Friday, January 29, 2010

Miami FC to Hold Tryouts February 20 and 21

You think you've got what it takes to play in a professional Soccer team? Well, Miami FC will Host it's Fourth Annual Open Tryouts February 20 and 21, at Weston Regional Park. The tryout will last from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. with registration taking place from 8-8:30 A.M
We are always looking for talent and South Florida is one of the best places to do that. said Miami FC Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo. Every year we always find at least one player who has been able to earn a spot on the team. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to play at the professional level.

Find more information HERE

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Shaolin Soccer! This months soccer movie...

Every month we are roaming through the internet in search of Soccer Movies. First it was a BBC documentary about Pele and Garrincha. See it HERE
Then it was the 1981 film staring Stallone, Michael Caine and Pele called Victory

Today we bring you a real gem!

Shaolin Soccer is a 2001 Hong Kong comedy film co-written and directed by Stephen Chow, who also stars in the film. Basically a former Shaolin monk reunites his five brothers, years after their master's death, to apply their superhuman martial arts skills to play soccer and bring Shaolin kung fu to the masses.

Some real funny scenes can be seen, so bust out the popcorn and enjoy!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Miami FC tryouts, Zinho named to USL top 25, Kartik gets new job and more... by Burrito

Hola Amigos! Burrito here with Futbol news in South Florida and beyond this week!

Kartik gets new chamba
Burrito's Compadre and fellow Miami Ultra, Kartik Krishnaiyer, famous for being the most hated Blogger in the history of the worlds, was named the new NASL Director of Communications and Public Relations! (Ok, maybe he not the most hatted but he take Burritos job so Burrito a little angry!) Kartik will now rule over all bloggers and make fun of them from his new crystal castle in the sky overlooking Brickell Bay while he laugh at us pointing (middle) finger! This is the first step in his quest to take over all Futbol in the world and one day proclaiming himself El Dios de Futbol! Pero seriously, even though he is evil, Burrito wish him the best and will send him a quesadilla in the morning.
To read more here are a few links:
Official NASL Release
Miami Soccer Fan
Inside Minnesota Soccer
MLS Talk

Miami FC Tryouts
Burrito was looking for hot mamacitas on facebook today when he go to Miami FC facebook page (go HERE and join) and see that Futbol Trials for Miami FC will start next month! If you think you can play as good as Burrito then you need to go for it vatos!
Anyone who is interested in the OPEN TRYOUTS feel free to email the club at info@miamifc.com

USL News
USL has a report on the New PDL team the Schulz Academy, based out of the Fort Lauderdale area. They will play in the nine team Southeast Division of the PDL for the 2010 season. To read more go HERE



USL is also unveiling its top 25 USL-1 players of the decade. (That mean in the past 10 years for you dumbasses) Burrito read that one time World Cup Champion midfielder for Brazil and Miami FC and current Blues coach Zinho is listed at No. 23! Zinho is a true futbol hero for Burrito, read more at the USL site.

Team Name Search
Lately Burrito read the new NASL team from Minnesota is still trying to find its name! The National Sports Center Foundation, a non-profit organization that owns the new team, launched a fan vote contest to help choose the new team name. Burrito have good names for them like the "Minnesota Tacos" has a good ring to it si? What about the "Las Chimichangas"! If you got better names here is a link to the naming contest: http://www.nscsports.org/pro_team_name_contest.asp
If you want to name another team this PDL side wants to name their team too: http://www.ocbarons.com/OceanCityBarons/393651.html

Watch Party
Finally, before Burrito go to dog house to sleep and play with chew toy; Burrito want to invite all South Florida Futbol fans to join the Miami Ultras aka Sam's Army Brigade as they host the USA watch party as Burritos Gringos battle Robert Scorca's Catrachos! Come see USA vs Honduras! This Saturday, January 23, 2010 8:30 pm @ Fritz & Franz Bierhaus located at 60 Merrick Way in Coral Gables, FL 33134 call them at 305-774-1883! For more information go to MiamiSoccerFan.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Players from last year that Miami FC needs to Re-sign

Miami FC staff is working diligently and against the clock to give the fans a competitive team and while we all hope among the players signed will be a superstar that will make us keep coming back to games, we realize there is also some need for continuity. Here is a list of Players from last year that I think Miami FC needs to keep as the base for this coming year.

