Magic City Soccer podcast Episode 69: The Miami FC and Miami United kick off, Inter Miami CF and Relevent Sports hit the courtroom

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2019/04/26/magic-city-soccer-podcast-episode-69-the-miami-fc-and-miami-united-kick-off-inter-miami-cf-and-relevent-sports-hit-the-courtroom/

Magic City Soccer Podcast. Photographic by Matthew Bunch.

Magic City Soccer podcast Episode 69: The Miami FC and Miami United kick off, Inter Miami CF and Relevent Sports hit the courtroom

Up top! On this episode of the Magic City Soccer podcast, Lee and Matt discuss The Miami FC’s season-opening win against Miami United. Then, Lee gives his UPSL roundup, followed by Lawsuits, Lawsuits, Lawsuits! (of the Inter Miami CF and U.S. Soccer Federation variety. Join us, won’t you?

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2019/03/26/magic-city-soccer-podcast-episode-68-jorge-mas-sits-down-with-magic-city-soccer/

Inter Miami CF managing partner Jorge Mas sits down with Magic City Soccer. Video by Matthew Bunch and Abel Iraola.

Magic City Soccer podcast Episode 68: Jorge Mas sits down with Magic City Soccer

Abel and Matt sit down with Inter Miami CF managing partner Jorge Mas to discuss Lockhart Stadium, Miami Freedom Park and much more. Join us, won’t you?

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2019/03/21/magic-city-soccer-podcast-episode-67-inter-miami-cf-wins-in-fort-lauderdale-struggles-in-miami-dade/

Magic City Soccer Podcast. Photographic by Matthew Bunch.

Magic City Soccer podcast Episode 67: Inter Miami CF wins in Fort Lauderdale, struggles in Miami-Dade

On this episode of the Magic City Soccer podcast, Abel, Matt and Omar focus squarely on Inter Miami CF, after its win in front of the Fort Lauderdale city commission likely means it will play (at least) two years in Broward County. What does the future of the club look like from here? Join us, won’t you?

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2019/03/07/magic-city-soccer-podcast-episode-66-the-miami-fc-season-kickoff-live-podcast/

In Magic City Soccer podcast episode 66, Matt (left) and Lee (right) speak to The Miami FC manager Paul Dalglish. Lee and Drew also speak to Lloyd Sam. Join us, won’t you? Photo by Caroline Gomez.

Magic City Soccer podcast Episode 66: The Miami FC season kickoff live podcast!

On this episode of the Magic City Soccer podcast, we are live from Concrete Beach Brewery in Wynwood for The Miami FC’s season kickoff event. Special guests (including Lloyd Sam and Paul Dalglish) and frivolity are sure to follow. Join us, won’t you?

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2019/02/21/magic-city-soccer-podcast-episode-65-miami-eyes-drift-north-to-broward-as-inter-miami-and-fxe-futbol-eye-lockhart/

FXE Futbol, LLC managing partner John P. Reynal, right, sits down with Magic City Soccer podcast co-host Matthew Bunch to discuss his group's plans for Lockhart Stadium and the USL Championship. Photo by Lee Ifans.

Magic City Soccer podcast Episode 65: Miami eyes drift north to Broward, as Inter Miami and FXE Futbol eye Lockhart

On this episode of the Magic City Soccer podcast, Matt and Lee discuss two bids to redevelop Lockhart Stadium (and have a chance to talk to the managing partner of one of them, John P. Reynal of FXE Futbol, LLC). Friendlies involving The Miami FC and Miami United are also previewed. Join us, won’t you?

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2018/11/20/purchase-a-magic-city-soccer-hat-and-support-local-soccer-journalism/

Purchase a Magic City Soccer hat and support local soccer journalism

Magic City Soccer is offering a great hat! It looks great and helps keep our site running! Photo by Matthew Bunch.

We at Magic City Soccer love soccer in Miami-Dade County. We also love sweet swag with allusions to our hometown. That’s why we’ve created t-shirts and now a signature hat with our “Neon Nights” design for our supporters to rock. It’s very Miami, and it’s a hell of a lot cooler than an NPR totebag.

