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As a long time South Florida resident,I have followed the soccer scene here in South Florida since the days of the Miami Toros in the Mid 1970’s, I saw them play for a Championship in the Orange Bowl in 1974 losing to Los Angeles on Penalty Kicks, I went to most Ft. Lauderdale Striker games for the seven years they played there,also watching them fall short in the Soccer Bowl against the Cosmos. Waited another 14 years for the Miami Fusion which also fell short to get to a Final. Which by the way literally tore my heart when they were eliminated from the league seven years ago.

And I now follow the Miami FC, and go to not all the games but at least 8 to 10 a year. I also follow their away games on the internet broadcasts.The striking thing I noticed in all these teams through the years is the level of play. I just don’t see it anywhere near of what I used to see. Granted the Strikers had Muller and Cubillas,the Fusion had Chacon and Serna and other great players. But it brought in fans and interest in the team. Both those teams averaged 12,000 to 14,000 a game for most of the years they existed.

The only way this team will attract fans is by getting more star or former over the hill stars to play here. Look at when Romario played here the buzz and crowds he brought in. After he left it all went away, now they don’t even open the other side of the stadium. I remember going to one game in the Orange Bowl last year,where I counted about 75 fans in the stands.

The only way I see this team moving up to the MLS is by creating interest again. Bring back Romario or someone with star quality to inject interest in this team again. The young unknown players are not going to create a interest here in South Florida,where it has been well documented that this is an Event Town and people don’t show up to any games in any sport unless there is a Buzz in the air and the only way that will happen is with a Big name that we can say is on our team.

Comments by Octavio Hernandez

What is going on with Miami FC?

A very disappointing start with a record of 1-4-1 by the Miami FC, so far the team is not playing well at all. The only bright spot on this team is league-leading scorer Alex Afonso with 4 goals. Coach Zinho and the front office need to find the solutions fast before we fall to last place and we start losing our fans.

There are certain areas we need to work on and improve on. The midfield is one area we need changes, we lose the ball too easily and the defense cannot clear the ball. We need to do a better job on the clearances. This team is showing holes everywhere. Team organization and having everyone on the same page in terms of offensive and defensive systems is crucial and so far Miami lacks both and it has cost Miami games. I believe that a combination of a late start to preseason and few preseason games did not give this team time to gel.

Given the above factors, I believe that coach Zinho is working hard to correct the problems and is getting the team prepared for our next games coming Friday, May 16 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps and on Sunday, May 18 vs. league-leading Portland Timbers. Home games the Blues needs to come out victorious.

ULTRAS WAKE UP! Put Fire In Your Belly. Stop flipping channels or surfing the web. What we need is to show up at the games and support our Miami FC so get up off your lazy butt and come. We need a big Ultras presence at all the games. If you are not a Miami Ultras member no problem we welcome everyone you can even join the club right there. Look for the Miami Ultras banner at any Miami FC games and join us as we support our Miami FC.

Have something to say or do you just want to vent some of your frustration? Contact us at pbrown@miamisoccerfan.com. Tell us what’s on your mind and we’ll post it on MiamiSoccerFan.com.

Damn Journos!

While the Miami FC and the Ultra's appreciate the free press we receive from Miami New Times writer Chris Joseph; we'd like to convey our extreme displeasure with his unflattering remarks about our team and its support system. If you're not familiar with the New Times Newspaper it's a free publication that sees its best use as protector of floors from domestic pet excrement or as protein stain cleaner for restless teenagers who've run out of tissues.

Chris Joseph is a sports writer for the Miami New Times who recently wrote in his first article on Miami FC titled The Not So Beautiful Game that the Blues skill level is regarded as "second tier ….if it's regarded at all". He also made these disparaging comments about our supporting staff saying, "the team does have a four-girl cheerleading squad and features a mascot that looks like Woody Woodpecker on HGH".

