Soccer Saturday came and went in a blink of an eye. It started off at the Strikers tailgate at Lockhart Stadium and ended at The Fox & Hound Pub as I saw the USA get beat by Mexico... It was a tough loss. I'm sure everyone else has covered that subject so I'll just leave it at that. As I mentioned, the tailgate at Lockhart was perhaps the highlight of the day. We basically set up a tent city with a number of full bars of just about any drink you could desire (Except almost everything was the cheap stuff). Food was everywhere, from Strikers cupcakes to Sushi!
We even had a celebrity sighting as Rosario Dawson was seen sporting a Fort Lauderdale Strikers jersey! (See picture) The game was set to begin but before anyone entered the stadium one of our Newcastle Striker Likers came out with a bagpipe!
The fans banged their drums, stomped their feet and yelled their heads off but it was the Puerto Rico Islanders who would score first. The large group of Islanders fans that came out to the Mecca cheered as Jonathan Fana came towards the Strikers Fans to taunt us. But the Strikers pressed on and began to dominate. Soon after the Strikers score off of a Martin Nunez header which originated from a Christian Arrieta cross.
"It's good for him to give us a spark. He's been trying hard in practice and he's wanted to get onto the field. It's good for his confidence for him to do well and I believe he did well when he came in," said head coach Daryl Shore.
MagicJack MagicJack continues to feel the loss of their main squad due to World Cup duty as they fall to the Philadelphia Independence 3-1. The team was further hurt by the waiver of Rebecca Moros and Meghan Schnur last week. But the team added Middfielder and U.S. national team player Megan Rapinoe. Read more HERE Also of note is the start of the Women's World Cup which already started. Be sure to see the USA play vs North Korea tomorrow at 12pm
Jan van Beveren Striker goalkeeping legend Jan van Beveren passed away this past Sunday in Houston Texas. Van Beveren played for teams such as Sparta Rotterdam, PSV Eindhoven, the Dallas Sidekicks and the Strikers from 1980–1983 where he played 110 games. Jan also played numerous times for the Dutch National Team during the late 1960s and 1970s.
Miami Ultras Alive Everybodys favorite fan led show continues tonight at 10 pm as Miami Ultras President Pieter Brown and sidekick Uncle Ed tackle another week of South Florida Soccer. This time join us as we say good bye to Strikers PR guru Ignacio "Benedict Arnold" Rodriguez who will be leaving to his new position with the Puerto Rico Islanders. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras/2011/06/28/miami-ultras-alive-12 Full coverage of the Grenade Bomb scare on Miami Ultras Alive tonight. Check out the video from the Sun Sentinel:
UPDATE 6/28/11 Miami Ultras Alive Roast of Ignacio Rodriguez : The Roast of soon to be former Strikers PR Director Ignacio "Benedict Arnold" Rodriguez. With guests Big O from 640 AM, Gol Tv's Juan Arango, Ralph's MOB President Steve Holler and many more. Listen to it here:
MagicJack and the Strikers both played this Saturday at almost the same time. While the Strikers attendance was apparently not hurt (they still average 5,000 a game) MagicJack had only approximately 860 people show up to watch them at FAU soccer field in Boca Raton. MagicJack easily disposed of the Atlanta Beat by 4-0 with a hattrick from Abby Wambach! Read more HERE The Strikers on the other hand once again struggled on offense this time settling for a stalemate versus the Montreal Impact 0-0. The problems in offense can be discussed tonight on Miami Ultras Alive as El Presidente Pieter Brown and I will have Strikers coach Daryl Shore on the show. It's tonight at 10 pm on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/miamiultras be sure to call in or join us on the chat. for further details of the game check it out a www.strikers.com Following please find pictures of the Champions League watch party organized by the Strikers prior to the Strikers game and pictures of the tailgate and game. Special thanks to Mitch Rivera and Victor Palkaninec for the pictures.
This past Saturday marked the return of MLS Futbolito to South Florida. This year the Miami Ultras signed up to play in the tournament for the first time. Uncle Ed, your humble bloggererer was signed on as the Coach. Here are my notes and comments of my debut as coach.
1.- The coach was the last to show up. Incredible, considering I live only a few minutes away from Kendall Soccer Park. I could tell the players were annoyed. From the first moment I realized we had no chemistry. This was going to be ugly!