Paulo Araujo Jr. Forward began his career with the Ituano club in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C, before signing with Miami FC in 2009. Scored his first career professional goal on June 20, 2009, in a game against Cleveland City Stars. Before an injury hit him at the end of the season Paulo Jr. was the best player on the field.

Cristiano "Kaka" Dias Defender, began his playing career in his native Brazil, and has played for several lower-division Brazilian clubs, including São Carlos, São Bento, Osasco, and Desportivo Brasil

Pat "the Man" Hannigan, Goalkeeper, Hannigan was drafted by the MetroStars as the sixth pick of the third round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft but was not offered a contract by the team, and instead signed with Irish side Bray Wanderers. He returned to the U. S. in 2006 to play for the Rochester Rhinos in 2006, he moved on to Miami FC in 2007. Last year he was solid at goal he is a must sign!

Aaron King Forward, The Los Angeles Galaxy picked King in the 4th round in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. The Galaxy sent King to the Colorado Rapids in 2007. Played ten games, scoring two goals, with the Colorado Rapids reserve team. The Charleston Battery signed King after he impressed the team at trials. After two seasons he scored 21 goals in 51 games. In January 2009, King signed with the Carolina RailHawks. With Miami FC he only played 5 games but scored 3 times! Miami Fans would love to see what he can do in a full season.

Jarryd Goldberg, Midfielder, we recently posted an interview with him. Check it out HERE
Goldberg is a work horse, battling every ball with heart and mind. We need more players like him.

Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Defender, Voted Miami Ultras Fan Club player 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 David Beckham. He then signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, playing five games at the end of the season. Kirby was arguably the best player on the field last year. Not signing him would be a sin!

Tim Merritt, Midfielder, he silently worked the midfield recovering balls for Miami FC. Merritt was drafted by DC United in 2005, and has also played for the Carolina Dynamo of the PDL. He also played for FSV Oggersheim in Germany.

Brian Shriver Forward, played college soccer at the University of North Carolina, Shriver was drafted in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas in the 2nd round, 27th overall. Despite being offered a developmental contract by the MLS club, he rejected it to continue his studies in North Carolina. Brian is rumored to have been in the plans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for 2010. he played only 6 games with Miami but made an impresion with the fans.

Honorable mention:
Players which had their moments were Leo Inacio, Jack Traynor, Walter Ramirez and Alen Marcina

Players we will miss:
Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze, multi position player who held his own as a defender but prefers being at Forward. Signed with the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps.

Gale Agbossoumonde, Defender, Now playing in S.C. Braga of the Portuguese Liga Played a few games with Miami FC and we were able to see a star on the rise. Solid in the back except for one blunder. See the video HERE

Diego Serna, Forward, He needs no introduction to the knowledgeable Miami Soccer fan. Diego started off last season on fire but soon fizzled out. Mysteriously was dropped from the team before the season was over. Many of us wouldn't mind seeing him in Miami FC Blue again for one last time.

Do you agree with the players I picked? Any you would add or take out?

All pictures by Robert Scorca

Friday, January 15, 2010

NASL launch website, Traffic buys Copa Latina and Enchilada recipes by Burrito

Whoever thought this off season would be so exciting? Ay chihuahua! So much going on that Burrito don't know where to start... Ok, Burrito going to put down his chew toy and start with the North American Soccer League.

