Striker Likers

Rosario Dawson Is A Striker Liker, You Should Be Too

2011-06-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

No Comment. We are now indebted to like all your movies.

Strikers Win At Home!

2011-06-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

So we here at Striker Likers have got a little caught up in all the excitement around town. The NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, International Friendlies, EuroCup Qualifiers, the Gold Cup; we've gotten so accustomed to looking elsewhere for our football (and sports action in general), we almost (just almost) overlooked the magic that happened this past weekend at the Fort (aka Lockhart Stadium).

A stunning 3-2 victory over the defending champs Puerto Rico Islanders and the triumphant return of forward phenom Abe Thompson. Abe scored the game's first goal and is a welcome return to a team that hasn't found the back of the net in the past two games.

So the Strikers are officially back, with a home win over a quality opponent no less. So take notice South Florida!

The win was in jeopardy and it took a late flurry from our Strikers to pull it out and the receptive crowd of roughly 5,000 were well entertained.

If only we could play Tampa now.

So although you may be glued to your TV sets watching the Heat take on the Mavs or the US making a run at Gold Cup glory, always remember you've got a team here too that needs your love.

Striker Likers!

Website Burns Bulls Logo, Fuels Heat Domination

2011-05-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Let's give credit to where credit is due. So you think the Miami Heat's recent success over the regular season best record holders is a culmination of a year long project of three great players and a team of hard working no names? Well, think again.

Last week, a travel website promoting cruises and land vacations sent out their usual weekly informative with a special theme, "White Hot Summer Specials".

A slight nod to the company's allegiance, but a closer look and you will find something even more amusing.

That's right folks, a Bulls logo burning in flames. A subliminal move that has echoed three straight victories, each one more intense than the last. Will this stay online until El Heat take the trophy? No one really knows.

Why does this Striker Liker care? Well, for starters, the Heat share the Striker colors. Two, they are a hard-working bunch that like to win the hard way. Finally, I just want to prove that sometimes a little but of virtual ingenuity can go a long way to fulfilling one's sport dreams.

Looking For New Striker Gear?

2011-05-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ever want to shout out that you're a Striker Liker, but also want to fit in around cool tattoo-clad youths? Well, here is your chance! Electric Zombie has just released a few fashions that take the storied Striker bumblebee hoops design to a dastardly horrific place.

Hope to see you all on the dark side one day.

Strikers Derailed by Carolina, Tampa on the Horizon & Strikers Open Online Shop

2011-05-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

We are just days away from the biggest rivalry in sports! Okay maybe not really, but who here isn't pumped to see the Fort Lauderdale Strikers take on the green and yellow puke from Tampa Bay?

First things first. The loss last night to Carolina may have been demoralizing after a decently successful road trip, but the announced crowd of around 2,000 makes it even worse. Carolina has a great team and it seems no one cares. But we care and this Saturday will be huge, we're hoping to see at least 10,000 fill Lockhart Stadium. Whispers have been flying around that the crowd will sing the national anthem, but as long as we just chime in at the end with a "HOME OF THE STRIKERS!", this Striker Liker will be one happy camper.

Also of note, you can shop for your favorite official Striker gear here. There are only a few items available but come on people! If you're a Striker Liker there isn't one thing on the site you shouldn't have.

If you want to be a hardcore Liker, visit the Football in Miami and Beyond here for a laundry list of the necessary items it takes to look the part of a real Striker Liker.

P.S. - A reliable source has confirmed that magicjack's owner has decided to coach the team himself.

Rongen Gongen

2011-05-09T07:28:00.001-07:00

So last week, former Striker player and manager Thomas Rongen was sacked by US Soccer after failing to qualify for this summer's U-20 FIFA World Cup. Tis a shame, but it was a long time coming for some and now we are left to wonder; will Rongen return to the Strikers to resurrect his coaching career?

On a real Striker tip, another tie on this road trip and another almost win ripped out from underneath us in the final minutes. Good thing is we are not losing these games and we are up by one with only minutes left. Chemistry and cohesion will be the fix, but the real problem is in the fact that all our goals are coming from the penalty spot.

Kudos to Chacho Coudet for being spot on from the penalty spot, but someone's gotta step up!

Wednesday night game this week against a surging Carolina, 7pm, hopefully the web feed will work this time around.

Don't Forget About The Strikers

2011-04-28T12:07:00.001-07:00

With so much going on in the world of soccer it's hard to focus on what's really important around here.

Have you been sucked into the quadrangle "clasico" that is Real Madrid vs. Barcelona?

Are you crying over spilled milk over Real Salt Lake's disappointing display and loss in the CONCACAF Champions League Final?

Can't get enough of top-notch women's soccer in your backyard?

Well get a hold of yourselves! A true Striker Liker must look past all those things and focus on his/her team. The Strikers have improved with their first three outings, besting themselves each time out, starting with a loss, followed by a draw, then a dramatic late win.

Now comes our biggest test. This Friday marks the real start of the season. The Puerto Rico Islanders, defending champions and undefeated thus far, they will show the Strikers if there are contenders or pretenders.

Watch the game live here.

Side note, we are a less than a month away from the Strikers homecoming, hosting FC Tampa Bay. See you all there!

2011-04-24T03:07:00.001-07:00

Strikers Win! Strikers Win! Strikers Win! 2-1 versus the Atlanta Silverbacks.

A Day to Remember

2011-04-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

It was a Wednesday like no other. Jam-packed with soccer action and news and unfortunately, you won't see any of it on ESPN's Sportscenter.

First off, let's just say that this 4/20 was awesome!

The day began with the Benny Feilhaber saga. Here in the states you see, clubs don't buy players, the league does, then assigns them accordingly. Chivas USA were next in line for a player acquisition, but passed up on Feilhaber. Philly passed up too, leaving the New England Revolution no choice but to become instant title contenders. The MLS is shaping up quite nicely as now New England, New York and DC all have star quality to match the big names on the West Coast.

But back to the soccer on the field. First up was a pair of Premier League matches and the Arsenal-Tottenham game didn't disappoint (unless you are either an Arsenal or Tottenham fan). With title hopes and Champions League qualification on the line, neither team helped their cause in the 3-3 stunner at Tottenham's White Heart Lane.

Then came the Copa del Rey final, otherwise known as the second chapter of the 'Clasico' quartet. Over the weekend Real Madrid and Barcelona tied 1-1 in their league matchup. This matchup was also tied at the end of regulation, but Real Madrid took advantage of the slim chances when Christiano Ronaldo got onto a Angel DiMaria cross and headed home the 1-0 winner. The next two installments will be home and away Champions League semi final games.

And speaking of Champions League, Real Salt Lake took a huge step in becoming the first MLS team to make it to the annual FIFA World Club Cup with a dramatic 2-2 draw in Mexico. RSL came back twice and got a glorious 89th minute equalizer from Javier Morales to give themselves more than a fighting chance to become champions of North and Central America.

All in all it was just as exciting as the World Cup with multiple games going on, news breaking and speaking of things breaking, Real Madrid went back home after the game, boarded a bus, started driving around Madrid with their new trophy and then dropped it and watched the bus run right over it. Classic.

The soccer gods were smiling down on us today!

2 Weeks Down!

2011-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Has it already been 2 weeks? I guess it has. 2 Weeks, 2 games, 2 goals, 1 point but most importantly: 10,000 fans!

That's right, backing up opening day's 6,000 was last Friday's 4,000 crowd that saw the Strikers hang on and find a way to get a goal back and tie NSC Minnesota.

It's a promising sight for us Striker Likers who have been clinging on the distant memories. Now we've got a future to look forward to.

