Miami FC was able to bring together some of South Florida's most notable soccer legends this past Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Ft Lauderdale.It was an electric atmosphere! Hearing the stories, laughter and watching these legends of the game reconnect was special. It's what the return of the Strikers is all about - family and passion. We take great pride in perpetuating the Strikers legacy and look forward to writing the next chapter of this storied franchise with the full support of those who embodied the Strikers spirit in South Florida," said Commercial Director Tommy Knapp.
You can read more at www.miamifc.comWe were able to gain inside information from 'sources' that the following ex players were present. Soccer greats Teofilo 'Nene' Cubillas, Arnie Mausser, Nico Bodonczy, Michael Ortiz-Velez, Ernst Jean Baptiste, Eric Eichmann, Branko Segota from the Strikers. Ian Bishop and Jim Rooney from the Fusion. There were also Traffic USA staff and other Soccer personalities.
Jeff Rusnak, of the Sun Sentinel, was present at the event and wrote a piece about the meeting.
The late conversation, as it almost does on such gatherings, centered on how to get more people to support the local pro team, in this case, the new Strikers. "Quality of play," Bishop said. "What you put on the field." Bingo.Read more: HERE
Notable absences were that of GOL TV Commentator Ray Hudson, U.S. under 20 coach Thomas Rongen, ex coach Ron Newman, and former Ft Lauderdale Strikers owner Tim Robbie.The most vocal of the group was said to be former Strikers Arnie Mausser and Nico Bodonczy, and Ex Fusion Ian Bishop. Discussions ranged from what the name of the team should be (Most agreed that if you bring the name back you should go all the way and name it Fort Lauderdale Strikers) to ways of bringing more people into the stands. No doubt that with the support of ex-players and fans the Strikers will be successful!
Strikers Announce new Historian.
If you didn't know his name you knew who he was just by looking at him. It seems a soccer game in South Florida is never the same if he is not there roaming the stadium. Robert Scorca is one of those people that you always see at soccer games, a character rivaled only by Hot Shot the team mascot himself. Robert missed maybe one or two games since the beginning of the Miami Football Club and I can remember him from back in the Miami Fusion days too. But Robert was at Lockhart during the old Striker days and even attended Miami Toros and Gatos games! Well folks, Miami FC /Strikers have recognized his commitment and named Robert the new team Historian."Robert's unparalleled passion and knowledge of South Florida soccer history and that of Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium, the home of the Strikers make him a natural for this position," stated NASL Communications Director Kartik Krishnaiyer, who has known Scorca for years.Read more HERE
Robert has been a contributor to this blog as a photographer and writer, interviewing players and local soccer personalities for a couple of years now. He has also contributed to www.miamisoccerfan.com and other blogs. Robert was also a founding member of the Miami Ultras Soccer Fan club.
We wish Robert much success and we will miss his witty blogs. (Burrito, the blogging dawg will miss him the most).
Miami FC / Strikers players on the move.
Looks like Defender Aaron Holbein will not be back next season with Miami FC / Strikers. Holbein, played with Miami FC this past season on loan from Kansas City and contributed to the unbeaten streak at the end of the season which still stands. Turns out Aaron was selected in the MLS Re-Entry draft by the Columbus Crew. But Holbein still has options... read more HERE
JP Rodrigues (pictured at left) has had a busy year when it comes to his playing time. He has played for Miami FC, the Milwaukee Wave (MISL), DC United and the Guyana national team. But it seems he hasn't stopped there. JP is on his way to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to be exact. More details will follow when we get it.
In case you missed it, the new Strikers have already confirmed 4 players. Forward Aaron Wheeler from FC Tampa Bay and Miami FC veterans defender Zach Kirby, Midfielder Paulinho Le Petit, and Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser.
We've heard rumors of a few more players that have been signed. If we hear a name we'll let everyone know!
Player picture by Robert Scorca.
Alumni meeting pictures courtesy of Miami FC.