The Players:
Kyle "Train wreck" Kaly Position: Goalkeeper, even though we were not supposed to have a goalkeeper. He cost us a penalty for crossing the line! Voted Ballsiest player on the team (Read on, you'll find out why). Pros: none Cons: Drinks, smokes, smoked more, burps... you get the picture.
The Reese's pieces bros: Derek "Peanut" Reese and Zach"Chocolate" Reese Position: Right or left wingers. Can't tell which is which, so I just say "Reese!" They both answer... I say "Take a wing". (They think I'm talking about chicken wings). Pros: Both fast as lightning Cons: Can't tell which is which. One is better than the other but I can't tell which one.
David "The Judge" Ito Position: Sweeper The "Judge" laid down the law, immediately establishing his dominance and authority over all. Pros: Tall... that's about it. If only he had his gavel (the little hammer judges use for you laymen folk). Cons: Can't score if his life depended on it!
Jorge "The 561" Marquez Position: Wide Receiver The "Cinco Seis Uno" looked as if he was on vacation out there, he made Palm Beach county proud. Pros: Played great for about 1 minute. A good sleeper. Cons: Played 1 minute and was tired.
Mr. Colombia Alan 'G' Position: Outfielder and Shortstop Highest scorer on the team, started off slow but soon picked up momentum. Pros: Did whatever he wanted. Cons: Did whatever he wanted.
Mr. Mitch "Ultra Cool" Rivera Position: Full back He was our benefactor, organizer and main Futbolito nut. Pros: A good leader. Cons: Can't play for crap!
Uncle Ed Position: Coach First time coach. Did what he could with a rag tag team of imbeciles! Pros: Had a great assistant Cons: Didn't know what the hell he was doing!
Burrito Position: Assistant coach Burrito didn't want to leave his dog house. Considered 10 am too early to get up. Was a no show and missed every game. Pros: A great Blogging Dog Cons: Likes to chew on things and hump them.
2.-No practice does not make perfect. We never got together for even a second of practice and it showed. I asked the players to do a couple of warm ups. They all ignored me. Alan "G" decided to run laps on his own and almost missed the kick off. Not good, not good.
3.- Game #1 Miami Ultras vs Soccer Locker I figured any team with the word Soccer in it is not good. Ultras Starting line up had "561" at Forward, The Reese's Pieces Chocolate and Peanut at Mid and Mr. Colombia at D. The logic behind the formation? None. I figured they were the youngest of the bunch or most in shape. Result: Disaster. 10-0 in favor of Soccer Locker. The enemy was clearly a well seasoned team. They triangulated us to death and made us look like fools. Even the ref was cracking jokes. We had maybe 3 shots all off target in game #1.
4.- The men gathered under Tent "Ultras" for a much needed rest. They hydrated, ate donuts (Sent to us by our fellow Ultra and connoisseur Justin "Jellyfish" Yarborough) and smoked cigarettes. To pass the time. Quality players these... True athletes!
5.- MLS player Omar Salgado of the Vancouver Whitecaps came by the tent "Ultras" to say hola. We took pictures with him and even offered him a donut, which he declined. We almost convinced him to play on the Ultras team for our next game but evil MLS people were around and said he couldn't. We tried to bribe them but they didn't want our money. Apparently it wasn't enough.
6.- Game #2 Miami Ultras vs The Has Beens When I heard the name I knew we had a chance! One of their players was in his 50's so things were looking good! This Time Uncle Ed had learned his mistake and shuffled the players around. At Forward it was "561" Mid had Mr. Colombia and Zach "Chocolate" Reese with "Judge" Ito providing rear coverage. The results were almost immediate. But sadly our troops faltered in the end once again falling, this time to the "Has beens" 7-5. A late heroic save by "Train wreck" will almost certainly mean he will never procreate as he blocked a sure goal with his manhood. Ballsiest play of the tournament! (Pun totally intended)
7.- The players retreated back under the tent for one last rest before the final game. The standings were even though and we had a remote chance of advancing if we could pull off a win. Our men were determined to make the playoffs, we would not be denied!
