New Jerseys! Yeah!

I’m feeling nostalgic today. Wait. I’m a Strikers fan, I feel nostalgic a lot. But seriously, I just caught a danish film about the Euro 1992 miracle and whenever you start talking Denmark you automatically start thinking to yourself about how amazing their World Cup 1986 jerseys were.

I mean am I right?

Never before did we see pink used with so much tenacity. It was stunning, and the team was fantastic too. But I don’t want to get too far down that rabbit hole. I want to keep things in focus. I want to see pro soccer in Fort Lauderdale again. So here are my ramblings for the day, week or whatever.

Uniforms, Kits and Jerseys

Is there no greater garment invented in the history of mankind than a soccer jersey (or kit or uniform or whatever). At times they can be regal and at times that can be infuriating. But we can all agree that we are suckers for the new kit release (and websites dedicated to it). Just look at the media hype right now just weeks before the MLS kicks off. No one is talking about roster changes or playoff pictures or odds of winning the MLS Cup. No, everyone is talking about jerseys.

Has our soccer culture evolved to a point where we get excited more about the dressing than the substance? Now I’m not saying we should abolish 3rd kits and not do this every year, but we need some moderation. It is surprising to note that the money machine of soccer jerseys has barely scratched the service of NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL teams. It probably is due to the fact people in the old days thought that anything influenced by soccer must be a disease.

They are slowly coming around. The NBA will have sponsors on uniforms come next year with a tiny patch above the left pectoral. This has caused outrage. For the owners, however, just another revenue stream.

And isn’t that novel, ownership concerned about revenue. I say that because revenue is a key factor in sustainability. And isn’t that, as Strikers fans, what we are looking for. Aren’t we in need of something that will last long enough to hand down to our children. It is, if you really think about, an act no less a miracle that the Strikers have been created several times, separately. Another post topic for another day I presume: How the Strikers keep coming back.

I want to stick to want can make the next Strikers chapter sustainable. I’m not involved in the actual process yet (I think I need to join Flight 19 first) but here are my thoughts.

The Stadium

Gotta have it. Soccer is a religious experience, it needs a place for supporters to congregate and watch the beautiful game in person. It needs to be a point of pride. It needs to have history and be cutting edge. It needs to be Lockhart Stadium. Let me rephrase that: it needs to be an updated, state-of-the-art, place I want to live Lockhart Stadium. No need to build a new one, no need to find another location. The location is perfect, it has the history, it just needs to be torn down and rebuilt (figuratively of course).

From press clippings it seemed that this initiative began but never got too far. The water park idea I think is still on the table, but we have to have a shiny new Lockhart to make the Strikers stay for good. And we need more than renderings, because US Soccer fans like only one thing more than new jerseys, and that’s stadium renderings. You know, sometimes I feel that the MLS teams don’t actually exist and we are living out some fantasy idea of cool jerseys and soccer specific arenas in our head.

On the topic of stadiums, my last point. Never put a soccer game in a baseball stadium. I have nothing against baseball even though it was their faithful who trashed soccer the most back in the day. Their stadiums just can’t give you the right soccer experience (sorry NY Cosmos, have a good season). Also, as much as Central Broward Regional Park is a beautiful facility, can’t play soccer there. It’s just weird.

If we were to take stock of what we have that I would deem capable of hosting soccer you’ve got Hard Rock Stadium, FIU and FAU. None of those fit the geographic specimen to be the Strikers’ home. So Lockhart it must be. And wouldn’t it be great if it was all spiced up and fancy? [Feel free to link your own stadium renderings if you’ve got them]

I guess I will stop here for now, seems like the post is going a little long.

Until next time, start thinking how we can guarantee 10,000 people for 15 games. To be sustainable, we need people to show up.

Rosario Dawson Is A Striker Liker, You Should Be Too

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

Strikers Win At Home!

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

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?

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

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

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

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!

A Day to Remember

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!

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

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

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.

Start the Season!

Next posting will be live from Lockhart.

See everyone tomorrow!

Thomas Rongen, Thanks for the Memories

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!

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

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