This lovely snapback will only put you back $30 (think of it as a donation to a worthy cause). If you’re interested in purchasing a hat, e-mail us at MagicCitySoccer.MCS@gmail.com and we’ll provide you more information. As always, thank you for your support and thanks for reading and listening!

Magic City Soccer is offering a great hat! It looks great and helps keep our site running! Photo by Matthew Bunch.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2018/11/09/magic-city-soccer-episode-63-inter-miami-cf-wins-at-the-ballot-box-florida-soccer-soldiers-win-on-the-field/

Magic City Soccer Episode 63: Inter Miami CF wins at the ballot box, Florida Soccer Soldiers win on the field

Magic City Soccer Podcast. Photographic by Matthew Bunch.

In this episode of Magic City Soccer, Matt, Drew, Lee and Abel discuss Inter Miami CF’s electoral victory in its City of Miami referendum Tuesday night, while discussing NPSL PRO and Florida Soccer Soldiers’ success in the UPSL. Join us, won’t you?

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://magiccity.soccer/2018/09/06/magic-city-soccer-episode-62-inter-miami-cf-colombia-venezuela-hard-rock-stadium/

Magic City Soccer Episode 62: We have a crest! And colors! And name! And a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium!

Magic City Soccer Podcast. Photographic by Matthew Bunch.

In this episode of Magic City Soccer, Lee, Drew and Matt cut it up about the new MLS team name, Inter Miami CF, as well as the club’s crest and colors. Omar chats with Chris Wittyngham of Pitch Invasion about soccer goings on. Matt and Lee discuss their “Wifalry.” We relish the start of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition. Join us, won’t you?

Thanks to our sponsor, Groundhopper, for helping to make this Magic City Soccer episode happen!

To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Magic City Soccer on SoundCloud, click here.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bh3y9r/unused_subs_podcast/

Unused Subs Podcast

Great show tonight! They celebrated their 200th episode with a live broadcast from The Shamrock in Sarasota. It was a send off for Dan who we’ll miss, and the FNG, Stephen Cundiff did a phenomenal job right out of the gate. The show is live on Radio St. Pete Wednesday nights and available through your favorite podcast aggregator. #fuckorlando

Thanks guys! The show wouldn't exist without what Dan brought to it & I hate to see him go (though I'm proud of what he's going to do) but I'm also super excited to bring Stephen in and see where this goes from here! We'll be live at Shamrock again next week after the game!

Would ya'll be interested in a mutual podcast collaboration? :) I do the Great Things Tampa Bay podcast and am also on Radio St Pete, and have a strong distaste for Orlando.

Dan and Matt had a great formula...great run to do 200 shows...

Also #fuckOrlando

Also uck forlando.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2019/04/26/episode-200-so-long-dan/4302

Episode 200 – So long, Dan!

On a landmark night for the show, the guys broadcast live from the Shamrock Pub in Sarasota following the Rowdies 4-1 rally over Atlanta 2nited, send Dan off in style…and welcome a new voice to the show!

In this episode:

Atlanta United 2 1:4 Rowdies

Dan’s Farewell

Welcome new co-host Stephen Cundiff!

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bh6kre/j_kings_corner_atl2_v_tbr_week_7_14/

J King's Corner- ATL2 v TBR (Week 7) 1-4

Killer Instinct- Last night's match was an era-defining win for the Rowdies on a few measures. First of all, this reserve Atlanta side was a few levels above the team we lost to last year. This reserve team had confidence and quality and it showed for stretches of the game. Taking the points on the road was never a foregone conclusion here. That being said, this year's Rowdies team doesn't resemble the Jekyll and Hyde combination that home stands and road trips resorted to. Gone are the days are struggling to claw out 0-0 or 1-1 draws on the road. This Rowdies team showed killer instinct in the second half to put Atlanta to pasture. This win is the moment that should assure the fans that the Rowdies mean business this season and playing for a top half seed in the playoffs should be the expectation.

