Jarryd is back! And he's excited about facing off against Vancouver. Here's what he has to say:
Hey Everyone!
This week I am bringing you all the latest news on how the team and I feel about the upcoming game against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The anxiousness and excitement is definitely building amongst the guys on the squad, for we now how big of a game this is and how important it is for us to get a positive result; 3 points! As a group, we have had a very hard week of work and definitely put our time in on the practice field.
We hope to take the things the coaching staff has been trying to instill in us and put them into effect during the game. After last week's home opener left us all wanting a bit more and disappointed about the end result, we hope to build upon what we started and achieve success.
Bottom Line, we as a team have to do what it takes to win. We are a team composed of strong character and if everyone does their role, we should be very hard to beat.
On a personal note, I am excited to see and play against my good friend Zourab who is now a member of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Quick shout out to you Z!
The team announced that Zach Kirby [right] will be assuming the captain's role for the Blues this season and is looking forward to facing the obstacles and challenges that come along with that responsibility. Zach has been the kind of player that has led by example and head coach Victor Pastora is confident that Zach will be more than capable of leading this Miami FC squad.
"Zach seemed like the perfect candidate to be our captain," Pastora said. "He leads by example and truly cares for the prosperity for this project. We have many good leaders on the team, Zach was chosen for the job."
Opener Reflections
Zach also had some thoughts after the home opener this past Saturday after Miami FC earned their first point of the season in a draw with the visiting Rochester Rhinos. The newly named captain was not satisfied, looking to build on what went right and also improve upon the things that didn't:
"As a team and an organization you strive to win every game possible. Coming away with a tie in the season opener was a little disappointing. Yet, there were still many positive moments throughout the match that we will surely build upon. Every week is a new challenge and it is our goal to get continually better every day. Great relationships are being formed amongst teammates every day and the chemistry is very evident. With the right preparation and attitude I am confident that we will perform well every week.
Thanks to the fans for their continued support and we are all looking forward to a successful weekend!"
The Blues return to the pitch this Saturday, April 17 at Lockhart Stadium to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. and we hope to see you all out at the stadium!
The regular season is looming and Zach Kirby [right], returning for his second season with the club, is ready to go! Zach feels this team has something to prove this season and he is anxious to get out there on Saturday night as Miami FC prepares for the new season:
Opening day is quickly approaching. The previous month has been filled with hard work and committment from a great group of people on and off the field. The chemistry maning the players continues to improve every day while the front office is working diligently to prepare for the beginning of the 2010 season. I can see the unity with this collective effort, and it has created a noticable aura. The talent, enthusiasm and work ethic are all there for this to be a successful season. We have built and efficient machine and will continue to improve our efforts every day we step foot on the field. I am extremely excited for match day and proving to everyone that this will be a season to remember. This is our family. And we will protect our home field from any intruders.
Our PR Director, Ignacio Rodriguez, made his way out to an Irish pub called Biddy Earlys to watch Manchester United take on Chelsea over the weekend. Ignacio went along with one of Miami FC's latest signings, Martyn Lancaster, to check out the game and hang out with some the local fans. Here's Martyn having a hearty breakfast meal [right]!
Needless to say, the English love their soccer! Ignacio and Martyn had a fantastic time bonding with the English fans at the pub as they cheered on their teams. Unfortunately for the Man U fans, Chelsea picked up the victory. The picture say it all!
The owners of the pub were warm and welcoming, they really have a good place going with Earlys. Great atmosphere to watch some great soccer!
There is a frenzy for soccer at the grassroots level in South Florida from all different kinds of backgrounds. It really is quite a reflection of the diversity that exists in this region.
As the season nears, we hope to channel some of that excitement in the stands with the exciting product Miami FC will be on the field. Welcome to exciting times!
Fan favorite Jarryd Goldberg [right] has been kind enough to send us his thoughts as the season opener approaches and what he hopes to accomplish over the course of the 2010 regular season. Jarryd has been one of the hardest working members of the Miami FC family since he arrived and he looks to continue that trend this year:
So, I have been in pre season now for a total of 29 days and the team is really starting to take shape. With a bunch of new signings and players still on their way to Miami, we don't have everyone in camp yet which is tough, but we are definitely bonding as a team and getting more familiar with each other. Preseason has been good, strenuous, and long. We have been putting in a lot of hours but we know in the long run that this will pay off. The season is a race, not a sprint, and building a foundation and a good core is a necessity to keep things going each week of the season.
