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.

An Interview with Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze‏

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.

In 2004, Tsiskaridze began his professional career in Brazil with the U-20 side of Associação Atlética Internacional - a club based in Limeira, São Paulo. He then played the first six months of 2005 with the U-20 side of Grêmio Recreativo Barueri, who are based in Barueri, São Paulo.

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 FC Challenge, last game of the season at Lockhart Stadium! Come see them shave their heads.

The final game of the year is here! ...and to show their level of commitment to South Florida, Miami FC players and staff are willing to shave their heads if fans fill Lockhart Stadium!

When: Saturday Sept 19th 2009 8:00pm
The game: Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders

For every 500 ticket sold, one player will shave his head.

There are 22 players willing to do whatever it takes to make Miami FC your team.
And to show their dedication and passion for this soccer club.
If you come out to see Miami FC play against the Puerto Rico Islanders even coach " Zinho" and Club President Aaron Davidson are willing to shave their heads.

So let's do it South Florida come out and support your only professional Soccer team! Come out and paint your face, join the Miami Ultras at the Tailgate (starts at 5 pm) for free beers and If you want MLS then bring signs and tell Miami FC what you the fans want.
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!

UPDATE 9/18/09 2:45 PM
Tailgate Starts at 5 PM,FREE BEER while supplies last so get there early! There will be a parade and "El Presidente" Pieter Brown of the Miami Ultras will present the Ultras Player of the Year just prior to the game. Let's go to Lockhart people! We all want Aaron Davidson's hair!
Read more at the Ultras site CLICK HERE

Hasta los Huevos Diego Serna and the Greatest game Everwhever! With Video by Burrito

Burrito loves all the Futbol yesterdays especially wheres Burrito's Mexico lindo win! Ahuevo!
But Burrito bring you footage of the greatest game everwhever in the history of futbol! You no believe? Here is great game recaps of Greece vs Germany! It important to see how well thought of all the plays are made. Maybe Zinho can get some ideas for the next Miami FC game by watching this video.
So go get something from Taco Bell, Burrito recommend the Quesadillas! ...and then sit backs and watch. Check it out homies!
Burrito love Monties Pythons!

In other news MiamiSoccerFan.com has letter from Afusionado who writes about Burritos compadre Diego Serna. Burrito still sad Diego was released from team. Once upon a times Diego play for the Miami Fusion, the best team in MLS historys and Diego was the all time scoring leaderers making 52 goles in 100 games! Chingada madre! Thats a lot, pero Diego only score 4 goles with Miami FC. Anyways, wherever you are Diego, Burrito want you to know you were always better then Ezra (Hendrickson)! Get it? Ezra... never mind pinches culeros! Burrito going to miss the divings and goles he missed! Hasta los huevos Diego! Here is one last chant for you!
Di-e-go, Di-e-go, Di-e-go!
Read more HERE

Blues snap losing streak, still might make playoffs plus Pictures and Video

It took 8 games for Miami FC to finally win one as they came from behind and scored an important victory over the Austin Aztex at FIU Stadium on Saturday. The fans led by the Miami Ultras came out on a wet night and were rewarded with a stellar performance by Midfielder Brian Shriver who was awarded man of the match.

Austin scored first but Leo Inacio Nunes tied the game for the Blues Alan Marcina put the team up 2-1 right before half time. The secon half saw King score the third goal and secured the 3 points. Zinho's new line up proved to be a good one. The additions of Shriver, Pizarro and Aaron King have made a difference. It seems King and Marcina up top is the right formula. Missing was Paulo Jr who in my opinion would mesh well with these new players.Miami lined up with Pat "The Man" Hannigan at goal, Tim Merritt, Junior Baiano, Jack Traynor and Zach "Beowulf" Kirby on Defense. Midfielders Jarryd Goldberg, Leo Inacio, Nelson Pizarro and Brian Shriver. Aaron King and Alen Marcina up top. For more on the game go to the Miami FC site.Miami FC still has a chance to make the playoffs but will need wins to make this happen.
The Blues will play at Lockhart Stadium this Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 8 p.m.

A special mention goes out to JRuiz and his crew who added that special flair with the 305 flag! They also added to the Ultras drum ensemble and were the winners of the Cow Bell tickets. Good job guys and we hope to see you at the rest of the games!

Let's go Miami we can do it! Check out these videos by Ultra Matt:



Pictures by Robert Scorca

Miami FC has gone Viral! Videos storm the internet

In my last blog post I wrote how this new viral campaign was a step in the right direction for Miami FC. Goalkeeper Pat Hannigan, Coach Zinho and even President Aaron Davidson are willing to go bald if the Stadium gets filled! I hope this is a sign of things to come. I hope that Miami FC can close this season off with a bang and a full Lockhart Stadium.

Some people call this move desperate, but I think this is brilliant! Miami FC taught us a lesson on what needs to be done to show the fans how passionate they really are for this town. There is a month left before this game and it's enough time to bring attention to their cause.

All South Florida needs to mobilize and join Miami FC's campaign. Go to their Facebook page MIAMI FC CHALLENGE and join them . Send emails and text messages and be part of History. Attend the Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders game Saturday September 19th 8 pm at Lockhart Stadium!
Check out the different versions in Spanish, Portuguese and English!
Coach Zinho in Portuguese

In Spanish Walter Ramirez and Orlando Bueso

Yes, even Mascot Hotshot wants to shave his head...

Miami FC President Aaron Davidson wants a hair cut!

We will shave our heads to fill up the Stadium! Miami FC coach Zinho and players!

Yep it's come to this folks... Miami FC is going to extreme measures to get the Stadium packed Coach Zinho first volunteered his scalp if Miami FC made the playoffs.
I've got to say I called them out on this one, I thought they wouldn't take advantage of this idea but they went way beyond just the coach.
Now, for every 500 fans who go to the Miami FC vs Puerto Rico Islanders game Saturday September 19th at 8 pm there will be 1 player who will shave their head. Lockhart Stadium is said to hold 20,000 souls, give or take so if we fill it, then that's 40 people that will be bald! I think they only have 20 something players and some are already bald so staff members including the President Aaron Davidson are willing to do it! Let's go people lets fill the stadium!
For more info check out the Miami FC site!
Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!