Roster Depth- While many of Collins' lineups have remained consistent with five guys playing every minute of the season so far, Collins has also flexed roster depth calling on Najem, Tejada, and Doherty to give him quality minutes. It has to be comforting for Collins to know he can get the same energy out of Tejada whether he's starting or coming off the bench. He's a no brainer lock to play in every match you need him for. More on him in a moment. To see Collins have a lineup that's so adjustable and fluid speaks to the concepts and philosophies he's been instilling in this team during training. He can move have Morad and Richards switch sides if he needs more defensive depth when bringing Kone on. Collins can also swing Tejada wide and add an extra attacker up top like Hoppenot. His middle can be defensively oriented or attack oriented because he can move guys in and out like Doherty and Steinberger. As the season goes along I'll be very curious to see how Collins manages minutes as legs get weary.

Fernandes is heating up- I've been back and forth on Fernandes for some time now. He's had matches where he shines and matches where he's outmatched and neutralized. One thing seems to be for certain about Fernandes this season, he's the primary offense creator. Tinari does a fair bit of creating but I think it's hard to argue that Fernandes has been the go-to option on the left wing. He's a very boom or bust player but when he's on, Fernandes is DEALING. With 2 more assists and a goal tonight, Fernandes should continue to create chances.

This f*cking guy- There's one thing I imagine every defender that matches up against Tejada says to their back line, "I can't stand this f*cking guy." Tejada has this Rocky Balboa mentality where he keeps getting punished by defenders twice his size and he gets right back up and battles them again and again. He chases guys around and keeps his arms active. He has to be terribly frustrating for opposing defenders who usually aren't being nicked at constantly. He reminds me of NBA player Patrick Beverly who is known as a defensive point guard. Tejada still has some growth to do in his technical ability. He's by no means a slouch passing or dribbling, but he'll need to mature and develop so that he's not only bothering defenders, but beating them by being crafty and elusive. Can't imagine what's going through that kid's mind after tonight. Scoring his first professional goal. He earned it.

Get this guy some rocket boosters- I mean seriously, Guenzatti had himself a fine match tonight because as always he plays hard, makes sensible passes, and plays well in the high press. But there were two moments in the game where Guenzatti is taking runs into the box and is getting tackled off the ball without a shot on goal or chance being created. He's far too slow on these through balls because defenders are catching him every damn time. Just give him a jetpack. Problem solved. Criticisms aside he had a great chance created on what became the Najem shot own goal. Tinari doing the dummy fake was cheeky as f****ck.

Diakite is human- Diakite was beaten a couple of times tonight. Most notably when he and Morad gave up the only Atlanta goal. There were other occasions where he would push up crazy far. There was one play where Diakite made a tackle in the far right corner of offensive third and then played in a perfect cross that Guenzatti whiffed at. But it was crazy to see the defense get by Diakite on a few occasions because it was a reminder this guy is human. He still did Diakite stuff like his dribbling footwork that's unbelievable.

We asked for offense, and so it was given- We now know what the Rowdies are capable of. If the Rowdies are assuring 1-2 goals a game, their defense has shown they're likely to only give up 1 at the most. It's a good place to be at this point in the season. This is awesome.

Great write up!

This was a solid win for the Rowdies! Mid-week, on the road and from an early deficit. Something they haven't been able to do consistently for years.

Those 3 points really gave us boost! As one of the last 3 undefeated squads things are looking solid for Tampa Bay!

Watched the full game on espn+ and was stoked on our overall performance. The goal given up was pretty awful, but great to see them answer back and not take the foot off the gas.

That high press will burn the Rowdies from time to time when teams can time their runs. To be fair it took a perfect through ball to spring their offense.

My monitor must have been blurry.. I saw a backline that gets completely eliminated with a well placed through ball from nothing. Twice, almost 3 times. I saw a frontline that, while putting in work, is completely bereft of ideas or awareness of what's around them. Leeo can get balls in the box. Thank God for that. I didn't see a midfield... Lateral or backward passing when it goes there, but usually everyone booting it forward when they have the time to play a pass, skipping it entirely. I saw horrible defensive lapses made by a disjointed Atlanta side that if we wouldn't have capitalized on, it would have been embarrassing. Both goals almost missed. Najem from 3 yards? I saw a scoreline highly glossed from a flurry of goals at the end as Atlanta seemingly gave up. We are undefeated. Great. Top of the table but teams have games in hand on us...Just get in the playoffs, we know anything before doesn't mean dick anyway (ask the Lightning). We agree on Tejada. He's a dynamo and deserves the plaudits he's been getting. Staying optimistic, and it's a good wave to ride with away wins. But damnit, it just doesn't seem to get any easier watching this team...