The event we had last week, debuting the home and away kits, was really cool! America's Backyard is definitely a hopping place and the guys and I are looking forward to spending some time there with the fans after each of the home games. And did you see that baby blue away jersey? That kit is hot like fire!
On a personal note, I am trying hard this year to build on last year and help this team get to the playoffs and be successful. I am very excited about the guys I will be playing alongside. Apart from the playing side of things, I am also trying this year to become more involved in the surrounding Miami/Ft. Lauderdale communities. For me, I think community involvement is very important, especially when what you do for a living is a career where kids look up to you and strive to do what you do.
Hope everyone is good and I will catch up with you guys after our preseason game this Friday.
Jarryd Goldberg [right, in a more rugged look!] had some thoughts after Miami FC's preseason match against a tough Florida Gulf Coast squad. Jarryd lets us know that while the team did pick up the victory, he still feels there is more work to be done and the team is determined to get that work done:
The game against Florida Gulf Coast was an okay performance by the squad. We had a bunch of objectives that we set forth to complete as a unit and completed most of them, but I think as a group we were too focused on completing the objectives that we lost focus of just playing the game. We won the game 1-0 with a good goal off of a direct kick, but we were not fully satisfied with our performance. Yes a win is a win, but we have and will regroup and put the work in this week to play even better in our game on Friday. Our goal is to keep progressing as a unit and prepare ourselves as best we can for the start of the season.
We welcomed Christian Gomez at practice several days ago and also did the "beep test". Fun stuff! But hey, gotta put the work in to get the results!
The Blues added some firepower to their midfield with the signing of Christian Gomez, who previously played with D.C. United of Major League Soccer.
The Argentinean midfielder has an established career, which he will be sharing with South Florida; he was considered one of the best players in the league after winning the Major League Soccer (MVP) award in 2006.
Miami FC is continuing to solidify what they believe is the deepest roster they have put together in team history, a deep midfield filled with talented youth and seasoned veterans that is now strengthened by the addition of Gomez. During his six years in MLS -five of which were with D.C. United- Gomez notched 48 goals in 144 appearances.
And talk about a player who can make things happen on the field. Take a look for yourselves in the video below.
Needless to say, the team is ecstatic with the addition. Meanwhile, the anticipation for the season opener intensifies. Is it April 10th yet?
Miami FC announced today the signing of American forward, Abe Thompson. Thompson spent the last four years in the MLS, most recently with the Houston Dynamo. Terms of the signing were not disclosed.
"Abe is a special player. His pace, ability to finish and experience will take our front line to another level," said General Manager, Luiz Muzzi.
Thompson played for the University of Maryland scoring 43 goals and contributing 26 assists during his prolific college career. The two-time Herman Trophy semi-finalist was drafted in the second round in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft. During his three years with FC Dallas he netted 14 goals, and proved to be a force for the Dallas offense.
Miami fans may remember Thompson from the two heart-wrenching goals he scored against the Blues in the third round of the 2008 US Open Cup. With Miami up 1-0, Thompson scored Dallas' tying goal in extra time of the first half and then the game winner in the 94th minute of the game, propelling Dallas to the quarter finals.
The Blues will continue their pre-season this week when they square off against Barry University in the Haiti Relief Kick Off, on Saturday, March 20th. Admission to the game requires a cash or soccer gear donation. Kickoff is set for 7pm at Barry University's Miami Shores campus.
Miami FC will open the 2010 season on Sunday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium against the visiting Rochester Rhinos.
Miami FC wants to get the season started off the right way. And what better way to do that than with the 2010 Season Kick Off Party and Uniform Unveiling? We would like to invite you to join us to celebrate another season of professional soccer and to get involved in all the excitement!
You'll have an opportunity to meet and greet with players, coaches and staff as the team reveals its uniforms for the 2010 season.
Those in attendance will receive a snack buffet, two complimentary cocktails, a chance to win a Miami FC jersey and more! You don't wanna miss this!
The event will take place on Thursday, March 25 from 6-9 p.m at America's Backyard in Ft. Lauderdale. For information on America's Backyard, CLICK HERE. For more information on the event, visit out Facebook Fan Page.
Miami FC dominated Lynn University on Saturday with a 3-0 victory, giving the Blues their second preseason win. Now the team will shift their focus to Barry University, who the team will face off with in a game designed to collect aid and supplies for the on-going Haiti relief efforts.
The team is committed to playing an active role in the recovery of Haiti, looking to provide support in any way possible and we hope that you will help us in this effort to help in the rebuilding process.
The game will take place on March 20 at 7 p.m. at Barry University's Buccaneer Field. Admission to the game requires a cash or soccer gear donation.
