Julio Caballero, VP of the Miami Ultras has formed a group called La Academia which is exclusively dedicated to bringing Major League Soccer back to South Florida. They also organize MLS watch party's and will soon lead a pilgrimage of South Florida soccer fans to invade an MLS game to support our bid for MLS in Miami. (Site and information will come out soon, so stay tuned!)
It seems MLS to Miami is only a matter of time. Julio was able to speak to South Florida's best hope for top flight first division soccer, Brightstar CEO and owner of Bolivia's most popular team, Bolivar, Mr. Marcelo Claure.
La Academia Q & A with Marcelo Claure We want to thank Marcelo Claure for taking time out of his busy schedule to respond to the questions posted by La Academia about a potential MLS franchise bid to bring a team to South Florida.
(MC) Before answering questions, I just wanted to say I really like the new name of the fan club – La Academia. My team in Bolivia, Bolivar, is also known as La Academia so the name had an immediate impact on me.
(LA) Success in MLS is now associated with a strong connection between fans and their team, if you were to bid for a franchise, how do you plan to foster that connection?
(MC) Julio and La Academia, as we continue working to bring MLS to South Florida, we will build connections with fans through Q&As like this, organized soccer viewing events, and many other grassroots efforts. We will absolutely want to work with La Academia on these efforts.
(LA) If you move forward with a bid, would you consider using the Miami Fusion FC name or would you prefer a team with a new identity?
(MC) Depending on what the ultimate ownership looks like, we would evaluate the Miami Fusion FC name as well as other options. We want a name that the local fans can completely embrace and own.
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.
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.
Our good friend and Miami Ultras member Brian Corey has started a new MLS Meetup group with the intention of catching big MLS games and tonight happens to be one of those days as Real Salt Lake will attempt to be the first MLS team to win a Champions League Final. Come join us at Mickey Byrnes tonight, Wednesday at 10 PM. Please come join us and join this awesome group: http://www.meetup.com/Miami-Major-League-Soccer-MLS-Fan-Club/ .
Talk about MLS... I've never won anything before so when I received an envelope in the mail the other day I was surprised I had won a Major league Soccer T-Shirt. Here is how I won it:
Hey Ed, Thanks for pledging to watch Tuesday night's opening match of the MLS season. I'm happy to report that you were one of the first 2,000 fans to take the pledge, so your free t-shirt is on its way! Russ Findlay Chief Marketing Officer Major League Soccer
MLS asked the winners to post a picture of yourself with the T-Shirt on so I decided to wear the T-Shirt to a Strikers game and sent it in. MLS put the picture up on their facebook page! Check it out below:
The push for MLS to Miami continues and it is being talked about in Bigsoccer and other forums not to mention blogs and other media. Following are videos of recent mentions of MLS Miami, both in Spanish. This one is from ESPN's Jorge Ramos y su banda. They even mention the Miami Ultras.
This video is from an MLS game transmitted on Galavision, one of the Univision channels. They constantly mention MLS Miami in their broadcasts.
Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Then join, follow or visit these sites:
Our good friend and Miami Ultras member Brian Corey has started a new MLS Meetup group with the intention of catching big MLS games and tonight happens to be one of those days as Real Salt Lake will attempt to be the first MLS team to win a Champions League Final. Come join us at Mickey Byrnes tonight, Wednesday at 10 PM. Please come join us and join this awesome group: http://www.meetup.com/Miami-Major-League-Soccer-MLS-Fan-Club/ .
Talk about MLS... I've never won anything before so when I received an envelope in the mail the other day I was surprised I had won a Major league Soccer T-Shirt. Here is how I won it:
Hey Ed, Thanks for pledging to watch Tuesday night's opening match of the MLS season. I'm happy to report that you were one of the first 2,000 fans to take the pledge, so your free t-shirt is on its way! Russ Findlay Chief Marketing Officer Major League Soccer
MLS asked the winners to post a picture of yourself with the T-Shirt on so I decided to wear the T-Shirt to a Strikers game and sent it in. MLS put the picture up on their facebook page! Check it out below:
The push for MLS to Miami continues and it is being talked about in Bigsoccer and other forums not to mention blogs and other media. Following are videos of recent mentions of MLS Miami, both in Spanish. This one is from ESPN's Jorge Ramos y su banda. They even mention the Miami Ultras.
This video is from an MLS game transmitted on Galavision, one of the Univision channels. They constantly mention MLS Miami in their broadcasts.
Do you want to help bring MLS to South Florida? Then join, follow or visit these sites:
Miami continues to attract Soccer stars to its beaches. This time its frequent Miami visitor Paolo Maldini and Italy reject Giuseppe Rossi. The truth is any soccer player in the world would love to live in South Florida. If you don't believe me this is what U.S. Soccer star Alejandro Bedoya had to say on twitter about Miami when asked about a possible MLS team coming back to this area. Now all we need is an investor willing to make MLS happen! Stephen Ross, Marcelo Claure, David Beckham, Can you hear us? If you want MLS back in South Florida then support www.mlsmiamibid.com and sign up! You can also join the facebook fan page and twitter for updates. Also keep an eye out for flyers and posters in South Florida pubs and bars. Pictures were taken from Kickette.com Bradley and Donovan on Jon Stewart Did you guys see Jon Stewart last night? I was surprised to see how much Jon Stewart actually knew about soccer! It was a fun interview and the segments previous to the interview can also be seen HERE
Miami FC's Mascot Hotshot Miami FC has a new video out called "A day in the life of Hotshot". Be sure to check out the video of this crazy mascot and his adventures. Don't forget that this Sunday Miami FC travels to Tampa to face the Rowdies! If you are driving up be sure to contact Miami FC's Tommy Knapp to get your tickets! 954.829.9213 Vamos Miami! Let's go Blues!
Last week the Miami Ultras, South Florida Soccer supporters began their MLS Miami Bid campaign with the launch of the official website http://www.mlsmiamibid.com/ To enhance the launch they also attended MLS futbolito in order to further the awareness of the MLS Miami Bid in South Florida. The Ultras passed out fliers and asked folks to sign up for Miami MLS Season Ticket Dedications. A “season ticket dedication” is basically a pledge that if South Florida does get a Major League Soccer team, that they will buy season tickets. (It's only a promise) We need as many season ticket dedications as possible to enhance support for our case of getting an MLS team in the near future. By doing this we send out a message to investors that South Florida is a good market for Major League Soccer. We believe that in order for MLS to have a true foothold in this country that they need to be in South Florida.
MLS Futbolito is the official 4 vs 4 tournament of Major League Soccer. It consists of a fun soccer tournament that involves 13 communities across the country. The event took place this past Sunday May 23, 2010 at Kendall Soccer Park. For more information on future futbolito city stops go HERE
The Fans that attended futbolito were very supportive and over 150 season ticket dedications were pledged. But our efforts will continue. For more information on future events please follow Miami MLS Bid on Twitter or Facebook and visit the official site.
Stay tuned as selected pubs and bars throughout South Florida have come on board to support Miami MLS bid and will cooperate by posting MLS Miami posters and fliers that will help gain awareness in South Florida. These same bars and pubs will host World Cup matches that we will announce shortly. Stay tuned for more MLS Miami events!
