is the person who was most influential in your development as a player and a person?
ZK: There are multiple people that contributed to my success on and off the field. As a youth player, the primary mentors were my Olympic Development Program coach Kerem Daser who is currently at the helm of Georgia State University and my club coach, Dave Smith, who is the kingpin of club soccer in the greater Atlanta area. My collegiate profile was strongly influenced by two coaches from Boston University, Andy Fleming and Neil Roberts. Their guidance helped me become the person I am today. Lastly, none of this could have been remotely possible without the unconditional support, motivation, and love from my parents and grandparents.

RS: You had a successful college career and were drafted by the L.A. Galaxy. Even though your stay was brief are there any memories you care to share?
ZK: Yes. I remember it like it was yesterday. Defending Landon Donovan was one of the many highlights.

RS: Last season, on July 19th Johan Claesson and you went up for the ball in a game against the Portland Timber. The ensuing collision was heard in the stands and knocked both players out of the game. Can you recap the injury for us?
ZK: The injury I received was a tough setback. I jumped into the air to head the ball up the field and was blind sided by an opposing player resulting in a large wound and a concussion. The team doctor put ten stitches in my head shortly thereafter and then I proceeded to the emergency room. The hospital stay was brief, but the residual effects of the collision lasted for approximately three weeks. It was difficult to come back from, but I slowly eased my way into the field.

RS: It seemed natural that you would come to the attention of Jason Smith, Head Coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks. When did you first come in contact with him?
ZK: At the 2007 MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale.

RS: Alex Pineda Chacon was a coach of yours with the Silverbacks. He is also a fan favorite from the Miami Fusion days. Please share some observations or items of interest.
ZK: Alex is a great person and an extremely talented player. He would always train with us in Atlanta and has not lost a beat in his game.

RS: After the Silverbacks decision to sit out the 2009 season you ended up playing for Miami FC. How did this come about?
ZK: I took a leap of faith. I packed my car to move to Miami on a whim, and it definitely worked out for the best.

RS: One of the Miami Ultras (Brian Corey) nicknamed you Beowulf. The name stuck so we will not change it. If you had to pick a nickname for yourself what would it be.
ZK: Only Beowulf. Although Thor and Beckenbauer are some other nicknames that I have been honored with in the past.

RS: Rumor alert! The first winner of the 2008 Miami Ultras Player of the Year award (Alex Afonso) upon receiving the trophy immediately left to Brazil. The location of the 2009 Miami Ultras Player of the Year trophy won by Zach Kirby is a mystery. Rumor has it Pieter Brown (President of the Miami Ultras) kept it for himself. Another rumor has it used as a flower vase. Last, in theBeowolf tradition it is being used as a beer mug on South Beach. Can you shed any light on the mystery of the location of your Ultra Player of the Year Trophy?
ZK: The last thing I heard was that it was stolen by my old roommate Tim Merritt and was on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. God only knows what he has been doing with it...

RS: Any advice for young footballers?
ZK:Set your goals high and you will achieve what you want through hard work and commitment. Most importantly, enjoy what you are doing. Happiness is an essential ingredient to success.

RS: Closing thoughts and remarks?
ZK: I am looking forward to a successful season with Miami FC and I would like to thank all of the fans for their continued motivation and support.

New Miami FC Players, Stadium info and Zidane tells Materazzi no way I'll say sorry! by Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito hear Miami FC have signed muchos players and all South Florida Futbol fans will soon hear more from Burrito's Compadre Ignacio"El Nacho" Rodriguez who will tell the worlds why Miami FC will be USSF Div 2 Champions this season! Be sure to check el Twitter de Miami FC! It is http://twitter.com/Miamifc or go to http://www.miamifc.com/ for details in the coming days.

Todays Nacho announce 3 defenders:

Cristiano "Kaká" Dias
Cristiano Dias has been a part of the Miami FC family since 2007. Always a stalwart for the Miami FC backline, "Kaká" has become one of the team's fan favorites with his physical play and his desire to win. Paired with Zach Kirby last season, the defensive duo formed one of the most solid backlines in the league. The 6'3 Brazilian defender has had over 60 appearances for the Blues.