Today the team announced the signing of five players from Miami FC's sister team Desportivo Brasil, including 2009 Miami FC standout Paulo Araujo Jr. (left), to help add some speed and skill to this year's roster. You can check out some highlights on Miami FC TV.
These signings were designed to bolster the roster from the back line to the front line, addressing many of the team's needs. It also adds depth, flexibility and youth to a midfield that is expected to be a strong unit for the Blues with the ability to create many scoring opportunities in addition to disrupting opposing attackers.
Fans already know what Paulo Jr. has to offer after he burst onto the scene last season, emerging as one of Miami FC's most reliable players. He is quick, athletic and showed an ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and fellow teammates. Last season, the forward logged in nearly 1,000 minutes of play in 15 games, scoring three goals and providing a spark for the team on the pitch. The team is very glad to have him back for this season and provides a sense of continuity from last season.
The signings include three midfielders (Ariel Germiniani, Paulinho Le Petit and Lennon Celestino) who will join Jarryd Goldberg and Bryan Perez to form a midfield that will difficult for opponents to figure out. Germiniani, who turns 20 next month, has an aggressive style of play and is not afraid to challenge and go after the opposing defenses. He has a strong, mid-range shot and speed to cause damage deep in opponents' territory with great ball movement that will keep defenders missing. Le Petit is more of a defensive midfielder, who has great vision and awareness on the pitch. He is a player with an uncanny ability to get the ball to playmakers and create opportunities to put up points on the scoreboard. And Celestino will be a disruptive defensive presence who is known for breaking up plays with a nose for finding the ball and anticipating and reading attackers.
In the backfield, Euzibio Neto is expected to make an impact at right back. He has speed in the open that will allow him to make on-field adjustments and will challenge opposing attackers, forcing them to make mistakes.
You can see what these players can do with your own eyes and get a better idea of what they can do on the pitch this upcoming season or with highlights for all five signings on Miami FC TV or as shown above!
Miami FC season tickets are now on sale! For details and questions about how to become a season ticket holder or how to purchase individual game tickets, visit the official site. Don't miss out on all the best deals!
You know soccer season is just around the corner when players start gearing up and hit the field for preseason training. Miami FC's preseason kicked off Wednesday, March 3 at the Hilton Hotel in Sunrise, which has a FIFA regulation soccer complex. The team is wasting no time getting back into the game day mindset with a little over a month before the Blues kick off the season on April 10 against the Rochester Rhinos at Lockhart Stadium.
Some players who participated in the invitational and open tryouts were practicing with the team, along with a few former Miami FC players and others who have MLS experience.
With the exception of Cristiano "Kaka" Dias and J.P Rodrigues, all the Miami FC signings were there looking sharp on the pitch. New Miami FC defender Mike Randolph was showing off his speed and range in the backfield, while Jarryd Goldberg showed a commanding presence in the midfield.
Many players showed a lot of fight in practice, knowing very well that how they perform in the next few weeks will determine whether or not they will be wearing a Miami FC jersey come opening night. It's always great to see players going 110% on the pitch, leaving everything on the field.
Victor Pastora seemed comfortable in his new role as head coach, making his presence known and being very positive and hands on.
Director of Soccer Fernando Clavijo and General Manager Luiz Muzzi were also on hand for practices, and are continuing to keep an eye out for talent to fill the 2010 roster.
Zach Kirby Speaks Out
Zach is expected to be a leader on the field this season for Miami FC and he is excited to be a part of what is happening here in South Florida. Here he speaks out about being back on the field for that first practice:
"Regardless of where you areas a professional athlete, the first day of preseason is tense. Nerves and emotions are high and everyone aims to make a good first impression both on and off the field. Today we commenced our preseason camp in hopes to create a solid foundation for what will be a very successful year. There are many familiar faces and talented individuals that will inevitably make a very cohesive unit proving to have a large amount of potential. The process of learning about different styles of players and how to work with new teammates in order to compliment each other’s abilities is always an enjoyable experience. It is only the beginning, but I can assure you that there are many great things to come this year for Miami FC."
Miami FC takes on FIU and the Red Bulls
You will get your first chance to see Miami FC in action this Saturday March 6, when the team plays its first preseason match against FIU's men's soccer team at 10 a.m. at FIU Soccer Stadium. FIU head coach Munga Eketebi kindly agreed to the match in the midst of their spring schedule as he looks to prepare his Golden Panthers for the 2010 season this upcoming fall. FIU defeated FC Dallas 1-0 at Disney's Wide World of Sports soccer complex in Orlando on February. 21.