Let's be critical of our disappointing start, but not discouraged. Remember this is a new team, although the core of the Miami FC still exist, there are a lot of new pieces and these first few games are still feeling like preseason games.

After this upcoming road trip be prepared to see a Striker squad welcome their instate rivals from Tampa Bay and give them a thorough bashing.

Timbers Army Sing National Anthem

2011-04-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

I stayed up a little late last night to catch the opening minutes of the Portland Timbers as they played their first home game ever as an MLS side. To my complete giddiness and satisfaction, the Portland supporters (aka the Timbers Army) performed the national anthem and it was awesome!

Click here if you missed it.

For us Striker Likers, just having the Strikers back in town has been a huge accomplishment, if not a wish come true. But now we must focus and keep bringing that passion we showed last week to each and every Striker home game. We can have an MLS team again if we can prove we will support it.

Let's show the States what the Striker Likers are all about. See you all tonight, let's beat up on Minnesota!

One more thing, in the ASL/APSL days of the Strikers, when the national anthem was sung, we used to always it end off with, "and the home of the STRIKERS!" I did it last week in homage, and I'm gonna do it again tonight, who's gonna join me?

As One Sun Sets, Another Rises

2011-04-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

The dark ages are finally over. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers have returned. They've eaten up completely what was Miami FC and have reinvigorated a market starving for professional soccer. And although it began with a loss, there was a feeling that everything was good in the world. The Strikers were back and that only means good things.

When this blog began inauspiciously a few years ago, we figured we could conjure up old memories and somehow put a spin on the local soccer conversation. But today marks a new era. There is a team now, real and made of living things. There is a team we must support, a team we must question and above all a team we must be proud to call our own. So although some may argue that we just have Miami FC in better looking uniforms, let this be a warning to you. When you call yourself a Striker Liker, you take on a responsibility to bring soccer into the future and to prove that South Florida is no retirement home.

So today we grieve over a season opening loss but to the fans, the community we scored a landmark victory. 6,402 was the announced attendance. It may drop slightly on Friday's follow up match against Minnesota, but there will be a presence in the stands. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are back and so are the Striker Likers.

2011-04-09T18:33:00.001-07:00

A 2-1 loss. It'll take a little more than rebranding to make soccer is South Florida respectable again.

2011-04-09T18:00:00.001-07:00

2 goals to start the second half. We're tied at one. The drama continues on opening night.

2011-04-09T17:10:00.001-07:00

It's the first game of the season, shouldn't we have at least 2 forwards out there? 15 minutes in Edmonton has had the better chances.

Start the Season!

2011-04-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Next posting will be live from Lockhart.

See everyone tomorrow!

Thomas Rongen, Thanks for the Memories

2011-04-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

It cannot be disputed that Thomas Rongen will always remain a legendary figure in the hearts of Striker Likers. He spanned two generations of Likers by playing here in Fort Lauderdale during the NASL days, then staying through to see the Strikers win their only championship in 1989 with the ASL/APSL version of the team.

Recently, his actions are a bit disappointing. In case you missed it the U-20 US Men's National Team fell 1-2 to Guatemala last night and were eliminated from qualification for the U-20 World Cup. Thomas Rongen is the coach of the U-20 US Men's National Team.

Not acceptable.

Thomas, we love you as a Striker, but please, this is embarrassing.

Vote Striker Likers as Best Sports Blog!

2011-04-06T06:24:00.001-07:00

Striker Likers here is up for a Best of Blogs Award from Sun-Sentinel. If you like the posts you're reading, are a huge Striker Liker, or just love soccer, click here and vote!

And not to play sides, the wonderful folks over at Football in Miami and Beyond (who are fellow Striker Likers) are also nominated.

Get out there and vote! Let's show them soccer matters in South Florida.

We Americans May Be On To Something

2011-03-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, ok most times, we are mocked around the world as not being part of the pure soccer tradition that exists planet wide. Because soccer is overshadowed by other professional sports in America, any involvement we have with the world's game is deemed insignificant.

But alas, take a real look at the history and at the state of the game today and try and tell me that Americans haven't had their influence on world football.

Performance wise, the USA finished third in the inaugural World Cup and in 1950 staged the biggest upset ever in the game.

Moving forward to the NASL of the 70s, we introduced "the Galacticos" a team of stars from around the world. That concept is commonplace these days, but the Cosmos did it first, so there.

Another gem to the world was the NASL ball, star studded for a reason, notice now how the UEFA Champions League has taken the concept for its annual tournament of club champions.

We statesiders deserve some credit, so with the launch of the new NASL (amazing logo by the way) and the re-introduction of classic NASL sides (Vancouver Whitecaps, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and now of course the Fort Lauderdale Strikers), history is coming full circle and the dark ages of American soccer shall be no more.

This rant is really just a reason to put out the thought that the new NASL should play with a cool looking ball. Anyone have any idea what they will be using?

Strikers Jersey is Upon Us!

2011-03-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Say what you will, and I hope you do, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2011 jerseys are here!

When the logo was introduced a few days back sans any black, I was worried that our team shorts would be the same charcoal grey, but behold the new Strikers kit, very classic and luckily for Joma, no need to redesign anything they had already in the production line.

At first glance anything Joma may not perk your fancy all that much, but let it sink in and enjoy the fact that we're back! We look damn good too!

From afar, the new logo has a very classic, european football look.

Next step, NASL Champions!

Sidenote: the FC Tampa Bay (we're not the Rowdies) are revealing their kits tomorrow. Let the rivalry begin.

Former River Plate Star Coudet Joins Strikers

2011-03-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet has recently signed with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers which gives a little more meat to the hungry Striker Likers out there waiting for opening day. Coudet, a bleached-blonde defensive midfielder is known for his take out the legs and ask questions later attitude. He peaked back in 2000 when he was an integral part of River Plate's early millennium success.

Most recently he's been a journeyman, last year spending the season with MLS debutantes Philadelphia Union.

One thing's for sure, his hair will continue to be bleached. Just kidding, expect to see some hardcore River supporters out there, and many other Argentines. Coudet played for a total of 5 Argentinean clubs including River Plate, San Lorenzo, Rosario Central, Platense and Colon.

Not a star signing by any means, but should be fun to watch as he throws elbows, goes into tackles with both feet and yells at the referees constantly.

New Fort Lauderdale Strikers Logo

2011-03-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Drink it in folks 'cause this is it!

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers unveiled their new logo this weekend and in doing so murdered the past history of the logo.

OK, that maybe a little harsh, but it's hard to see the similarities between this new venture and the classic logo from years past.

The new logo, designed by a veteran sports branding group, can explain each aspect of the logo, but it might take some time for this Striker Liker to swallow.

What do you think?

Nadal a Striker!

2011-03-24T12:22:00.001-07:00

Just for a day, but who says we can't dream. As a follow up to yesterday's post, check out Sports Illustrated's gallery of the Strikers v. Tennis Stars charity match to raise funds for Japan aide.

Click here to view the gallery

Strikers v. Tennis Stars to Support Japan

2011-03-23T12:17:00.001-07:00

Ever notice how much tennis players love playing soccer too? In a genius, and good-samaritan, way, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers are taking advantage of the ATP Tour being in town to boost their brand and support a great cause.

Tonight at Ranson Everglades High School, just a stone's throw away from Key Biscayne, the Strikers will take on the bulk of the men's Sony Ericsson draw in a charity match. Tennis stars Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will suit up and show our beloved Strikers how good they can play with their feet.

If you're in the vicinity, please give a helping hand. Support your Strikers, see some stars and give Japan the aide in deserves.