Mike Randolph
Randolph began his career with the Portland Timbers in 2006, where he played 25 matches and was a finalist for the USL-1 Rookie of the Year. Soon after, Randolph was signed by the L.A Galaxy where he played two years and had 39 appearances. Randolph has also been called up to the United States U-23 squad.

Chris Gbandi
After a stellar career at the University of Connecticut, Gbandi was drafted by the Dallas Burn with the first overall pick of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft. He made 111 appearances and scored three goals, including the last goal by a Dallas Burn player at the Cotton Bowl. He recently spent a year with FK Haugesund of the Norwegian First Division.

Read press release HERE
Miami FC now have new coach and it is Victor Pastora! Read about him HERE Burrito don't know Victor muy bien pero Burrito wish Victor lucks and will send him quesadilla in the morning!

Burrito also hear Lockhearts Stadiums will be official home of the Blues this year. This is great news for Burrito cause it like one big bathroom, with fresh cut lawns and no turf like at FIU stadium, yuck! Many Fans say they worry about article written by Jeff Rusnack on Sun Sentinel Read HERE. Concern come from re-naming the Blues to Strikers. It not the name that make Miami Fans nervous, it is the idea that team will be named "Ft Lauderdale" Strikers.
Burrito want to tell fans that Burrito's sources say team name will be Strikers and may not necesarililiy have a city name to it. Burrito want to tell fans that it no matter what they call the team. If you are true fan of futbol like Burrito is then you must support this team even if they call them the Sunrise Bunny Rabbits!
But for now our battle cry is Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

You want Miami FC Season Ticket info? Call the Commercial Director, Tommy Knapp at (954)829-9213 and get your tickets!

You guys read that Zinedine Zidane says to Italian Marco Materazzi hell no I wont say sorry?

More than once they insulted my mother and I never responded, but there ... and it happened. And to apologise for this - if it was Kaka, a regular guy, a good guy, of course I would have apologised, but to this one...

Read More HERE
Here is video of Zidane's greatest head butt hits! Yeeeeehaaaa! Hasta los huevos amigos!

Vote for Burrito! Vote for the Real Football! plus Miami FC info.

Hola Futbol fans! Burrito want to ask you favors. If you love futbol, if you love Burrito's Blog, then please help us beat all those American Football Blogs running against us on Best Of Blog awards over at the Sun Sentinel. Please go to this link: http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/community/ssblogcontest/voting/?vote_for=205#205 for Football in Miami and Beyond to win Sports section of contest. You can also go to this link: http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/community/ssblogcontest/voting/best.php to vote for best overall Blog. Vote for Football in Miami and Beyond and Help us steal pig skin egg they call Football from fish fans! Burrito no hate American Football or Dolphins, Burrito like fish, Burrito bite fish and eat fish and hump fish too! So help us beat them Handeggball people (cause thats what they should call that sport) and Burrito send quesadilla to all you futbol lovers!

Moving on to other news Burrito's compadre Robert Scorca write good piece over at MiamiSoccerFan.com on Miami FC's open tryout that took place this weekend at Weston Regional Park. Burrito was going to tryout pero Ignacio at Miami FC office say dogs not allowed to play on team! Pinche culero! Its ok, Burrito going to pee on his tire next time he see him!
If you want to read Roberto's article go AQUI

Don't forget to vote for Football in Miami and Beyond! Go HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best over all! Let them know what the real Football is!

Burrito is happier then when Uncle Ed give him bone! Why? Because Miami FC have 4 players, Si, 4 players and they are beginning of the teams that will win new USSF Div 2 Championship (What an estupido name!) Burrito can't wait to see our Miami FC Blues beat those ugly Tampon Bay Poopies (Tampa Bay Rowdies) when they come to South Florida. So far Miami FC have Burrito's carnales Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Jarryd "The Hammer" Goldberg, JP "Macho Man" Rodrigues and el rookie Bryan "Negro" Perez!

In case you forget, vote for Football in Miami and Beyond! Go HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog over all!

Burrito want to ask all you vatos to Join the Miami Ultras! The Ultras want you to be part of the craziest group since the Bee Gees... no, since the Beatles! ...since Hot Sauce at Taco Bell? Never mind. Join the Ultras! It's Free! You get to play drums and cow bell and we have best tailgate in town! So Join us by going HERE

Did Burrito mention Football in Miami and Beyond is running for Best of Blogs on the Sun Sentinel? No? Well Go HERE to vote for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog everwhever!