In his second article that was about Miami FC vs. Montreal, Joseph makes the borderline witty comment "Miami FC Blues are still very much a part of the South Florida sports scene — in that they suck". He also made it a point to highlight the fact (though we have only played two games at home and tied one of them) that we remain "winless" at home. Then, like a member of Al Qaida at a U.S. Army recruiting booth, provided time, date and location for the game this weekend against Carolina.

To Chris Joseph,

any other week your unwarranted negativism would have continued to fuel jaundiced South Florida sports fans. After all, it's pretty much a prerequisite for Miami sports writers to be smug hopelessness-mongers. But this week is different. The Miami Ultras are here to defend their team, which is a good team. Miami FC is the best pro-soccer team in Florida and soon to be best in the USL. Miami FC has no room in its following for Journalists that submit fallacious reports. If I were a lesser man I'd tell you to go "@#%” yourself…Go "@#%" yourself!

Ultras, let's get together and find out this guys e-mail address so we can share our thoughts on his ignorant comments. First Ultra to produce Chris Joseph of the Miami New Times' e-mial address gets some free HGH from Hotshot.

P.S.....He's probably reluctantly attending Miami FC games all season. So, if you see Chris Joseph at the games be sure to convey your appreciation for the free press.

Miami FC sign 3 new players

In this short season Miami FC has already been bitten by the injury bug. Recently our star center back JP Rodrigues went down with a season ending ACL injury and this has forced the Blues front office into finding players to deepen this already thin squad. “I am still looking to have between 24 to 26 players signed however I will continue to exercise patience in holding out to make sure that we only accept the highest caliber of player to represent this organization,” said Miami FC head coach Zinho.

Zinho has brought in 3 players to shore up the defensive and depth problems we have seen so far this season. I am most excited with the addition of former MLS standout and future Miami star Avery John. John has seen some quality years with the New England Revolution and is known as a a rugged tackler and uncompromising defender, the left-footed John has the ability to match the fastest forwards in USL with his speed and physicality. I have long desired Miami to go after a player that has seen success in top level U.S. soccer like Avery has with New England. He was also a central part of the 2006 Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Defense which earned international respect after holding Sweden to a 0-0 draw. Avery will be an exciting player this year for the Blues.

“I’ve played with a couple of teams in the USL-1 (formerly the American A-League) and I am aware of the level of talent that exists in the league,” Avery said during a recent phone call as he was packing for Miami. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in Miami and contribute as soon as possible. This is all about winning a championship for me.”

Also brought in was Eddie “Moto” Gutierrez, who comes by way of the Fresno Fuego of the Premier Development League. Moto played in both Puerto Rico games this past weekend for Miami and impressed the coachs. “Eddie demonstrated an excellent strategic knowledge of the game, and knows how to play his position well,” remarked Zinho. “In my mind, his debut was definitely one of the highlights of this past series in Puerto Rico.”

Sam Reynolds was brought into the team as well as a backup keeper for Josh Saunders. Like Saunders, Reynolds is also a California native. Reynolds has seen time with Toronto FC and Chivas USA as well as the Portland Timbers. With his experience, we as fans can breathe easy should something happen to Josh Saunders.

Zinho is slowly adding quality and depth to Miami FC and I can’t wait to check out this work in progress. The weekly improvements makes it exciting to go out and see the Blues in action at Tropical Park.

Railhawks come to Miami for the first time this Sunday

This week the Miami FC plays the Carolina Railhawks who won their first game of the year this past Saturday with a 1-0 win over the Charleston Battery.

Carolina has 5 players on the roster that played in the MLS last season. Players like Jamil Walker (DC United), Ryan Solle (New England Revolution), Steven Curman and Joey Worthen (Real Salt Lake).

Last year Miami FC beat Carolina 2-1 & 4-1. The Railhawks are much-improved team this year. Miami will be coming in with 6 goals in 4 games, but has allowed 7 goals. The Railhawks top scorer last season was Low Kupono with 6 goals. Miami will be without the services of Cristiano Diaz who was red carded on Sunday’s game vs. Puerto Rico. We want Carolina and every team that comes to play us that they’re going to find it difficult to beat us at home this year. This year the Miami Ultras are in the house. Bring horns, drums and let’s cheer for our team.