Strikers Dream Team: GK Tim Howard

2011-03-18T13:15:00.001-07:00

We are so close to the opening day for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, so to continue the buildup we here at Striker Likers have decided to unleash the Dream Team. If we could sign whoever we want from the current slate of soccer stars, this is what we'd come up with. It's a fantasy, so don't hate.

Goalkeeper - Tim Howard. This selection needs to no real reasoning. Timmy is a beast and the world knows it. He's got the passion, he's got the talent and he's got the experience. He'd also make the Strikers tradition of great goalkeeping proud.

Although Striker lore denotes great goalies such as Gordon Banks and Jan van Beveren, Tim Howard wouldn't be the first American to play between the Striker pipes. He'd join fellow statesiders Arnie Mausser and Tony Meola. Goalkeeping is a tradition here in Fort Lauderdale. Who would you choose as your dream shotblocker?

If Michael Jackson was a Fulham fan, Then So Am I

2011-03-16T12:06:00.001-07:00

News reports today state that Fulham FC will be putting up a statue of Michael Jackson just outside Craven Cottage, Fulham's stadium.

Nothing to do with the Strikers here, but I love Michael Jackson as much as I love the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, so there.

Also, for any fans of soccer nostalgia, check out this wickedly awesome music video for the 1990 US Men's National Team right before they headed off the World Cup in Italy.

Win Free Striker Season Tickets!

2011-03-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Sun-Sentinel has been so kind as to start a little prize giveaway running through March 28, 2011. Three prizes will be awarded, it seems all including free season tickets to the inaugural Fort Lauderdale Strikers season.

All you have to do is login and say who your favorite soccer player is. It's that simple. No points will be awarded for randomness of player. I'm thinking about putting Marcelo Carrera, forward of the ASL/APSL Championship Winning Striker side of 1989. He also was my Thomas Rongen Soccer Academy Coach. I play favorites.

Click here to enter.

Pictured above is a sleek season ticket option from Newcastle a few years back. Wonder what these Strikers will do?

A Design Tease, Give Us a Logo Por Favor

2011-03-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

In another Fort Lauderdale Strikers press opportunity the Robbie family was brought back into the mix with the announcement that Tim Robbie will be the new president of the franchise as former president Aaron Davidson moves strictly to NASL duties. Pretty cool news, but still more tantalizing nuggets from the gold and red.

"Los Strikers"? Is it noche latina night in the NASL? We are so dying to find out what the team will wear that every time something like this comes along, I get overjoyed then confused.

With all the hoopla, we should be focusing on the team itself. Who are the guys that are actually going to fill the jerseys, score the goals, and rile up the crowd with bone-crunching tackles?

We are a month away from the start of the season, where's Goldberg?

On a sidenote, where can a Striker Liker score a sweet looking tie like this?

Show Us The Jersey!

2011-03-08T10:27:00.001-08:00

Could this be something we might see come April? Searching through Joma's current roster of clients, we stumbled on a few red and gold clubs whose uniforms may lend themselves to the latest reincarnation of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Above you'll see Jagiellonia Bialystok, a Polish club sponsored by Joma. Nice similar colors, but the red shorts and gold socks aren't true Striker material.

A closer match might be Belgian side, KV Mechelen. Take a look back at this throwback pic, colors match perfectly, and we've got black shorts. Only problem is the hoops are going the wrong way. A little trivia, the guy in the middle front row, the captain, is tennis pro Kim Clijster's dad, Lei Clijster.

But back to the point, does anyone have a clue what we will see against Edmonton? We're dying to know.

Washington Freedom to Move to Boca Raton

2011-03-02T08:13:00.001-08:00

Hey Striker fans, how's about we get two new teams for the price of one! Rumor has it that the Washington Freedom will be relocating to Boca Raton and playing out their 2011 home schedule at FAU's soccer stadium (field with one bleacher stand).

Apparently the team's controlling interest was purchased by Palm County resident and magicJack inventor Dan Borislow. Currently the team has been renamed magicJack Washington Freedom. Kinda weird if they'll be playing in Boca. What they should do is team up with the Strikers, double headers will attract more fans.

The Freedom have some firepower and some big names, their roster includes US Women's National Team standouts Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx, Lindsay Tarpley and Hope Solo.

Striker Fans Stay Calm

2011-03-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

It's extremely understandable that after this weekend's strong showing against Red Bull New York, Striker fans around the globe are in mass hysteria, parading their hometown streets as if we'd won the FIFA Club World Cup by beating Barcelona 5-0.

Low and behold this find gem recently available on ebay. It's a match-worn, 1981 Elías Figueroa adidas Striker away jersey and it's up for sale for approximately $1,624.87! Yes, the price is true. Chile's best ever player and a member of FIFA's top 125 of all time played for the Strikers and his shirt is going for a butt load.

This may be an attempt to play off the popularity of the Chilean Miners, who brave souls as they were, escaped their living tombs in full hooligan style, waving Chilean flags and chanting, "Chi, Chi, Chi, Le, Le, Le".

Anybody wanna post a grand plus for this piece of history?

Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Red Bull New York (It's Official)

2011-02-25T06:18:00.001-08:00

Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Red Bull New York

2011-02-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

According to Red Bull New York's website, their preseason schedules includes a stop right here in sunny Fort Lauderdale. Apparently they got here yesterday.

A scrimmage of sorts is set for Wednesday against the Chicago Fire, but surprisingly enough a Saturday date is slotted against Miami FC. I guess Red Bull New York hasn't gotten the memo yet, we're the Fort Lauderdale Strikers now.

Any news on this, who is going, where is it and when do I show up?

I'd rather be playing the Cosmos but they don't have a team, just a bunch of celebrities sitting on thrones.

That's Fort Lauderdale Strikers, If You're Nasty

2011-02-18T08:59:00.001-08:00

Here it is folks. It's a moment the Striker Liker here has been dreaming of for a long time. It almost seems surreal. For almost 20 years we've been without the good ole Strikers and now, here they are.

Gotta give it up to the Supporters who made it out to Fort Lauderdale beach at 5pm to attend the press extravaganza and provide killer photos (see them here).

Let the cavalcade of Striker paraphernalia begin. I need shirts, jerseys, warm ups, bags, posters, keychains, stickers, you name it!

Don't have tickets yet, what are you waiting for?

By the way, discussions on the new logo can commence as well, anyone bummed that the sun burst is gone? or that Strikers is spelled in block and not the bubbly cursive we are accustomed to?

Sidenote: Where else can I get a free shirt?

Strikers to Officially Announce Name

2011-02-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

So soon it will be official. But what will the name be? Just Strikers. Fort Lauderdale Strikers? South Florida Strikers? Miami FC/Strikers? Can someone tell me what's going on?

If you ask me, I vote for Fort Lauderdale Strikers. I just looks right, know what I'm saying? I'm just going to write Fort Lauderdale Strikers a few more times because it makes feel so good seeing it. I wonder if a new Fort Lauderdale Strikers logo will be unveiled and Fort Lauderdale Strikers uniforms.

I'm getting giddy, but I like it. Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Fan Section Ideas

2011-02-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Aside from big drums, horns, screaming fans, scarves and few huge flags; Striker Likers this year have to up the ante and create some attention for themselves. Take a look at what Swiss Club FC Zurich pulled out last week.

Full on Gene Simmons with movable tongue. Pretty classy. How's about we create some freaky optical illusions to play with opponents minds?

Let's get creative, any ideas?

Isn't It Billboard Time?

2011-02-08T07:32:00.001-08:00

The regular season is almost at hand, so where's the promotions? We need billboards, bus shelters, bus wraps and we need them now!

The city needs to be blanketed in red and yellow. The Strikers are back!!!