8.- Game #3 Miami Ultras vs ???? The coach took charge one last time. The team was ready and as we took the pitch I had no doubt we would come out victorious! And we did just that! We won the game 3-0! It was a convincing win. There was no doubt we had this one in the bag from the very first minute! Yes! We won! Due to default, since the other team didn't show... We were awarded the 3-0 win. 9.- We decided to play a scrimmage amongst ourselves. The coach came out of retirement and played to show off a few moves here and there. Later inquires on game results determined we almost made the final! The second place team had only won 1 game and beat us only by gol differential.
10.- Next year the Ultras will destroy the opposition. Uncle Ed will come out of retirement and Burrito will be the first canine coach of MLS Futbolito! Check out the video of the games. Shout out to Jane "Poopsykins" Shpiner who filmed it:
Be sure to listen to Miami Ultras Alive #7 for more information about MLS Futbolito, the Strikers, MagicJack and to listen to guests the Bourough Boys who discussed the Cosmos, MLS and the NASL.
UPDATE: Ultras Interview Omar Salgado of the Vancouver Whitecaps. He wants to come and play in Miami and also laughs at the Ultras performance in MLS Futbolito (Thanks to Alan for the clip).
Here is a video of Omar Salgado on Republica Deportiva (In Spanish) with Fernando Fiore.
MLS Futbolito is here in Miami and it starts this Sunday May 22. Come out and check out this great 4 vs 4 tournament! It's at Kendall Soccer Park located at 8011 SW 127th Ave Miami, FL 33183. This event will have many sponsor booths, activities and you will also be able to be part of Univision's Republica Deportiva TV show. Last year I was able to participate in the celebrity match representing the Miami Ultras. Check out the picture below.
If you didn't sign up for a team you can always come out and support the Miami Ultras soccer supporters group as we will have a team in the tournament. To honor our current NASL team The Fort Lauderdale Strikers we have decided to wear red and gold.
For those curious, the Ultras line up will have the following players: Kyle "Train wreck" Kaly prime candidate to get red carded. The Reece's pieces bros: Derek "Chocolate" Reese and Zach "Peanut" Reese Jorge "representing the 561" Marquez David "The Judge" Ito Mr. Colombia Alan 'G' and our benefactor organizer and main Futbolito nut Mr. Mitch "Ultra Cool" Rivera Coach will be yours trully Uncle Ed Assistant coach will be Burrito (If they allow pets)
Strikers vs Silverbacks Watch Party The Strikers will visit the Atlanta Silverhawks for the second time this season in hope of also getting their second victory against them. The united South Florida soccer supporters (South Florida United) are hosting a watch party at The Fox and Hound located at 4812 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, FL 33334-3929 (954) 491-8869 The game starts at 7:30 pm but fans will be there earlier. You can also see the game streaming live by going to www.strikers.com We hope to see everyone out there! Go Strikers!
MagicJack vs Western NY Flash In case you didn't know it the MagicJack website is up and running! Just in time for their WPS match versus the Flash which will be televised this Sunday at 7:30 PM live on Fox Soccer. The two best teams in the league will finally meet to see who will remain unbeaten! Follow the team on Facebook for the latest information and you can also check them ot on their YouTube page.
It was to be the biggest game of the year for the Strikers this past Saturday but Mother Nature decided it was not going to happen. The Tailgate was a success! Tons of fans arrived at Lockhart Stadium early to witness the wonderful giveaways and booths offering a myriad of products and gadgets. The visiting Supporters group Ralph's Mob was greeted in their section by a little surprise that was snuck into the Stadium courtesy of South Florida United (The United Supporters Groups consisting of the Miami Ultras, Flight 19, CSE and others)
Following are pictures of the events prior and during our wait for the match:
Miami Ultras Alive If you didn't get a chance be sure to check out Miami Ultras Alive part 6. The show featured guest Jeff Rusnak who spoke mostly about local WPS team MagicJack and a little about the Strikers. We also had the Strikers PR dude Mr. Ignacio Rodriguez! Someone mentioned a certain Guillermo Barros Schelotto hmmm... Be sure to check it out:
NOTE: Burrito's Previous blog called "Everything you need to be a perfect Strikers Fan" was deleted by BLOGGER. Blogger's malfunction deleted many blog post for other blog sites and claimed the issue would be resolved but that never happened and we assume Burrito's masterpiece went the way of the Dodo bird. Burrito hopes he can somehow use his canine ability's to conjure something similar in the days to come. (The mentioned post was actually one of the most read blog posts this year)