Lets get Tropical Park Stadium rocking on Sunday night.

Please Join Miami Ultras for a fun evening of soccer and tailgating. Miami Ultras is a Miami FC Supporters group. We will be holding the event in the Parking Lot of Tropical Park before the Miami FC takes on Carolina Railhawks. The tailgate has free food and beverages for all. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there.

"The Fonz" has People Talking
After playing only two games Alex Afonso, one of our quality Brazilian imports and late addition to the Miami roster, has receive accreditation from fans, Miami FC and even the USL. The Fonz has been on a goal scoring tirade and will have a statue built for him if he continues this powerful pace. Miami FC has mentioned in numerous articles how pleased they are to see his incredible performance; particularly the last goal he scored against Montreal which left Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordon so dumbfounded he later was quoted saying "that ball went in the net faster than I could say 'ay'…ay".

Additionally, Fonzie was placed on the "team of the week" roster on USL's website with two other forwards that are tied with him for most goals scored this season. But most importantly, The Fonz was awarded "player of the week" on the Miami Ultra's website and joins Sean Frazer as Miami's top soccer players ranked by Miami's #1 soccer fan-base.

-Brian Corey

Portland Charleston Carolina Minnesota Montreal Seattle Atlanta Miami FC Vancouver

Puerto Rico

Rochester

USL 1

Pts

Join the Miami Ultras in Song

Look for the Miami Ultras banner at the next Miami FC game. Come prepared to stand, sing and yell with us all game long. It will be the most fun you’ve ever had at a soccer game. Be a Miami Ultra!

Miami FC is the best entertainment dollars

In today’s tough economy with the cost of living going up, the sport entertainment dollar has gone up too. Lets look at the average expense of a family of four to attend a sporting event; they could easily spend more than $200.00.

•Tickets to a Miami Dolphins game in the upper level economy section, plus parking and food. $ 210.00

•Tickets to a Miami Heat game in the economy upper level section with parking and food. $ 115.00

•Tickets to a Florida Panthers game in the upper level with parking and food. $ 100.00

With those prices it is certainly difficult for a family of four to attend a sporting event. The good news is that a Miami FC game will cost a family of four under $ 70.00 dollars. And this includes free parking. As one can see, Miami FC is the best sport value for today’s economy.

The Benefits of Developing Professional Soccer

There are countless benefits to further developing professional soccer in Miami. People who are worried about the government frivolously spending on earmark projects and bureaucratic nonsense should understand the sound investment that goes into sports teams. There are professional sports teams in every major city for a reason; they provide jobs and an entire industry to invest or start businesses around. Here are a few important benefits:

Stadium Construction:
This creates jobs for construction workers, architects and other craftsman needed to put together a large and complex building. Also, these stadiums are usually located on low cost real estate and often blighted areas. Stadiums can double the property value of homes, condos and businesses in the surrounding area. The San Francisco 49ers had a motto that guided their ambitious sports stadium project that went "Build the Stadium-Create the Jobs! ". It worked for San Fransisco and would clearly work for Miami.

Team Employment:
The team employs people from custodial workers, servers, marketers, managers, physical therapists ect… This may pale in comparison to the people hired for construction, or the number of homeowners who benefit from higher property values, but it's still a substantial job market.

Identity:
Unity through identity, pride through success, and joy through triumph- ethereal qualities are often discredited but are paramount to people's quality of life. Miami lacks a strong identity; it's an arrangement of beautiful cultures with no central source of pride. A sports team may not change that fact overnight, but it's certainly a good start.

LINKS

Email me at pbrown@miamisoccerfan.com

RUMORS

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria would not be averse to becoming part of an MLS ownership group.