Fan Club Pre Season Meeting this Saturday!

2011-02-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

Join the Ultras this Saturday, February 5th at 12pm at the Hollywood Ale House to finally creep out of your winter slumber and get back into soccer fanaticism shape.

Have you been bummed since the World Cup? Premier League action not enough to keep you going? Well the time has finally come to get out those flags, horns, drums and face paint and get geared up for a local pro soccer season.

It's time to start planning supporters rallies, road trips, opening day craziness and somehow someway getting an MLS team in South Florida.

Besides the Miami FC/Strikers season, we've got Gold Cup matches and even Barcelona versus AC Milan in the summer. Excited yet!

The Hollywood Ale House is located at 3215 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33020 (it's the same plaza as Home Depot, you know, where Six Flags Atlantis used to be).

See you there!

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale DC United

2011-02-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

I told you they'd come, and here they here. In the same place where only a week ago hundreds of hopefulls gathered for a chance to make the new Striker squad, league cellar dwellars DC United started their pre season training in front of Fort Lauderdale Stadium.

Maybe some Striker Likers should make it out and show the MLS what's up. Can we get a Strikers vs. DC United scrimmage game? Or just a bunch of guys in Strikers shirts playing against DC United, that would be cool too.

Jerseys? Can We Get a Peek?

2011-01-31T14:05:00.001-08:00

So Hotshot is going around town promoting the Strikers in an adidas branded Striker jersey. Is this a sign to come? If so, I've just died and gone to heaven. Order me the entire team set.

But on a serious tip, when do we see uniforms, warm ups, etc? It's time to start the build up.

The Strikers are back! (please drop the Miami FC part)

Schedule Unleashed

2011-01-26T09:26:00.001-08:00

Well, it's out there, the 2011 Striker Schedule. Read a few posts back and I would have never believed this day would come. But what's the deal with the Miami FC/Strikers name? Are we not going all in and making it the Fort Lauderdale Strikers? The Miami FC/Strikers is retarded, pardon the euphemism, I could call it something worse.

In any case, it's pro soccer and it's right here in our back yard. Unfortunately, there is no 9/9 scheduled affair. 9/9 marks the anniversary of the Strikers lone championship victory back in 1989. That weekend the Strikers will be on their way to Edmonton. So party at the Hard Rock to celebrate on Friday night? Who's with me.

Here's the full schedule, all home games to be played at Lockhart Stadium:

The MLS Returns to South Florida!

2011-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

The MLS Preseason that is. DC United, with new coach Ben Olsen, will be the first MLS team this year to come to the sunny confines of South Florida.

From February 1-12, the Stars from the Nation's Capital will begin their training in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to erase last season's forgettable string of performances and dead last finish.

Wait a minute, I just had a dream: who needs a new MLS team? Maybe DC can move down here. That would combine my two favorite things; soccer and Volkswagen.

Just Too Much NY Cosmos Talk

2011-01-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

I don't want to hear it anymore. I don't care who bought the New York Cosmos and how good friends they are with David Beckham. I don't care about Pele and Eric Cantona. I don't care. I don't care. I just don't care.

If the MLS adds a second New York City team, whether it be the Cosmos or not, all it means is that we should should create our own professional league and be done with it. Oh wait, that's what the NASL is.

Awesome.

Look Ma! I'm a Winner!

2010-12-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Should we be bitter? Yes.

We give FIFA too much power.

Colorado Foxes, I Mean Rapids Win MLS

2010-11-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

The MLS seems just so far away doesn't it? The closest teams playing in New York, Philadelphia and Canada. This week the Colorado Rapids hoisted the MLS Cup for the first time with a dramatic final victory over FC Dallas on an own goal, in overtime.

It was fun to watch, exciting atmosphere all around. But for some reason, with every MLS season, it feels like it's played in a different country.

Yeah, we get the MLS combine and a nice on boat dinner with MLS coaches every January, but what about real games? We need real games.

Chi Chi Chi - Le Le Le

2010-10-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Trapped for days. Deprived of the comforts of today's living standards. The Chilean miners left their cave-doom and resurfaced like a crazed pack of, well for a lack of a better term, South American soccer fans.

One miner even waved the flag of Chilean powerhouse club Colo Colo as he was escorted off to a medical area.

Point I'm trying to make is that South Florida is full of South American soccer fans. We've been in a cave for almost 20 years without top flight pro soccer, could even be 30 years if you consider the NASL's first Strikers as our last top-rate club (apologies to the Miami Fusion, but who were you again and what did you do with my pro soccer?).

Also of note, I will be taking with me my Fort Lauderdale Strikers pennant whenever I go mining.

Striker Catalog Photoshoot? Let's Do It

2010-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at Bayern Munich's yearly apparel catalog. It's got all the goodies from unis to scarves and everything in between. Click here for the whole thing and you tell me what's so scary about it.

Can't wait for the Strikers version!

Congratu...This Hurts!

2010-07-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Winning the World Cup is an amazing achievement. Mix in the factors that only a few nations have ever won the tournament and the fact that it is played only once every four years and the odds are rarely in anyone's favor (unless your German or Brazilian).

In any case, a new country joined the list this time around and Spain, after a bleak start to the tournament), silenced doubters and hoisted the cup. But it definitely hurt to get there.

Know what else hurts? Having to wait until April to see the Strikers play. When are we seeing uniforms?

We are so easy to please.

Making An Ass of Yourself

2010-06-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is why they call it the beautiful game.

A New Beginning

2010-06-10T10:35:00.001-07:00

Take a good look brothers. The Strikers are back!

In a recent post on their site, on facebook and at their last game, Miami FC officially reported that they will be 'honoring' the Strikers starting in 2011. Just a reminder, 2011 is only 6 months away!

This news is not shocking as we've been hearing the rumbles for awhile, but it is exciting to us Striker Likers who can now support a club that plays games. It's been a long time. Too long of a time.

It's Called Karma

2010-05-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

As a Striker Liker its hard to put the Germans in their place. They were half of the star power that brought the Strikers to prominence, along with the Dutch in the late 70's. But I'm more of a fan of the late 80's Strikers, with their Argentine Three Amigos, so when I'm asked for sympathy for the Germans, I turn the other way.

So as Michael Ballack has his World Cup dreams destroyed by a non-sensical tackle in the FA Cup by a Ghanian international, I have no tears. So what you missed your shot at the final when you collected too many yellow cards in '02 to play the last game and you watched on the sidelines helpless as Ronaldo and Brazil had field day.

This is all just pay back for that ugly handball non call that would have given the US a chance to tie their quarterfinal game with the Germans in South Korea/Japan. Oh what a difference that would have made.

But back to the story, time will only tell if the Ballack-less Germans can make their way through a not-so-easy group against Australia, Serbia, and Ghana. They might be making Prince Boateng a king.

I heard Thierry Henry is coming to MLS too.

Soccer Development League

2010-05-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to those of you who don't know, this year's Soccer Development League (SDL) is in full swing and it is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons to date. The league, which was founded in 1978 here in South Florida gives our local High School and College athletes a chance to to keep their skills during those long summer vacations away from school.

Over the years, the SDL has been a breeding ground of sorts for many players and often times you will find college scouts and coaches on the sidelines looking for talent. Players such as Jamaican International Tyrone Marshall and US National Mark Chung as well as other standouts such as Bobby Boswell, John Pulido and Cory Gibbs have played in the SDL .

This year, Miami FC Strength and Conditioning coach Rodrigo Dias plays with the Academy, a multiple time winner of the SDL.

Check out SDL for more info.

