Miami FC staff is working diligently and against the clock to give the fans a competitive team and while we all hope among the players signed will be a superstar that will make us keep coming back to games, we realize there is also some need for continuity. Here is a list of Players from last year that I think Miami FC needs to keep as the base for this coming year.Paulo Araujo Jr. Forward began his career with the Ituano club in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C, before signing with Miami FC in 2009. Scored his first career professional goal on June 20, 2009, in a game against Cleveland City Stars. Before an injury hit him at the end of the season Paulo Jr. was the best player on the field.
Cristiano "Kaka" Dias Defender, began his playing career in his native Brazil, and has played for several lower-division Brazilian clubs, including São Carlos, São Bento, Osasco, and Desportivo Brasil
Pat "the Man" Hannigan, Goalkeeper, Hannigan was drafted by the MetroStars as the sixth pick of the third round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft but was not offered a contract by the team, and instead signed with Irish side Bray Wanderers. He returned to the U. S. in 2006 to play for the Rochester Rhinos in 2006, he moved on to Miami FC in 2007. Last year he was solid at goal he is a must sign!
Aaron King Forward, The Los Angeles Galaxy picked King in the 4th round in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. The Galaxy sent King to the Colorado Rapids in 2007. Played ten games, scoring two goals, with the Colorado Rapids reserve team. The Charleston Battery signed King after he impressed the team at trials. After two seasons he scored 21 goals in 51 games. In January 2009, King signed with the Carolina RailHawks. With Miami FC he only played 5 games but scored 3 times! Miami Fans would love to see what he can do in a full season.
Jarryd Goldberg, Midfielder, we recently posted an interview with him. Check it out HERE
Goldberg is a work horse, battling every ball with heart and mind. We need more players like him.
Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Defender, Voted Miami Ultras Fan Club player of the year. Kirby was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft by Los Angeles Galaxy, and was offered a contract, but was released in order to make roster room for David Beckham. He then signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, playing five games at the end of the season. Kirby was arguably the best player on the field last year. Not signing him would be a sin!
Tim Merritt, Midfielder, he silently worked the midfield recovering balls for Miami FC. Merritt was drafted by DC United in 2005, and has also played for the Carolina Dynamo of the PDL. He also played for FSV Oggersheim in Germany.
Brian Shriver Forward, played college soccer at the University of North Carolina, Shriver was drafted in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas in the 2nd round, 27th overall. Despite being offered a developmental contract by the MLS club, he rejected it to continue his studies in North Carolina. Brian is rumored to have been in the plans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for 2010. he played only 6 games with Miami but made an impresion with the fans.
Honorable mention:
Players which had their moments were Leo Inacio, Jack Traynor, Walter Ramirez and Alen Marcina
Players we will miss:
Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze, multi position player who held his own as a defender but prefers being at Forward. Signed with the MLS bound Vancouver Whitecaps.
Gale Agbossoumonde, Defender, Now playing in S.C. Braga of the Portuguese Liga Played a few games with Miami FC and we were able to see a star on the rise. Solid in the back except for one blunder. See the video HERE
Diego Serna, Forward, He needs no introduction to the knowledgeable Miami Soccer fan. Diego started off last season on fire but soon fizzled out. Mysteriously was dropped from the team before the season was over. Many of us wouldn't mind seeing him in Miami FC Blue again for one last time.
Do you agree with the players I picked? Any you would add or take out?
All pictures by Robert Scorca