Finally Miami Soccer Fan has re-released the Spanish section of their site. Burrito happy cause Burrito originally from Mexico! Most posts will be translated from English and thats why if you want to write en Espanol then please contact "El Presidente" Pieter Brown at articles@miamisoccerfan.com and help us attract more Spanish speaking fans to the Ultras! GO HERE to read in Spanish!

Football in Miami and Beyond! Best Blog ever! Vote HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog everwhever in the universe! If you don't then Burrito will hurt you and hunt you down!
Just kitten! But vote for us human peoples!Football in Miami and Beyond is not to be held accountable nor responsible for any claims, comments, misspelled insults, bad grammar, nor anything written by Burrito. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Warning: Frequent reading of subjects brought up by Burrito may cause diarrhea, erectile malfunctions or depression. Children please ask your parents for permission before reading.

Another one bites the dust, Jack Traynor to AC St Louis

AC St Louis signs Jack Traynor. For details go HERE
Traynor was drafted in the second round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls, but was not offered a contract by the team.
After an unsuccessful trial with Aalesunds FK in Norway, Traynor signed with Miami FC of the USL First Division. He made his professional debut on April 26, 2009, coming on as a substitute in Miami's game against Rochester Rhinos.

I haven't really kept count but I believe this is the third player Miami FC has lost to other NASL teams. The first was Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze who has signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Then it was Aaron King who will now play for rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies!

We continue to hear the progress of other teams in the league, many setting up pre-season games versus MLS teams... Fans are happy with the announcement of Zach Kirby's return, but so far we only know we have 2 players on the roster and no coach announcement as we don't know if Zinho will be returning. We hope Miami FC can start signing players soon before they are all taken from under their noses and we are left with a High School squad.

Invitational Tryouts
In case you didn't know Miami FC is Holding Invitational Tryouts right now at Ted Hendricks Stadium, beginning Feb. 12 and ending Feb. 14.

Open tryouts will take place on Feb. 20 and 21 at Weston Regional Park. For more information visit www.miamifc.com, or register at the following link.

Miami FC Signs Players, USSF Div 2 Logo revealed and Edmonton to NASL

With the release of the USSF Division 2 schedule the "Blues" have announced the signing of 2 players.

Fan favorite Zach "Beowulf" Kirby returns to lead in the defense. Zach was solid in the back effectively neutralizing attacks. "Beowulf" as the fans called him, was elected Miami Ultras Fan Club Player of the year. His signing answers what most Miami fans anxiously awaited, the signing of players as the inaugural match is less than 2 months away.

Kirby grew up in Marietta, Georgia and played college soccer at Boston University from 2003 to 2006. He was the 2006 America East Defender of the Year. Kirby was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft by Los Angeles Galaxy, and was offered a contract, but was released in order to make roster room for Golden Balls himself David Beckham. Kirby has played for the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL First Division in 2008 and Miami FC.

Miami FC has also announced local Miami product Bryan Perez who comes from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Bryan is a forward who finished his career as the UMKC school record holder in goals (29), points (70), shots (160) and games played (78) Perez started all 78 games. Bryan was Captain of his Killian High School side as a senior. With youth on his side we hope Bryan will make an impact up top where Miami FC is in need of some magic.

Be sure to check out the Miami FC site as we are told many more announcements will be made in the days to come.

In other news the USSF Div 2 logo is out. Check it out below.

NASL News via other sites has an interesting piece on the addition of an Edmonton team to the NASL. It further makes the case that NASL is here to stay as they are looking at 2011 and beyond.
Sources within NASL tell us this is just the beginning. I've read all over that the NASL website is still a little weak if compared to the USL site. But I'm told its a work in progress. Official announcement should be out today.

One time Miami Fusion player goalkeeper Dusty Hudock was named player # 16 in the top 2 players of the decade in USL. Read more HERE

Miami FC will be back next year! Burrito's list of players to keep and Cheerleader Pictures!

Saturday night was last Miami FC game of season and Burrito saw how Miami lose against the Islanders. But the good thing was watching the Miami Ultras. They were loud and they had one hombre with a cowbell who was great! The pinches Ultras also give Burrito's compadre Zach "Beowulf" Kirby the players of the seasons award. Funny thing is Beowulf get red carded out of game! Chingada madre! The referees a wanker!