Lol usually I’m the cynic. You sure you weren’t watching a Hartford game? The Rowdies played well for most of the match. It was by no means flawless but remember you had two backup midfielders in Najem and Doherty who aren’t offensive creators.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bh8hlr/tampa_bay_times_rowdies_take_over_first_place_in/

[Tampa Bay Times] Rowdies take over first place in USL Championship’s Eastern Conference

UNDEFEATED! YEET!

Holy Crap! COVERAGE!!!

Let's see how long this lasts...

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2019/04/25/rowdies-take-over-first-place-in-usl-championships-eastern-conference/

Rowdies take over first place in USL Championship’s Eastern Conference

Tampa Bay routs Atlanta United 2 on the road to remain unbeaten.

KENNESAW, Ga. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies climbed into first place in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference on Wednesday night with a 4-1 road win over Atlanta United 2.

The Rowdies (4-0-3, 15...

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/bhfn13/j_kings_player_impact_report_week_7/

J King's Player Impact Report Week 7

LINK:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kcs5D_0BPsGORIv_Nf1HPXzxzqpphkIKNdybGRtynn4/edit#gid=0

Couple of minor changes to the document this week in the totals tab. Offensive and Defensive value make their debuts as I wanted a metric to track where certain players are receiving a majority of their points. The metric is simple. Defensive value takes points earned on defense and is divided by a player's per 90. Offensive value takes into account passing, shooting, and dribbling and divides the total by the per 90. This should better reflect which players are making positive and negative plays on each side of the ball.

Doing the video analysis was a b#tch and a half this week with the volt jerseys. I'm glad most of the fanbase think they're awful. It's hard enough to tell if you're watching Tinari or Guenzatti from two zip codes over, it's even more difficult when the jersey's blind your eyes. I had to look at shoe colors to distinguish players. Rant aside.

Fernandes was the top performer of the match totaling a season-high 9 points. He comes off a solid 5 last week. Steinberger holds the lead for the highest game total with 11 against Pittsburgh.

Good passing performances from Guenzatti and Fernandes.

Good defensive game from Doherty.

Diakite's first negative defensive performance.

Tinari, Diakite, Tejada, and Steinberger are in the 5 avg value club.

Guenzatti, Hoppenot, Tinari, and Steinberger are all above 2 avg offensive value.

Stat updates:

John McCarthy has saved 20 of 23 shots. For comparison. Cody Mizell who leads the league in saves has saved 27 of 38 shots.

Diakite leads the league in clearances with 58. The next guy behind him is 12 back.

Fernandes is 3rd in the league in crosses with 47 (Rowdies website has him with 30). Fernandes is also tied for 2nd in assists with 4. He's 11th in chances created with 15.

Oduro, Tinari, and Morad are all above 80% pass accuracy. How Oduro has achieved this feat with his amount of turnovers is beyond me.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.gamingpost.ca/canadian-sports-science-news/fury-asks-for-usl-ruling/

The Fury Turns To Arbitration In USL Issue

Ottawa Fury FC has no intention of abiding by the decision of CONCACAF to disallow it from playing in the USL. Fury is currently the only remaining Canadian team in the United Soccer League’s top tier, and opting to play in the USL means that the team will not be participating in the Canadian Premier League. The CONCACAF’s decision is in fact based on just that: to ensure that the Canadian Premier League takes centre stage in 2019.

Ottawa Fury FC has now said that it will be turning to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for assistance. The CAS is an independent body that facilitates the settlement of disputes in sports, and is located in Switzerland. Its main order of business is sports arbitration and mediation. Whilst the Fury’s decision to approach the CAS may seem slightly over the top, the team has said that the CONCACAF’s refusal to sanction its participation in the USL is now having the effect of it not being able to sign players or sell tickets just four weeks ahead of its upcoming training camp.

