We Americans May Be On To Something

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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?