Today NASL will launch its website to the worlds!
Go to: http://www.nasl.com/

Sometime today it should be running as they open it up at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia. So check it out or else Burrito hit you on head with quesadilla! You can also follow all NASL news and info on their twitter http://twitter.com/NASLofficial

Miami FC owners Traffic Sports have bought Copa Latina and its parent company "Se Habla Futbol". That is so good cause Burrito Habla Futbol too! For you people that don't know the Copa Latina started in 1993 and over 20,000 spectators attended the inaugural tournament. Many great players have played in the tournament like George Weah, one time Miami Fusion and Miami FC player Diego Serna, just to name a few. For more read Adam Beasley's article on the Miami Herald HERE

And now as Burrito promise... an Enchilada recipe!

Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients
2 Cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (8 oz)
1 Cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 Med. onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 Cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 Teaspoon pepper
6 Flour tortillas (7-inch diameter)
1 Can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/3 Cup chopped green bell pepper
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Teaspoon chopped fresh or
1/2 Teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 Teaspoon ground cumin
1 Clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 Cup shredded Cheddar cheese (1 oz)

Directions
Heat oven to 350 d. Grease rectangular baking dish, 12 X 7 1/2 X 2 in. Mix Monterrey Jack cheese, 1 cup Cheddar cheese, the onion, sour cream, parsley and pepper. Spoon about 1/2 cup cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tortilla around filling and place seam side down in dish. Mix remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Pour over enchiladas. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with sour cream and sliced black olives or lime wedges if desired. 6 servings: 360 calories per serving.

To Microwave: Prepare as directed – except place enchiladas in greased rectangular microwavable dish, same size as above, and do not sprinkle with 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Cover with waxed paper and microwave on high 9 to 11 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 5 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Cover and let stand about 3 minutes.

For more Enchilada recipes go to:
http://enchiladarecipes.org/

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Miami FC should sign one of these players if they want to win NASL/USL

We haven't heard a peep from Miami FC concerning player signings while we have heard other teams have been busy snatching everything they can. It's troubling because most of the good players are being signed and the Blues will be stuck with the leftovers and we've been through that before...
So with NASL we can look forward to a new beginning we hope. No Salary cap? Total control of the League? It seems the sky is the limit now that the Blues run their own destiny. Nothing should hold them back from making any deal they want, yet we can't dream of Cristiano Ronaldo's, Leonel Messi's or the second coming of Pele... at least not yet.

We need to live in reality. So, following are a few players I think could be within our reach. Notice some are over 30 and one of them could be our marquee player(s). Maybe, with luck, we can get 2 of them! Here are a few players out or at the end of their contracts :

Adin Brown Goalkeeper, will be in the search for a new employer should he elect to continue playing after being released by Norwegian club Aalesund FK. Aidan, 31 started off with the Colorado Rapids, Tampa Bay Mutiny, the Revolution and Aalesund.

Elkin Murillo , 32 is a Colombian football striker. Murillo has made 28 appearances for the Colombia national football team, including two matches at the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. Currently with Deportes Quindío he has also played for Independiente Medellín, Deportivo Cali and Atletico Nacional (Colombia) LDU Quito and Técnico Universitario (Ecuador), Sporting Crystal (Peru).

Iván Hurtado born August 16, 1974 is an Ecuadorian professional football central defender for Deportivo Quito as well as captain of the Ecuadorian national team. He started his career with the small club of his hometown, Esmeraldas Petrolero, at the age of 16. He moved on to Emelec, He moved on to Mexico playing with Celaya and later moved on to Tigres. He played for Real Murcia (Spain) back to Pachuca in México and on to Al Arabi in Qatar and Colombia's Atletico Nacional, In 2009, he played for Deportivo Quito where he became Champion this year.

Nolberto Solano born December 12, 1974, commonly known as "Ñol", is a Peruvian football player who plays for Universitario de Deportes, having spent much of his career in the English Premier League with Aston Villa and Newcastle. He is a popular figure in his native Peru, where he is seen as one of the most famous Peruvian players in their history.

Mauricio "Mao" Molina born 30 April 1980 is a Colombian football midfielder, Molina started his career in Colombian side Envigado at the age of 16. He soon made his way up to the first team and was transferred to Independiente Santa Fé. Independiente Medellín he moved to CA Morelia of Mexico, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to play for Al Ain FC then played for San Lorenzo de Almagro Paraguayan Club Olimpia de Asunción Serbian club FK Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade, the biggest club in Serbia, Brazilian Santos and now club Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the K-League.