Please Refrain

2010-05-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

It just doesn't feel right. It looks horrible. It may be one of the worst ideas in man's history. Next to having ten best movie nominations at the Oscars®, playing soccer in a baseball stadium is the most horrible thing Americans have done since folding the Miami Fusion.

But all joking aside, shoving soccer fields into baseball stadiums make watching a soccer game unbearable. You can do it with American football because the field is thinner and because you can play football on clay. Soccer is played on grass. So as most baseball fans abhor the world's game, let's not try to put our round peg in their square holes.

Latest culprit, FC Tampa Bay (are they officially the Rowdies?). Currently playing in the Yankees Spring Training home, these numb nuts are falling into the same trap soccer in this country has been falling into for years. So thank you Tampa Bay, way to really step it up. I don't care if you are building a new stadium. Never play soccer in a baseball stadium, it's part of the cardinal rules of living behind getting 10 hours of sleep per night, never playing poker with a guy whose name is a city and dating a girl with a tattoo of a dagger on her person.

I'm just saying.

Super What?

2010-05-02T07:09:00.000-07:00

That's right, it ain't a party til this guy shows. You know your home team has arrived when THE Super Mario is checking out your home field.

All joking aside, the rivalry game did live up to some sort of potential. The tailgating was present, a live band greeted fans as they entered the field and there were opposing fans in somewhat large numbers (too many for my taste).

The game too was exciting! Tampa Bay had a few more chances early but late in the first half the Miami FC took the lead, almost out of nowhere. I say out of no where because the cops were busy trying to handle the rowdy Rowdies fans. Not too hard, they are forced to wear puke green and yellow, so it makes them hate themselves just as much as they hate living in Tampa.

But then the second half came and it kinda ruined the party. One minute in, Miami FC's lone "star" player gets a straight red for a 'from-behind' tackle. From then on it was one way traffic albeit for a few Miami FC breakaways, but with 10 minutes to go the Tampons found the equalizer and the Miami FC are still winless (but they haven't lost yet either).

If the game were played 11 on 11, I'm pretty sure we would have had a Miami FC victory and a much happier fanbase. So why the straight red? Not only was it a buzzkill, but it basically ruined any chances for a Miami FC win. It doesn't even make sense. If the Miami FC can't win, then no one comes to the games, then the city loses the team entirely and these refs won't have any games to ref. That's why it's called home cooking. I think it's time we start stressing the need for this.

OK, rant done. There were many Striker Likers out there last night. Kudos to all. Keep the dream alive.

2010-05-01T16:34:00.001-07:00

Armie Mauser sighting!!!

2010-05-01T16:23:00.001-07:00

Live from Lockhart. Who do these Rowdies fans think they are? They are about to regret a very long drive to get here. Go Strikers!!! I mean go Miami FC.

A Kick in the Grass

2010-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

So you're angry, you might be a little mad. You keep telling yourself how much you would want an MLS squad suiting up in your backyard. You want pro soccer. You want the pride of dressing up in hometown colors on Saturdays and going to a stadium to consume beer, salted pretzels, arepas and frozen lemonades. You want to be at that big rivalry game. You want to yell at visiting players and coaches and you definitely want to tell the referee he isn't worth his weight in anything. You want it all and you want it now.

Well wait no further.

This Saturday is your chance, if you decided to at least go to one Miami FC game this year, make this the one. It's early in the season so no one is out of playoff contention yet. The team may be still trying to gel but the excitement of a new season is still in the air (even though we are 3-4 weeks in). The cherry on top is that the Miami FC are playing the dreaded Rowdies. That's right, Tampa Bay has the gaul to put forth a team and come to our house.

I'm seething. I want a 4-0 thrashing and an attendance of at least 5,000. Who wants to dream with me?

It's Soccer Madness

2010-04-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Striker Likers, listen up. Here's a little history lesson for those who forgot the second coming of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. This is the APSL Strikers, coached by Thomas Rongen and the only Striker squad to win a league championship. I grew up with this team and if I needed soccer gear I went to one place: Soccer Madness.

Soccer Madness held offices right here in Broward County and if you needed some new adidas Copas or that new Nike track suit, this is where you would go. The catalog they produced was a bible as it also displayed top-flight European stars in Soccer Madness gear.

That was a great time, just waiting for my Soccer Madness catalog in the mail, it was better than EuroSport, it felt like a magazine, and it was home grown.

Today, Soccer Madness is a faded memory, just like those 1994 United States national team uniforms. But, the soccer store institution is a growing one. Sure you can score some cheap cleats at the Sports Authority or even Wal-Mart, but devoted soccer stores are the true hotspots for soccer passion. You can find them more often than ever before, especially here in our back yard. With the success of these shops will come pro soccer, no question. So let's give Soccer Madness our respect, as well as the Soccer Connection, I miss you guys.

Just Shoot Me

2010-04-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

SUN SENTINEL STRIKER PHOTO GALLERY (CLICK TO OPEN)

It was a weekend that a league called the NASL played and a weekend in which Lockhart Stadium saw soccer action. It almost feels like a Striker Liker's dream, but not quite. It is the Miami FC who currently call Lockhart home, but the Sun Sentinel know better. They've unleashed a glorious memory provoking gallery with Striker images from the NASL and the APSL days. So enjoy the slideshow.

Speaking of the Miami FC, they staved off the mighty Rochester Rhinos, but displayed the lowest attendance record of the weekend in the NASL. It's something to be aware of, but rest assured when the Rowdies come to town, that number should quadruple.

The memories are grey but they sure are coming back.

Where's Waldo?

2010-04-08T13:33:00.001-07:00

Probably not the post you were expecting on the eve of NASL 2.0's opening weekend, but I had a friend recently move to Greece and when I noticed Freddy Adu not on the Benfica Europa roster against Liverpool I did some searching and found this. A happy coincidence.

Jokes aside, Adu obviously isn't what we Americans have hoped for but the kid is still 21. He's no Messi and if you believe an American will be coined best in the world at this game, you are a very optimistic person. I hope it happens in my lifetime, but truly I'm not holding my breath.

But back to more Striker Liker related issues. Miami FC (soon to be known as the Strikers) take on the Rochester Rhinos this weekend at the daunting Lockhart Stadium. Not a bad way to kick off the NASL in a comfy familiar setting. The Ultras and Southern Brigade have already claimed a section so it's going to be fun to see how the rest of the public reacts. It's also going to be interesting to see how Miami FC itself gets the word out. Their 'head shaving' stunt didn't really follow through last year, but I think the ten people who saw it have already forgotten it by now.

It is a new season, a new team, a new permanent home and new results better be on the way. A win this weekend could go a long way, but also some exciting action wouldn't hurt either.

Let's get our butts to the field!

May 1st Can't Come Any Sooner

2010-03-29T08:12:00.001-07:00

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are coming to Lockhart Stadium. No double take necessary, it's actually happening. It's going to happen twice this year, so don't miss your chance to heckle and boo at Fort Lauderdale's most hated vermin.

Before I get into more details I must apologize for my long absence. It's been September since my last post. I have nothing to confess except that the Striker Liker is back, just in time for the re-emergence of the NASL and a newly revamped Miami FC.

So back to the Rowdies, May 1st is their first visit to Lockhart this season and I'm hoping to see a lot of red and yellow shirts there to greet them. If you don't have the gear you can find some here:

Zazzle

Also, did someone say that Miami FC will become the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2011? Now almost all my soggy dreams have come true.

Look Again, It's Not What You Think

2009-09-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

No, it's not a professional soccer game in South Florida, actually the attendance here might exceed that of some Miami FC games. No, this is the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. This pic is from the Italy vs. Paraguay match. I wonder how South Florida would fare in staging this game. Sellout crowd at FIU perhaps?