Miami FC will also host a scrimmage against the New York Red Bulls of the MLS on Friday March 12 at the Hilton Hotel in Sunrise at 11 a.m.
Practice Pics
We'll leave you good fans out there with some images from the opening practices to give you an an inside look at what's happening during practice. We hope to see you all out at FIU Soccer Stadium to see your Blues take on FIU! Vamos Miami!
As the season opener draws closer, expect many more signings to be announced in coming days and weeks as Miami FC continues its roster-building process.
With the signing of central defender Kyle Veris on February 24, the team’s core is beginning to take shape as the month of March approaches.
It is an exciting time for both the team and fans alike, as the pieces continue to fall into place in what is anticipated to be a very competitive team in the U.S. Soccer Division 2 Professional League this season.
Building a strong defensive unit is the most important component in building a championship team, and the team is well on its way to establishing the best back line in team history.
Here’s a quick rundown of the players the Blues have picked up for 2010 so far:
Zach Kirby
Zach is back, and after a strong showing in 2009 that earned him praise from coaches and fans, the Atlanta native is expected to shine in the backfield again for Miami FC in 2010.
Kirby, a defender who played in the MLS and with the Atlanta Silverbacks prior to coming to Miami, played in 23 games in 2009 while logging in close to 1800 minutes on the pitch. Opposing teams had a hard time penetrating and creating goal-scoring opportunities with him in the way.
The Atlanta native brings a sense of continuity as well as valuable experience to a team that is expected to be young and scrappy. Expect him to continue to be a leader on and off the pitch this season.
Bryan Perez
Perez was the first midfielder signed for the 2010 season. Fans should look for Perez to provide an offensive spark for Miami FC. After concluding a decorated collegiate career at the University of Missouri Kansas City, the Kendall native became the all-time record holder in goals (29), shots on goal (160) and games (78).
He is an explosive offensive midfielder that has shown the ability to speed past defenses in the open field as well the ability to maneuver past defenders deep in opposing territory.
Take a look at some of his highlights for yourself:
JP Rodrigues
Rodrigues is a familiar face who is intertwined with Miami FC’s history. When the team had the first overall pick as an expansion franchise in the USL in 2006, the Blues chose the young defender from Tampa.
He spent three seasons with the squad, and performed admirably in 51 overall matches for the team, while compiling over 4,500 minutes in a Miami FC jersey.
He returns to the team and is ready to make an immediate impact in the backfield. He provides additional experience and is familiar with the coaching staff and organization that gave him an opportunity to start his career.
As a member of the Guyana national team, Rodrigues has nine caps.
Jarryd Goldberg
A fan favorite thanks to his hard work ethic and his friendly demeanor, Goldberg will suit up for his third season in Miami and will serve as a player who will continue to help anchor the midfield presence with his persistent defensive play and his awareness on the field to set up opportunities on offense.
Goldberg was a staple of the midfield for the Blues, playing in 25 games throughout the 2009 season and over 1,730 minutes.
Originally from New Jersey, Goldberg played at Boston College, where he won Big East honors and was also a major piece to the roster.
Kyle Veris
Miami FC’s latest signee brings even more additional experience to the Blues’ back line. Veris played two seasons at the MLS level with the LA Galaxy, where he played over 1200 minutes.
Afterward, the Ohio native traveled overseas to play in the Norwegian first division with I.L Hood Football Club before signing with the Puerto Rico Islanders. During his time with the Islanders, Veris played in the knockout stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Veris will provide a physical presence as well as valuable experience that has been missing the past several seasons and will be a welcome compliment to Kirby and Rodrigues in the backfield.
Over 140 soccer players came out on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21 in hopes of earning a spot on Miami FC’s 2010 roster. Some traveled across oceans for the opportunity to play professional soccer in the United States. It was interesting to see how many people from different cultures and lifestyles came out in hopes of fulfilling their dreams of becoming professional soccer players. The event sort of mirrored the cultural landscape of Miami, a melting pot of people from varying backgrounds, all striving for the same goal, the same end. The intensifying interest also shows how fast the beautiful game is growing in the U.S. and in South Florida.
We hope you are excited about the upcoming Miami FC season as much as we are! As the season draws near, we would like to welcome you all to our brand new Miami FC Blog, where we will be able to communicate with you about anything and everything Miami FC. Everyone, from the ownership to the public relations department to the players and many others from Miami FC, will use this blog to help you get closer to the action and inner workings of the team unlike ever before!
Jarryd is back! And he's excited about facing off against Vancouver. Here's what he has to say: 