Agustín "El Tin" Delgado born on 23 December 1974 is an Ecuadorian football player. He plays center forward for Club Sport Emelec based in Guayaquil, Ecuador and has retired from the national football team, having overtaken Eduardo Hurtado (of MLS fame) as top scorer for his country. Delgado spent four years with Southampton in the English FA Premier League. He also played with Mexico's Necaxa and UNAM Pumas. He played for Aucas, Barcelona SC and LDU Quito. Delgado played both 2002 and 2006 World Cups scoring 3 goals.

Elkin Soto , 29 is a Colombian midfielder currently playing for FSV Mainz 05. He was one of the fundamental parts in Once Caldas Copa Libertadores 2004 historic final against Boca Juniors in which they won. He was also a starter of the Colombian national team where he played left wing midfielder. Also played with Barcelona SC in Ecuador.

Roberto "El Chorillano" Palacios Made his debut with Sporting Cristal in 1991, Palacios has been a successful player, and has scored many goals for both this clubs and National Team. He has played for several other teams, Sporting Cristal (Peru), Puebla F.C. (Mexico), Cruzeiro Esporte Clube (Brasil), Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (Mexico), Monarcas Morelia (Mexico), Deportivo Cali (Colombia) and LDU de Quito (Ecuador).

The following players recently signed with other clubs, Miami FC missed out on them:

Roberto Carlos, 36 Defender. Brazil is land of plenty when it comes to players and if we want to bring a player everyone recognizes and who could be the face of the team then I choose this veteran of many a World Cup and Real Madrid to name only a few. Sure he is old but you want experience on the field? He is a General running things from the back on the field. A free kick maestro with a kick that can put a donkey to shame! Roberto was free but now he is headed back to Brazil. I wish he would have been in Miami FC Blue!

Ivan Kaviedes, 32 Forward/Midfielder. Veteran of 2 world Cups this fallen Ecuadorian Star was set for stardom. In 1998 he became the highest scorer in the world playing for Emelec of Ecuador scoring 43 goals in 44 games. He has played in Italy, Spain, England and Mexico. He was to reach further glory when a contract dispute saw him sit out a whole year while his team Liga de Quito went on to become the Copa Libertadores Champions last year. Set to sign with Macara in Ecuador

Troy Perkins , 28 Goalkeeper, leaving the Norwegian club Valerenga to return to the United States for undisclosed family reason. More HERE Also played for DC United. Perkins was the starting goalkeeper for United, playing thirty of thirty-two games. He was also named 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the year. Wednesay DC United traded Fred, it’s 1st round SuperDraft pick plus cash and swapped allocation places with the Philadelphia Union in order to acquire Troy Perkins. A great deal for the Union, a missed opportunity for Miami FC

Pavel Nedvěd, 37 is a former Czech football midfielder. Ok maybe I'm dreaming with this one. The oldest of my over 30 players he is one of the most successful European players to have played. Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the modern era, he was the recipient of the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2003 while at Juventus. He is known for his energy and tireless runs as well as his goal scoring ability. Nedvěd retired after the 2008–09 season after 19 years as a professional but if you offer him Miami as a place to play... who can resist?

Do you know anymore you can add to the list?

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

An Interview with Jarryd Goldberg

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 Ba
ll 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:

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Miami Makes World Cup City Final Cut

We did it! Miami makes the final 18 cities that will host the World Cup games.
Also worth mentioning is the inclusion of Tampa. The other Florida cities, Jacksonville and WC94 host Orlando did not make the final cut.
Other cities eliminated are Chicago, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Oakland, St. Louis and San Francisco.

More on this at:Gousabid.comOchocinco supports Miami's World Cup bid!