Ah, to dream. September officially marks the end of Miami FCs season, so live professional soccer is now in the closet with the moth balls as we get our soccer fix through espn360, justin.tv, foxsoccer, setanta, etc., etc., etc.

But in an offseason there are always 'talks'. What these 'talks' will lead to no one can really tell. Let's hope they don't end up with the, "let's fold the team" scenario. If that be the case, then maybe this Striker Liker will move to Seattle and deal with the winter.

But for now, the middle of October is the finishing line for World Cup Qualifiers, who will fill out the draw and which heavyweight will watch South Africa 2010 from the comfort of their couch?

20 Years, Can You Believe It?

2009-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's been 20 somewhat interesting years since the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have won a championship. It was actually their only championship, but it was a championship none the less. For a franchise that could call George Best and Nene Cubillas their own, it was the scrappy hardworking Strikers from 1989 that did the business, besting the San Diego Nomads in a cross country final.

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of that championship and although there were no ticker tape or parades, we did have an enormous amount of soccer being played around the world and emotions were either bolstered or utterly destroyed.

I'd like to thank FIFA for their Match Centre (pictured above) for keeping me up to the minute while I was at work. Cameroon's victory early in the day started it all off and by 2pm I had the luxury of a little espn360 for some interesting European matches.

Into the night came the games most important to me, although I must say Bahrain's 94th minute equalizer at Saudi Arabia might have been the most intriguing moment of the day - silencing King Fahd International Stadium and sending Bahrain to their second straight play-off to make the world cup. This time out they face New Zealand.

In any case, the Americas had plenty of action as USA and Mexico kept winning to stay atop their group and hopefully avoid a play-off of their own against South America's 5th ranked team.

In South America, Maradona continued to soil whatever he had left of his reputation by putting Argentina in more peril than ever before. Brazil and Paraguay stay atop the standings.

With two games to go, the pure excitement of World Cup Soccer is reaching the ever so famous 'fever pitch'. Small sidenote, the USA and South Africa are leading in ticket sales for the World Cup, we must have some soccer fans in this country.

But back to the Strikers. Sorry we couldn't raise a glass to commemorate you. Instead, we watched soccer from around the world unfold. In a week or so's time, a former Striker will take the US -20 to Egypt for the Youth World Cup. Good luck Thomas Rongen.

Here's to you 1989 Fort Lauderdale Strikers - we love you dearly.

Too Cool - Toronto FC Season Tickets

2009-09-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know what Miami FC's Season Ticket Package looks like? Toronto FC's package is sweeter than sweet, you can print your tickets online and keep the season tickets untouched and use them as a poster (more info)

Oh, you also get game day scarves.

Silly Striker Liker, Lockhart Stadium has the Blues

2009-08-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Blues came back to Lockhart this past Friday night and as any good Striker Liker would do, I had to come out in full color. Showing off my new Zazzle 3/4 Sleeve Striker shirt, I sat next to Fernando Clavijo and watched Miami FC and Minnesota Thunder play a less than subpar match.

The Ultras were in full effect, the salted pretzels were just a little too lukewarm and the guy in the Miami Fusion shirt brought out the nostalgia. It was everything I would have hoped for.

The Blues lost 1-0 and I can't say it was a heartbreaker, the Thunder had chance after chance to make things ugly.

In any case, we've got two more games at Lockhart to cherish forever. Keep coming!

Where Will You Sit Tonight?

2009-08-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

Soccer comes home tonight! Miami FC is promoting the final games of the season with great intent and the players are risking their scalps to eradicate empty seats see here.

Some come out and make some noise, wear a Striker shirt, if you got 'em. Bring the kids, come for the soccer, come for the arepas, just come!

See you all tonight!

And the Dessert Cart Rolls On

2009-07-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Striker Likers, now is the time to rejoice! Our voices are being heard and read. Our little site here, for a short time, was nothing more than a sign post, but the fervor of Striker fever is catching on around the World (Wide Web, that is).

Facebook now has a dedicated group of Striker Likers.

Twitter has also come around with a Striker Liker page.

The Miami FC fanclub homepage has a many Striker Likers in their ranks.

What does this all mean? Well, not much, but at least people are talking, tweeting, blogging, posting photos, sharing memories and that just might lead to something.

Now, wouldn't that be nice?

Farewell Orioles

2009-07-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Thank god that's over.

Remember when, not too long ago, we had that scare of the Baltimore Orioles demolishing Lockhart Stadium to construct a state of the art Spring Training and Minor League facility? Well, that didn't pan out and now the B. O.'s are moving to Sarasota, which not only frees Lockhart Stadium from any bulldozers in the near future but also means there will be no Spring Training baseball in South Florida at all.

Some would also argue that we don't have Major League Baseball either based on attendance numbers at Landshark Stadium recently.

In any case, farewell Orioles, we didn't like birds anyhow.

Bring it Back or Just Start it Again

2009-07-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

So we know we do a lot of history digging on this site and we do it for several reasons. For starters, we love the fact that we had such an experience once and that gives us the belief that we can have it again. We also do it because in order to have this beautiful game again we need to draw on the past and bring it into the future.

Now, we've been noticing a lot of stir lately. More items on ebay. More website and forums with people talking about the strikers and so on and so forth.

It is a time of new beginnings and communication. So let's make this work.

The Fever Grows

2009-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know who this is. But let this picture speak the words of a soccer fever getting ready to explode.

So we didn't get a Barcelona MLS team. So the Miami FC drew 405 fans to FIU this weekend after the Gold Cup doubleheader hosted 17,000. So what, who cares?

Striker Likers will always be Striker Likers, and it's never to late to become one!

GO USA this weekend against Panama. Congratulations Estudiantes for winning the Copa Libertadores and tonight, well, let's see what happens with David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

There is Something in the Air

2009-07-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

It seems as though, more and more, day after day, a fever is beginning to brew. When did it start we don't really care, but the smell is in the air and it is a sweet sweet fragrance. Soccer in South Florida is starting to take shape. Don't deny it. Don't hate it. Participate.

This weekend the Gold Cup will FIU home. Miami FC's season is in full swing and a local is a star on the National Team.

Could this be the ramblings of something good?

People are interested. People are doing crazy things.

But we are loving every minute of it.

One Good Looking Liker!

2009-04-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Digging thru the archives we find a young Striker Liker. One day more will join the crew.

FW: All Day I Dream...

2009-04-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

The new adidas store at the Aventura Mall.

Let's Zazzle

2009-04-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Take a good look guys and gals. Zazzle, an online retailer of gorgeous gifts now offers gear for the Striker Liker. From vintage shirts with distressed logos to hoodies and tanks, all makes and models of Striker gear are available. They even have sizes for boys, girls and the ladies.

Grab 'em while they last. And wear them out. It's an order.

Get On With Your Bad Self

2009-04-17T10:59:00.001-07:00

Yeah, that's right. President Obama is a soccer fan. Blame it on those early days in Jakarta or having to raise two young girls in America. Either way you chalk it up, the Big Chief wants the World Cup back in the States, where it belongs.

Currently the USA bid for the tournament contains a few Florida destinations such as Dolphin Stadium, so this could be huge. The last World Cup game played in Florida, I believe, was the Ireland-Holland second round game at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. I was their, Patrick "Packie" Bonner had a howler and later that day the USA bowed out of the competition with a 1-0 loss to Brazil and a hospital visit for Tab Ramos. Oh, those were the days.

Also of note, let us not forget that Lockhart Stadium is being dusted off for another soccer game this weekend when the Miami FC call it home in its USL-1 season opener Saturday. Some say this is more of a test between county fans, but seriously are we Striker Likers supposed to lay down our arms and support a team that thinks if you put Miami in the title it makes all the difference?