CONTRIBUTORS

Pieter Brown

Julio Caballero

Brian Corey

Victor Palkaninec

•EMAIL/MEDIA CAMPAIGN•

The Difference between Hooligans and Ultras

Ultras and Hooligans are often classified together as general soccer-fanatic miscreants. Many people have become romantically drawn to Hooligan and Ultra supposed counterculture politics and general misbehavior. But there are fundamental differences between these two groups that we should explore to refine our own identity as Miami Ultras.

Hooliganism is characterized by premeditated fights with fans of the opposing team and political rioting in-and-outside of the stadium. These violent practices have proven to be very destructive causing many casualties and fan restrictions in Hooliganism's nearly 100 years of existence. Hooligans show up at games in inconspicuous clothing to ward off authorities and travel in small groups known as "firms". Hooligans are not the people you see on T.V. wearing their team's jersey slightly inebriated and cheering passionately.

Ultras on the other hand, are always boisterous and dressed in the supportive colors of there team. Even in the Ultras' native country of Italy, where the result of a soccer game is considered a life or death matter, the majority of Ultras are non-violent. Rather than travel in small groups, Ultras prefer to be united in the stands with every fan in attendance. Ultras are known for singing and cheering relentlessly throughout the game. And no matter what the scoreboard says Ultras, like the players on the field, don't give up till the final whistle blows.

With less than one month left before the Miami FC opens what is looking to be a historic season. The Miami Ultras are acquiring large quantities of fans that will enliven the Miami soccer fan-base. Come Join Ultras at tailgate parties and games ready to cheer, dance, sing and celebrate Miami FC's dominance over the USL.

Miami soccer fans talking, organizing, cheering and

having fun!

Look for Miami Ultras on www.facebook.com

Comissioner Don Garber has entered the blogosphere at www.mlsnet.com. Garber will answer questions from fans and comment on the league in general. This is our chance to make Don Garber talk about MLS Miami. As fans we can make a difference, just ask the Sons of Ben. Let’s turn this blog into an MLS Miami blog. Send Garber comments and questions daily. Make Don Garber think about MLS Miami all day and night long.

askthecommissioner@mlsnet.com Click Here for email/media campaign list

Get all your Miami Ultras t-shirts, mugs and more right here!
Show everyone you’re an Ultra

5 Reasons Why We Should Support Miami FC

1- Its the only pro soccer team

we have at the moment

2- It will show MLS that we

would support soccer

3- The owner of Miami FC

might be part investor of MLS

Miami

4- Its great for the whole family

and tickets are not expensive

like other sports

5- Its fun and entertaining and

brings soccer fans together

a MSF podcast

Why Cheer for Soccer?

Soccer has a long history, having origins dating back to the Ancient Egyptians. Eventually "Association Football" or Soccer for short would be structured and organized by Great Brittan who often receives credit for cultivating the sport and bringing it to the world. Currently played in every country for the better part of the last century, soccer is the most prolific and ubiquitous sport in the world.

The importance of this sport was illustrated many times in history for instance: when the Ivory Coast ended their civil war in 2005 to prepare for the World Cup the following year, or when one-billion people tuned-in for the opening game of the World Cup 2006 and heard FIFA's agenda to promote anti-racism around the world through soccer, and conversely when the GDP of Brazil went down and suicide rates went up the year Pele retired.

Soccer doesn't just give nations and cities a sense of unity and pride; it's also a way to promote good health, cultural immersion and sportsmanship. Miami and other cities that could possibly develop their soccer programs, from youth development to professional teams, should strive to establish an infrastructure that can unite and inspire future generations of athletes and fans.

Soccer Support

If you are a soccer fan who wants to see MLS in Miami, then support Miami FC and Miami Ultras.

There are many ways to do so, but all it comes down to is participation. As you have heard MLS is interested in bringing an expansion team to our city. To keep us on top of their long list we need to continue to be heard and Miami Ultras is that voice, but it has to be many voices to make a difference. By supporting Miami FC and participating with Miami Ultras we can make a difference and reach our ultimate goal. We encourage all soccer fans to join and support pro soccer in Miami. Lets send a message to MLS that Miami should have an expansion team.