More than just a competitive sport decision, the refusal to sanction is now erring on the side of affecting business. According to Fury parent company president Mark Goudie, the team’s decision to approach the CAS is nothing more than just business, seeing that every action is now officially on the clock.

Why Last Year Was Different

The fact that last year saw no similar issues when both Toronto as well as Ottawa played in the USL without any of the governing bodies having had as much as batted an eyelid, speaks volumes more about the contributing factors in terms of the CONCACAF’s decision. Because last year, of course, there wasn’t yet any new Canadian Premier League.

It’s nothing personal on the part of the Fury either. It’s made no secret of the fact that it does support the new Canadian Premier League. And reasonably speaking, it would normally have been well within its rights of choosing where and when it wanted to compete. The fact that it said that it wanted to remain part of the USL instead, at least for now, appears to be what has managed to really irk and ruffle the feathers of the CONCACAF.

Purely A Business Decision

Tried and tested; sticking to what you know. There appears to be no more behind the Fury’s insistence to remain in the USL than just that. The franchise’s reasoning that it should at least be permitted to choose its fate in terms of the immediate future doesn’t appear to be an unreasonable request.

At least the CAS’s decision can be expected to be handed down without too much of a time delay. And that, says Goudie, is after all what the CAS is there for.

Get the BEST ODDS on football online. Sign up at a trusted Canadian sportsbook!

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/food-drink/drink/david-beckham-on-how-whisky-took-over-from-football-22042524

David Beckham on how whisky took over from football

David Beckham flashes that famous disarming smile as he greets me and takes a seat.

It’s around 3pm on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon and the clouds overhead look like they may burst at any minute. It feels like we’re in London, but we aren’t.

We’re seated next to an exquisite pond by the koi terrace at the Saxon hotel in Sandhurst, Johannesburg.

“It’s warm for us here,” he laughs, when I mention this must feel like home. It’s been raining all day in London, he adds, then explains how he makes a habit of following the weather even when he’s out of town.

Beckham is in South Africa on a promotional run for Haig Club, the whisky brand he’s been affiliated with since its inception in 2014.

I ask him if he ever imagined he’d be in this position.

“I think I had many ambitions when I was growing up and being involved with a beverage brand was not one of them because my dream was always to be a professional footballer.

“That’s all I cared about and for many years. Thankfully, I was able to do it professionally. But it wasn’t until later in my career that we started discussions with Diageo. We talked about the possibilities and I said that once I had finish playing we could go into a partnership.”

Having played professionally for just over two decades, finding a way to fill the void of retirement was not easy. But his work with Haig Club has gone a long way towards keeping him busy.

“To be honest, I was always gonna miss it,” he says. “I was doing something I loved for years, doing it professionally for 22 years and playing in the teams and countries I’ve played in.

“But I think I’ve replaced part of that with the team in my office. I have a great team that works really well with me, that does great, innovative stuff. We’ve enjoyed the last few years and I think being successful, working hard are what I enjoy now.”

Many purists insist the best way to enjoy a good whisky is neat or with water. Beckham shares his favourite ways of enjoying the Haig Club Clubman that is perched in the bucket of ice on the table in front of us.

“It’s a difficult question because since we started this partnership I’ve travelled to so many different places where so many mixologists or barmen have made cocktails and different ways of drinking Haig. It’s great to see, but it’s also confusing because I’m a creature of habit; so when I find something I like, I stick to it.

“Three ways, I’d say: on the rocks, neat, and I actually like the new one with orange and tonic.”

The bottle itself is a beautiful part of the whisky. Ever the perfectionist, he played an integral role in its design. “You’ll get to know that when I’m involved in something, I’m really involved in it,” he says.

“I don’t just say take my name and go and use it. When I’m involved in a project and I believe in a partnership, I’m there from day one - to the point where I might annoy everyone at Diageo.

“I was involved with the discussions of the liquid, the family, the history, the colour of the bottle, the colour of the cap, how big the words go on the bottle - I’ve been involved in every process we’ve done from day one.”