You Would Think

2009-04-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

You would think we would have lots to talk about. An exciting week in the Champions League. The sensational upsets of World Cup Qualifying. Even the impending visit of Miami FC to Fort Lauderdale is newsworthy. But for some reason the words are escaping us. That may be the curse of this place.

The weather is wonderful. Spring Break excitement is in the air. But there is an emptiness. A sports emptiness. The entire world is full swing into soccer and yet, we, here in Fort Lauderdale, have nothing to look forward but the fever of Baseball season. The Heat and the Panthers seem to be ignored. The Dolphins also are still in the cobwebs of the mind. And the Marlins, well, the highlight of their season already occurred. They got a new stadium. Let's celebrate (insert sarcasm).

OK, enough of the depressive attitude. Miami FC is coming to Lockhart. So dig up your best Striker Liker gear and make a presence. If the person writing this post is the only one wearing a Striker shirt, then at least that makes one.

Let the movement begin.

It's Just Not the Same

2009-04-03T14:02:00.001-07:00

Take a good look, the site looks familiar because it's Lockhart Stadium!

In a few weeks it will host some pro soccer games. But it won't be the Strikers you'll be seeing. It will be the Miami FC. Such a double-edged sword this is. On the one hand, it's pro soccer in South Florida. It's all we've got. But on the other hand, it ain't the Strikers, and if the FC fail so does any hopes of seeing the Red and Yellow ever again.

Anyways, I might be there. But if I show, I'll be sporting a Striker shirt and I'll be singing Zigga Zaggy Zigga Zaggy, Oi Oi Oi! Just for old times.

All I really have to say is, "Miami FC, don't rub your stink on Fort Lauderdale"

I'm So Excited..I'm So Scared

2009-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

There it is ladies and germs. The new Florida Marlins stadium. It is exactly what we need. A Baseball stadium. A place where they can play baseball. Professionally. I guess if you are a baseball fan this is kind of cool. And hey, I am a sports fan and I love stadiums, but seriously. Thank you MLS. Thank you Barcelona FC. Thank you John Stamos. And most importantly, thank you Mom and Dad for taking me to Striker games and enlisting me in Thomas Rongen's Soccer Academy year after year. I'm not sure why I live down here anyway. I should move to Philly.

Thank you soccer world for making South Florida the black hole of Pro Soccer.

Where Is The Bad News?

2009-03-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

• Over 20,000 season tickets sold
• An opening day attendance of over 30,000
• A 3-0 victory on opening day

All of us here in South Florida know the pain. Our MLS franchise fizzled out after 4 years. Our USL-1 team almost folded (they sold around 1,200 season tickets by the way). We couldn't even land a team with the backing of Barcelona.

There has to be something wrong with Seattle. There must be a deal with the devil. It is either that, or we down here are so envious and pessimistic that we can't picture what Seattle has.

Maybe if we are positive enough, good things will happen. Close your eyes everyone, Fort Lauderdale will have the Strikers again!

A Model Switch

2008-10-31T06:57:00.001-07:00

So we're swapping chiseled chests are we?

David Beckham goes to AC Milan and Freddie Ljungberg comes to the States (well, officially Seattle).

I'm not sure who got the better deal; the MLS? Seattle? Becks? AC Milan? The Sounders? Arsenal fans? Posh? Tom Cruise?

Tom Cruise always wins. Thank you MLS.

A Bright Idea

2008-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

This week, MLS announced a list of prospective parties trying to get a franchise. That list included a team for Miami with a management group consisting of FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure.

Marcelo Claure is the CEO of Brightstar, a wireless solutions company in Miami that specializes in customizing mobile technologies (mainly cell phones and related accessories).

Their proposed plan uses FIU's new "The Cage" stadium, which according to reports is "soccer ready".

Any hope this new team will be called the Strikers and completely overshadow the recent rebirth of the Tampa Bay Rowdies? Not likely. Marcelo Claure has a background working with the Bolivian National Team and FC Barcelona may want to open up their brand here ala Chivas USA.

But look closely, the FC Barcelona crest has Striker Stripes (see upper right hand corner of logo). That is enough hope for me to start digging out some Striker Liker bumper stickers.

Good luck, gentlemen and give a Striker Liker a chance.

103 British Pounds

2008-10-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that's right. Some guy out there (okay, it might have been a lady) outbid me for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Subbuteo team set (seen pictured here - if you don't know about Subboteo, get knowledge).

What is going on here? Am I safe in assuming, that if someone wouldn't mind shelling out some sterling silver for a replica of the best soccer team in South Florida, that maybe sometime soon the real thing could appear?

Don't call me a dreamer. Don't call me at home either. But I wanted that set. Unfortunately, we are in a bad economy right now and I don't think this set would make a good investment. It doesn't help with the ladies either.

So way to go "kneecaps233" you must be a George Best fan. Now come over here and join the Striker Likers! We love supporters like you. Keep the dream alive!

We don't hold grudges, really

2008-09-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

So last week, the USL version of the Tampa Bay Rowdies unveiled their new logo and website. As a fervent Striker Liker you would expect me to bash whatever these guys came up with, but I must say, I am at a loss for words.

I'm actually sad. The logo is so bad I feel sorry for the Rowdies fans. The icing on the cake is the reasoning behind this logo on their new website here. You know, they actually paid someone to do this!

Now the original Rowdies logo wasn't the Mona Lisa, but at least it had spunk. It was a kick in the grass as they used say.

One thing is for sure, the Strikers already look cooler than the Rowdies will ever be. Ha-ha.

Striker Liker, out.

All it takes is a little...

2008-09-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

A little teamwork folks, that is all it takes.

Anyways, just wanted to get that out there. For all those concerned click here for a short podcast from Striker faithful Rocky Ray Hudson, current commentator on GolTV. He reminisces about the glory days of the Strikers, Pier Street Annex, what happened to the Fusion and what he thinks about Bobby Convey (there's other stuff in there too).

Enjoy.

Why Doesn't Anybody Tell Me These Things!#*$

2008-09-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Seriously, how come it's on days like this that I find this picture? An actual Fort Lauderdale Strikers uniform. I found it on an auction site and the auction ended yesterday!

The kit went for $509 after 18 bids. That tells me that there is a demand out there.

So when are we going to have the real thing?

It's About Time

2008-09-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

You can type in 'Lauderdale Strikers' in at Ebay and you get results!

'Tis the Season

2008-02-14T08:06:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again, and no we aren't talking President's Day galas here. It's MLS Spring Season!

The MLS Combine is done and the Mexicans still can't beat us within our borders. Now the MLS teams, like Ontarian Snow Birds are flocking south to gear up for their 12th season.

First up is the Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake. Billed as a return of MLS to Broward Country as several players are either former Fusionistas or local area collegemen and residents.

In any case, Striker Likers will be in full support so keep your eye out for the Gold, Red and Black. The game will be played at the new Central Broward Regional Park (just west of the Swap Shop on Sunrise Blvd). The game is Friday, February 22nd, at 7:30pm. $10 for adults, $5 for those under 18.

A Feast for the Eyes

2008-01-21T16:12:00.001-08:00

Take a good look everyone, that's a new Strikers shirt. It's going to be everywhere, so get used to it. So far it's been seen by Cobi Jones, Ruud Gullit, Jeff Agoos, and the honorable Frank Klopas. If anyone else out there wants to join in the fun, get a Striker shirt and get out there!

Two new posts? In one day?