More Links:
MiamiSoccerFan
Miami Herald

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Miami's World Cup bid needs your support as deadline approaches

It's come down to this folks... This coming Tuesday the US World Cup bid committee will cut down the list of Host cities from 27 cities down to 18. All this as the U.S. looks to get either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

Miami Fans have come out and supported this bid like never before and it is a good sign that almost 11,000 people have signed up already.
Miami is currently in 5th place. We need everyone to continue supporting this cause.
Go HERE:
http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/miami-fl/


Here is the list of cities as of today:

Seattle 19280
Atlanta 14775
Houston 13001
Philadelphia 10847
Miami 10794
Kansas City 10726
Indianapolis 10668
Tampa 7799
Dallas 7723
Cleveland 7592
San Diego 5613
Jacksonville 5534
Charlotta 5291
Baltimore 5237
Orlando 5200
Boston 4901
Chicago 4848
New York/New Jersey 4764
Oakland 4452
Nashville 4404
Denver 3763
Washington DC 4145
St Louis 3700
Los Angeles 3326
Detroit 2008
San Francisco 1281
Phoenix 1178

It's apparent some cities have not campaigned as they must be assuming they are shoo-ins. Notable are the low numbers for major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York/New Jersey.

Miami fans were over looked in the last World Cup held in the U.S. when Florida was represented by Orlando. I remember driving up to see the games at the Citrus Bowl. We can see this time Miami Fans don't want to make the drive up as Miami is way ahead of the other Florida cities.
This is a sign that Miami does support Soccer, these same people should be the target of Miami FC and any Miami MLS bid. We ask these same people who support the Miami World Cup bid to join Miami Soccer Groups such as the Miami Ultras by going to their site to be updated on any soccer games and events that you can attend.

Join them at the following sites: MiamiSoccerFan.com
on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7961678958 If you want professional Soccer in South Florida and want Major League Soccer back in this town then please support Miami FC.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

NASL/USL Deal Complete, USSF Division -2

USSF President Sunil Gulati started off with pleasantries talking about U.S. World Cup, etc, etc. Basically the Federation will take a direct role, operationally, etc. There will be a board of directors handling any issue. There will be no commissioner. All previous legal disputes are dropped. The goal is to have a stable professional league in the U.S. mentioned Gulati mentioned MLS as well and said they were looking for that type of long term stability.

Temporary name is USSF Division 2

USL CONFERENCE...............NASL CONFERENCE
Portland Timbers...................Vancouver Whitecaps
Rochester Rhinos...................Montreal Impact
Minnesota Thunder...............AC St. Louis
Austin Aztex...........................Carolina Railhawks
Tampa Bay Rowdies..............Miami FC Blues
Puerto Rico Islanders............Crystal Palace Baltimore

So My prediction on the league layout was off by 2 teams check it out in my previous post below.

All teams will play against each other without consideration of divisions. Atlanta and NY were mentioned as future teams but will not be in the league this year and they are looking to start in 2011.

The season will be played either from March/April to October/November, the schedule will be developed in the next few days. During the World Cup the schedule will be lighter but will not cease.

A TV deal seems to be in the works. It will possibly continue with USL's previous TV deal with Fox Soccer TV.

Here is the NEW UPDATED USSL D-2 Map
Official announcement HERE
A full transcript of the Conference Call will be out soon at the USSF site

More Links:
U.S. Soccer
Miami Herald
Democrat & Chronicle
The Kartik Report
Portland Timbers site
Inside Minnesota Soccer
Soccer by Ives
Miami FC Site
Aztex Site

USL Press release HERE

The USL vs NASL drama is over? Compromise postpones the inevitable

Last night the rumor came out that Second Division Soccer will be played in 2010. It looks like there will be 12 teams in 2 conferences, all playing under the USSF banner in a temporary league, with each team either aligned with USL or NASL.

A few sites that I will list at the bottom of this post have detailed from a number of sources that the compromise is only for the 2010 season and for 2011 we will see what I like to call the inevitable rise of NASL.