Burrito try to talk to Aaron Davidson presidente of Miami FC to see if homeboy going to keep the team in USL, MLS or some other League pero he no want to talk to Burrito. Burrito did hear Aaron talk to reporter who ask him about the meetings in NY with MLS. El Senor Davidson only say that they were exploring every option. He did say Miami FC would be back next season but didn't know in what league. Ay Virgencita de Guadalupe, please bring MLS back if not MLS then MLS-2 or something better then USL. Burrito promise to be good and not sneak into games anymore!

Burrito think Miami FC need to start working on the next season today!
So Burrito going to tell you what players we need to keep for next season. Ok, Burrito love all players of Miami FC (in manly way vatos, Burrito no es puñal !) but Burrito ask players who read this blog to not cry if Burrito no mention you, sorry pero Caca pasa!
Here we go:
The Cheerleaders, ok they not players but Burrito like to look at them! Ay Chihuahua! They muy calientes! They need to come back, check out pictures!Join the Blue Angels on facebook HERE
Ok, back to players
Gale Agbossoumonde, is young player that have mucho potential! He did make bubu but we forgive him cause he young. See bubu HERE
Paulo Araujo Jr. the best player Burrito has seen since Pele! Ok, maybe not pero he is muy buen jugador de futbol!
Cristiano "Kaka" Dias like Paulo Jr he is from Brazil, many good things come from Brazil, like the tanga, las garotas (hot brazilian mamacitas) and good futbol players. So keep him cause he a good player!
Jarryd "The Hebrew Hammer" Goldberg, this vato is a work horse who play with hearts. He small like Burrito pero he is muy macho!
Pat "the Man" Hannigan, now what can Burrito say about the guy who keep Miami FC in playoff hopes? The best goalkeeper we have in a long time! Ok, ok they make 9 goles on him pero that was an off day. Burrito trust Pat as keeper so much that Burrito would trust him to guard Burritos sisters virginity, thats how much Burrito trust him!
Aaron "El Rey" King He new player who come to team and score like Burrito score with the hot mamacitas. He is opportunist and Burrito like that.
Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Miami Ultras player of the year. Burrito no need to say more.
Tim Merrit, like Goldberg he one of those silent vatos who play with heart and no say much.
Brian Shriver another new player who in little time became fan favorite. Burrito want to see him play some more.
Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze,what Burrito like about Zee the most is that he is multifunctional players. He play defense, he play forward and he has cool name and no hair!

Burrito so-so favoritos:
These players make the so-so list cause sometimes they play good sometimes they make bubu pero they can stay on team cause Burrito nice dawg! Leo Inacio, Jack Traynor, Walter Ramirez and Alen Marcina

Burritos caca list includes all players not mentioned, sorry holmeses you guys go find other team.
Burrito hope the head honchos with ponchos at Miami FC and Traffic read this list and recognize Burritos abilities as talent finder. Maybe they give Burrito Fernando Clavijo's job! Burrito be much cheaper too! Burrito only ask for a few bones and quesadillas!
All Pictures by Robert Scorca
Want to see more pictures? Check out these pictures by Victor Palkaninec HERE
Do you agree with Burrito's list? What players would you keep next year and which would you give the ax?

Hulkamania is coming to town! Check him out at the next Miami FC game!

Yes folks Hulkamania is alive and well! His opponent you ask? He will be wrestling your Property Tax!
Saturday, Sept. 5th Miami FC will play against the Austin Aztex @ FIU Stadium (Season Finale at FIU) There will be a Powerade Pre-Game Parade, Celebrity/Media Game (Uncle Ed will be playing!) and Hulk Hogan!

Then on Tuesday, September 8th Miami FC will play against the Rochester Rhinos @ Lockhart Stadium~ Hulk Hogan will also appear!

So come out and support Miami FC as they make their playoff push and see Hulk Hogan!
For ticket information go to the Miami FC site!

Be sure to make your vote at Miamisoccerfan.com for your favorite Miami FC player! The Miami Ultras, official Miami FC fan club, will be giving out their traditional Fans favorite player award at the final game of the Season. Pick between Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Pat "The Man" Hannigan or chose a player not listed! GO HERE