2008-01-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just switched from a VAIO to a Macbook. Plus it was a holiday and New Years and just wait, I've got some cool stuff coming to this blog real quick.

Striker Likers Episode IV: A New Hope

2008-01-06T14:03:00.001-08:00

Can the rumors be true? Please! It's been floating around that perhaps Lockhart Stadium might survive a Baltimore Oriole takeover. Reason being is that the Fort Lauderdale executive airport might restrict the building plans of the massive and excessive Spring training facility. Also of note is that Oriole officials are speaking with representatives in Vero Beach who want in on the Spring training action.

Us here at Striker Likers dot com say, "Give those damn Vero-ians there baseball!"

Sun-Sentinel and the South Florida Business Journal both reported on the issue as well as the possibility that the former Orange Bowl site maybe constructed with a soccer stadium adjacent to a new Marlins stadium. Conditions beware though as the Marlins haven't yet confirmed, nor denied, the effort to build a new park there and if a soccer stadium is to follow someone's gonna have to fork over at least $50 million.

Car wash anyone?

History Lesson

2008-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

OK, so this isn't your momma's Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. Well, get over it. These are my Strikers; as this is my post.

I've been getting a lot of heat for touting a franchise that seemingly lasted less than a decade and fizzled out in the early eighties. But lest we not forget the glory we had when our beloved Strikers were reborn and took the APSL by storm in the late eighties and early nineties.

These were my heroes. I went to their soccer camps and I knew everyone by name, some even by nickname (Troy 'Chopper' Edwards being the best). In any case, I just wanted to give a shout to the only Striker team to ever finish on top. We will reign again. 9-9-89.

Thank You Sun-Sentinel

2007-12-14T08:24:00.001-08:00

For those of you who don't know, the Sun-Sentinel is a Striker Likers newspaper. It's our local record and examiner. From the NASL days to the APSL championship run and even through today, we Likers get our soccer fix from the Sun-Sentinel's pages.

Still, mistakes are made. In recent light of the Miami Dolphins record-breaking season, it seemed fitting for some staff members at the Sun to take a jab at our beloved Strikers. Some people still think that the number of points on the scoreboard are directly related to the excitement and action on the field.

As Likers, we know the contrary. So thank you Sun-Sentinel for living in the past enough to think that people make fun of soccer because of "low scores". Instead, you went above and beyond, you put the Striker jersey back where it should be, on the pages of your Sports Section.

The Gods Have Spoken

2007-12-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Italy has been awarded for their humbleness in stealing a World Cup second round victory over Australia with a dubious penalty by being placed in Euro '08's 'Group of Death' along side France, Holland, and Romania.

Good things just always seem to happen to good people.

In other news, still no Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, but you can catch the Orlando Sharks of the MISL on Fox Soccer Channel (they're still winless after 7 games, but we've got our fingers crossed) and the USL and MSL doesn't start still April.

We'll be posting some more authentic Striker memoribilia to the blog, we've got a license plate and small banner.

We Bleed Red & Yellow

2007-11-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

So the question presents itself as whether or not a Striker Liker should support any type of professional soccer here in South Florida.

To answer logically, once devoted-always devoted. But as a wise man once said, "You're leading about 2 things, Jack and Shit. And from the looks of things, Jack is long gone."

What we're getting at is we know there is about no chance in the immediate future that the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers will be resurrected. There will be no more Lockhart Stadium. And the days of George Best and Gerd Muller are long gone.

But we are still believers. Now, when teams pop up in Miami or in Palm Beach it scratches at us like an ugly blister. But that's the problem, isn't it? Support in South Florida is fickle and hard to even come by. This area isn't as small as some make it out to be.

If a team were to play at Dolphin Stadium under a different name, we'd be there though. But only as Striker Likers.

Semi Pro

2007-11-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Well slap me around and call me Suzy! We just can't wait. But why couldn't this have been about the Washington Dips or the Jacksonville Tea Men?

GOL TV

2007-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

The other night on 'American Soccer', it sounded as if Tampa Bay were joining the USL. Phil Schoen and Company were dropping hints about a West Ham or other European interest for a Tampa USL franchise. No other reports have surfaced online or otherwise.

As a Striker Liker, this is bad and good. Bad because it's another soccer franchise not in South Florida. But good because the Strikers are going to need their old nemesis in order to have a complete existence.

Oh the Rowdies are, a pain in the ass.

Thanks for the Laughs

2007-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

We're not breaking news here that England have failed to qualify for Euro '08 by losing 3-2 to Croatia at home, but some stories are just too good to give up on.

What this has to do with bringing the Fort Lauderdale Strikers back to life is quite trivial. All we can say is, "Hey, great leagues don't lead to national team success."

Just look at England and Spain. England claims to have the best league in the world and Spain is not too far off. But with one World Cup and one European Championship between them it goes to show that club soccer and the national game have differing contrasts.

Now we won't go into to detail here because this post is just to apply a little more salt to England's wounds.

Oh, don't they wish they could have an American goalkeeper, just one.

Happy T-Day Everybody! What are we thankful for?

2007-11-22T05:24:00.000-08:00

Well, for starters, let's take a look at what we're not thankful for:

1) The Fort Lauderdale Strikers haven't played a match since the early '90's
2) The last two professional soccer teams in South Florida had the name 'Miami' in their title
3) Lockhart Stadium, once the first soccer specific stadium in the USA, is being demolished
4) All memories of a storied franchise can be found on one website and in youtube clips from other clubs (see below NASL Soccer Bowl '80-which the Strikers lost and the clip seems to focus mainly on the Cosmos, showing the Strikers only when they foul and a biased ref called a PK that so blatantly wasn't)

NASL Soccer Bowl '80

But there must be hope and we must believe. Don't look at the failures of the Miami Fusion and the struggles of Miami FC (great name). Fort Lauderdale has what it takes. We have had big crowds for international friendlies. We have training facilities on every street corner. And we have Sawgrass Mills, what else do we need? Oh yeah, an investor.

It is a little scary that the last four expansion moves by the MLS make it seem that South Florida is some sort of soccer-quarantined zone. Houston, Toronto, back to San Jose, and now Seattle. MLS is sending a strong hint that no one cares about us. But we have a chance to prove them wrong.

That's why we started this blog. We need to learn from the past 15 years of pro-soccer mistakes. We want our Ft. Lauderdale Strikers back! We want them in Ft. Lauderdale, not in Miami.

Dolphin Stadium

2007-11-21T17:15:00.001-08:00

Now that Lockhart Stadium, once the fortress of Striker power, has officially been condemned (for those of you unaware the stadium will be demolished to provide breathing room for the Baltimore Orioles' new spring training facility), a home for our future Strikers seems questionable.

Luckily they are signs of life in Broward County that people want soccer and they want it real bad. Last Saturday, Dolphin Stadium drew 20,000 plus (which might just be more than any Dolphin or Marlin game this year) for an international friendly between Honduras and Guatemala.

Could Dolphin Stadium be the future home of the Strikers? Highly unlikely, but the night's atmosphere and attendance proved yet again that we need soccer down here more often. Can I get a witness?

Nine Nine Eighty Nine

2007-11-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

Nine Nine Eighty Nine. Remember the date.

It was the Strikers only national title in their history. Back in 1989, American professional soccer was split into two divisions; the ASL (the American Soccer League) and the WSL (the Western Soccer League). The Ft. Lauderdale Strikers were powerhouses in the ASL but it was in 1989 that the Strikers took that dominance to the Left Coast.

On September 9th, the Strikers faced the San Diego Nomads in San Jose. After 90 minutes the Strikers were crowned champions with a convincing 3-1 victory.

So just remember the date.

Nine Nine Eighty Nine.