MLS Miami

Our city has more soccer fans than any other city in the US. It's part of the culture here. It has all the passion for MLS bottle up inside, and sure enough ready to burst. Unfortunately we do not have a MLS team, but we could have one in the next couple of years. Miami is clearly capable of supporting MLS. We are a large city that MLS won’t ignore. We continue to be in MLS expansion radar, but our efforts can’t fall on deaf ears. It is time that we hear from the interested investors. With the all the candidate cities like St Louis, Montreal, New York and Atlanta competing for the next expansion city. Miami can’t sit back; we need to continue in our efforts. A question we must ask ourselves, are we doing everything we can to support our cause? Miami lets get involve show your soccer passion.

Headlines: Avery John signs with Miami FC read story below

Alex Afonso, #9

It’s hard to pick a player of the week when we keep losing, but The Fonz is doing his part. Fonz leads the league with 9 points and 4 goals. Keep up the

great work Alex!

Where is our Midfield?

We are now two games into the season and I see one glaring problem with Miami FC and that is the midfield. There seems to be very little cohesion with players that barely know each other. This years team was put together so late in the pre-season that this is what I was afraid of. My worry was that it may take the first month of the season for this team to click.

There have been other problems such as defensive collapses and some goalkeeping errors, but those are minor in comparison to our midfield. I question the combination of Caué, Mineiro and Pulido. With this equation, I stick with the proven leader that is Pulido and give Caué more time. Mineiro on the other hand does not impress, just because he’s Brazilian does not mean he should start. If Zinho doesn’t figure something out soon this could be a long season. I vote for Zinho to suit up and show the team how it’s done.

All is not bad with very attacking Miami FC. They played a very decent first half against Montreal. If MFC players can figure out how to put together two solid halves then we may have something. The brightest star so far this short season has been Alex Alfonso. Two games and two goals is quite impressive. That is why Alex Alfonso has been awarded the much coveted award of Ultras Player of the Week. Congratulations Alex, keep it up!

Hotshot Takes A Stand

There’s that old saying “any press is good press”. But in this country bad press about soccer can be very damaging. That’s why we can’t stand when a writer, like Chris Joseph of Miami New Times, writes articles that berate soccer in Miami.

I mean what’s the point, if you don’t like it don’t go! Miami FC needs help from the media, but not help from the likes of Joseph. I could understand if he was being positive about soccer in Miami while at the same time being critical of the play on the field. As fans we all want better results, but calling our mascot “Woody Woodpecker on HGH” is uncalled for, funny but uncalled for. Hotshot and the Miami Ultras are not going to take this laying down.

Calling all Ultras! We have found out that he also writes negatively about the Miami Dolphins and likes to call himself “The Dude” How big of a goof do you have to be to call yourself “The Dude”. We have recently found his email address, so let’s stand up for our team and our sport and give Chris Joseph a little of his own medicine. Email “The Dude” at chrisjoseph13@comcast.net. Attack his MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/chriscarvajal. Let’s stand up for our friend, Hotshot.

Ultras let our Voices be heard!

Ultras, MLS Commissioner Garber always mentions the Sons of Ben and TFC supporters clubs. We want the Ultras to be at that level. It’s up to each and every one of us fans to do something. We need to make Miami Ultras stand out above the rest. Miami we do have soccer knowledge and passion, but we are silent.

You need to come out and get behind our team and what the Ultras are trying to accomplish. You don’t have an excuse not to come and see Miami FC games. The games are fun and great for the whole family. Come and joins the Miami Ultras at every game. Let’s give our team a home advantage.

This week the Miami FC takes a trip to South Carolina to play the Charleston Battery 1-1-2 with 5 points. Miami tie the Battery 2-2 in the first encounter at tropical Park. Miami is coming to this game with a record of 1-3-1 with 4 points losing at home this past Sunday 1-0 to the Carolina Railhawks on a late goal. Miami needs to stop losing these games in the last minutes and we hope this will stop Friday night in Charleston.