No word on what teams will be in what groups but we can assume the Minnesota Thunder and the NYFC will not be part of the party this year. The Thunder, though not totally closed down seem to be gone and NYFC has shown little if any signs of life. A possible addition to the 12 teams that will be part of this temporary league may include a new Minnesota team replacing the Thunder. The situation with the Atlanta Silverbacks is not clear either. It's possible they will not play and the New Minnesota team might be the 12th team.

Here is a Map of the possible teams:Uncle Ed's Prediction on how the League will look:

NASL:
Montreal Impact
Vancouver Whitecaps
Miami FC Blues
Carolina Railhawks
Minnesota Thunder
AC St Louis

USL:
Puerto Rico Islanders
Austin Aztex
Portland Timbers
Tampa Bay Rowdies
Baltimore Crystal Palace
Rochester Rhinos

Links:
Metro Montreal
NY Times Blog

The Kartik Report
Inside Minnesota Soccer
The 24th Minute

More links to come!

UPDATE: 10:00 AM

Representatives from the USSF, USL and the NASL will discuss plans for a Division 2 professional soccer league in 2010 during a call today Thursday, Jan. 7, at 3 p.m. ET. We will give further details.

NASL teams will be meeting Friday and Saturday in Ft Lauderdale to plan the upcoming season. I will try to attend.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Victory, 1981 film staring Stallone, Michael Caine and Pele with video

As I was looking for more information concerning the whole NASL vs USL mess, I ran into this gem that some of you might remember from the early 80's called "Victory" (Escape to Victory as it was called in the U.K.)

In case you are not familiar with it here is a Synopsis from IMBD:
In World War II, a group of Nazi officers come up with a propaganda event in which an all star Nazi team will play a team composed of Allied Prisoners of War in a Football (Soccer)game. The Prisoners agree, planning on using the game as a means of escape from the camp.
This movie stars a few well known actors and real life football players:

Sylvester Stallone as Captain Robert Hatch
Michael Caine as Capt. John Colby
Pelé as Cpl. Luis Fernandez
Bobby Moore, Osvaldo Ardiles, Paul Van Himst, Kazimierz Deyna, Hallvar Thoresen, Mike Summerbee, Co Prins, Russell Osman, John Wark, Søren Lindsted, Kevin O'Callaghan

The following video is on google videos. It starts off a little dark but clears up after 2 minutes. Check it out, its worth it!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Miami, everyone loves it! Futbol stars on vacation with pictures by Burrito

Burrito live in South Florida and he love it! Miami is a city that attracts millions. After New York and Los Angeles we can say it is the coolest city to be at. Warm weather, hot womens, what more can you ask for? ... And Soccer stars are no different, they come and vacation here all the time and Burrito sure most of them would love to live and play here in Southern Florida. But there is no first division soccer here. The closest Major League Soccer team is 1,000 miles away and can you believe Mexican Team Atlante in Cancun is closer? I guess we should all become Atlante fans! Viva Mexico!

Miami could attract many players just say Miami and they say Holy Chihuahua! Yes, I want to go! At one time South Florida attracted George Best, Carlos Valderrama, Romario, just to name a few. But unfortunately for one reason or another soccer teams have come and gone. South Florida has the curse of the BAD (bad fans, bad owners, bad leagues)
For now Miami waits for the day it can have a world class team. Lets see what Miami FC can bring us with NASL/USL or whatever name they want to give it.

Burrito leave you with pictures of Soccer players and their hot mamacita girlfriends or wifeseses. Here pictures of Liverpool's Andriy Voronin, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Raul Gonzalez, Deportivo de La Coruña soccer player Christian Wilhelmson with girlfriend Oksana Andersson. Paulo Maldini and his wife Adriana. Swedish soccer player Marcus Rosenberg and girlfriend

Picture stolen off internet from sites:
http://socialitelife.celebuzz.com/
http://www.maltastar.com/
http://www.kickette.com/
http://www.celebridiot.com/
http://mavrixonline.com/

If you want Burrito to take picture off please send email and Burrito will ignore you! Maybe Burrito send you quesadilla! Si?