Welcome to the newest addition of Lancaster's Latest!

A 30 year dormant volcano has just erupted in South Florida. The rebirth of one of US Soccer's oldest and most famous clubs is finally here.  The wait is over Striker fans. We're back!!!

What the Strikers represent on and off the field is a huge part of Ft. Lauderdale's history. And that was proven on April 9th, 2011 at our home opener when an army 6,500 yellow and red hooped fans came out and cheered on their Strikers. It was truly an amazing experience... from the tailgating and the band to the fun games and festivities, and let's not forget to mention the two sky divers that landed on the field with the flags and match ball.  All the players were honored to be a part of this memorable  day and to represent this great football club. Ok I have to mention it... I was fortunate enough to score the first goal of this new beginning, but I would have gladly traded it for 3 points.

Last Friday we welcomed the Minnesota Stars with another great crowd of 4,500 strong. We are beginning to come together as a team and played much better soccer. We were very unlucky not to take all three points.

Ok one of the funniest and most bizarre things that I have ever seen in my playing days happened against Minnesota. Because of the funniness of the situation, the person is going to stay anonymous. As most of you know, Chacho scored a great PK in the last seconds to tie the game at 1-1. As soon as the ball hit the back of the net, one of our players (not Chacho) ran 70 yards down the field to the fans and took his top off and was throwing it around as if he had scored. To make matters even worse, the player thought we were winning... Now, you can't beat that kind of passion and emotion, but it did take the 4,500 fans a little by surprise....

A few of the lads got a little excited the other day in practice. We all thought one of the Striker Girls had moved into our locker room, but we were sorely dissappointed when we found out the locker belonged to our young pretty-boy, Mr. Santamaria (Monolo off Scar Face).  Moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, face masks, nail files, 5 mirrors  and 3 hair brushes were all found. (video link below) All the lads are collecting money so we can buy a suitcase for all Monolo's beauty condiments....

Wayne Rooney has just finished his 2 match ban for being a naughty boy while playing for Manchester United. And our very own Rooney (no relation) found himself in a little hot water last Friday as he was the first to receive his marching orders in 2011.  Now 50 years ago when Jim was orchestrating the midfield for the Fusion, he was known for his tough tackling and aggressive plays. And you would have understood his early exit, but as Jim is now a coach, you would have thought it was impossible.. Right? Wrong!!! All the boys were taking bets who would get the first Red. My name got thrown around with Mr. Kirby and Mr. Lennon, but with the last name being Rooney, there was only one outcome. Apparently Jim and the referee were arguing about a bad call. Jim later confessed that he wanted to get to the locker room early before the lads so he could try out Mr. Santamaria's new anti-aging cream....

We are on the road for 4 games. Then we come back to face our arch rivals, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The rivalry has defiantly got the European flair, and we know how much Derby games mean to the Strikers, and so come on out May 14th and get behind your Strikers!

I want to again recognize and thank the Striker organization for the hard work and endeavor that was put into the first two games. With the committed and passionate staff, personnel, fans and players involved, the Strikers are destined for great things....

'Till next time... Go Strikers!

UPDATE:  We went to Atlanta and got three important road points. We want to thank all the Strikers fans that made the trip up to support the team. You were louder than the Atlanta FANS!!!!