Jarryd Speaks! #2

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.

JG 14 out.

Jarryd Speaks! #1

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!

JG 14 out.

Welcome Aboard, Christian Gomez!

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 Signs Thompson

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 94^th 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 20^th. 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.

For real time updates you can follow Miami FC on twitter at www.twitter.com/miamifc.

Time To Party!

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.

Preseason Match Against Barry To Help Haiti

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.

Brazilian Boost

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!

Season Tix On Sale!

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!

Preseason Begins

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!