Interview with J.P. Rodrigues

A Florida product John Paul Rodrigues was born and raised in Tampa and the surrounding area. His hometown is Lutz or Land O' Lakes which is 20-25 minutes outside of Tampa. He started playing soccer at 6 when he played for his first team and continued playing youth soccer. He was a scoring machine playing Center Midfielder and Striker/Forward.

J.P. went to Land O' Lakes High School where he was a starter on the varsity team for all 4 years. His junior year he went from 5'-6" to 6'-1". This did not go unnoticed as he started playing on the back line as a Central Defender/Sweeper. Twice during high school his team reached the Final Four. His freshman year they lost in the State Finals to Fort Myers by a 3-1 score. His sophmore year St. Thomas defeated them on penalty kicks in the State Semi-Finals.
J.P. went to Nashville,Tennessee where he attended college at Belmont University where he was recruited to play Defensive Midfielder. A week or two into his freshman year he was switched to Central Defender/Sweeper for the Bruins. In 2005 he was named Defensive Player of the Year and all-conference first team. Upon completion of college he remained in Nashville playing for the Nashville Metros in the PDL.
In 2006 Miami FC's inaugural season J.P. became the first player drafted with the #1 overall pick. He also received the 1st of his 9 caps with the Guyana National Team. A solid defender and a fan favorite he anchored the defense for the better part of 3 years.
Upon leaving Miami he played for the Orlando Sharks of the Major Indoor Soccer League for the 2007-2008 season. He was awarded a spot on the MISL All Rookie Team as he played 25 games with 30 points and 31 blocks. In 2008-2009 he played for the Milwaukee Wave of the Xtreme Soccer League posting 24 points and 17 blocks as his team went 10-10.
J.P. is currently playing for the Milwaukee Wave who returned to the MISL. They are finishing up the 2009-2010 season where they are in first place with a 9-6 record.

Robert Scorca (RS): Who introduced you to soccer?
JP Rodrigues (JP): My Father, we both share a strong love for the game!

RS: From a soccer standpoint who was most instrumental in your career?
JP: Two people... My father as he has always believed in my ability as a player and has always helped me pursue the dream of playing at a pro level. The other would be my High School Coach Mark Pearson as he pretty much made me the player I am today.

RS: Was there a player or players that you looked up to while growing up?

JP: I was always a big fan of Thiery Henry growing up!

RS: Were you a fan of the Tampa Bay Mutiny?
JP: Yes. I was a ball boy for the Mutiny for like 3 years growing up!

RS: What was it like in 2006 Miami FC's inaugural season, playing with Romario, Zinho and Mario Rodriguez?
JP: It was a great experience to play with such high profile players! Especially as a rookie, Its a pretty cool way to start out your career! I learned a lot from each of those guys!

RS: After leaving Miami FC you played indoor soccer for the Orlando Sharks and the Milwaukee Wave. Which do you prefer and why?
JP: I just love to play the game of soccer! Indoor is a bit more exciting for me as a defender because I am able to really get forward and score some goals were as outdoor my main concern is to defend!

RS: What is the biggest misconception people have of indoor soccer?
JP: I think the main thing that people don't understand about indoor is that the players are very talented! If you take the time to come watch a pro indoor game you will see the talent that some of the teams have. Our team here in Milwaukee is full of very good players, both indoor and outdoor!

RS: In 2009 your teammate Marco Terminesi and you were voted "Hottest Man Alive". Being a straight shooter I would have trouble answering this question, so for the female fans out there who is Hotter, Marco or J.P.? (See Picture to the right)
JP: Marco because he is Canadian!

RS: With Tampa Bay having a club close to home was it hard to decide whether to return to Miami or Tampa?
JP: Yes and no... I have always dreamed of playing back in my home town in front of my friends and family... But Miami wanted me to come back and play and I want to play where I am wanted and respected as a player. The club in Miami believes in me and for that I am happy to be back.

RS: As a defender who is the player that presents your biggest challenge?
JP: Every player I play against presents a challenge but none more than another. I respect everyone I play against and know that we are all professionals and anyone on any given day can be a tough opponent.

RS: How does it feel to be back with Miami FC? What was your biggest factor on returning here?
JP: It feels great... I am back where I began my career. I have played some of my best soccer in Miami FC colors! When I spoke to the coach and GM over the phone and they said they would like to have me return I was very excited and felt like I have unfinished business here!

RS: What is one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
JP: I love cats and have 2 of them!

RS: What was your biggest soccer moment?
JP: Probably receiving the Motorola Man of the Match award for Guyana when we played Cuba to a 0-0 tie in Gold Cup Qualifying. It was my 6th cap with the national team. Its an amazing feeling to step on the field and know you are representing a whole country!

RS: Any words of advice to youngsters who are starting out playing this game?
JP: Three things: Never say never! Hard work alone will get you very far! If you believe it... It will happen!

RS: Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?

JP: I would like to thank God for blessing me with my talents and for allowing me to do what I love! I would also like to thank my girlfriend Brittany Hipps who means the world to me! Without her support and help I would not be returning to Miami FC.

RS: In closing is there anything you would like to say to the Miami FC fans?
JP: I am glad to be back... And it is time that Miami F.C. gets back to the playoffs! Vamos Miami!

Check out JP's goal at 1:30 minutes

Whitcaps release video with Zee. Compares practice there to that of Miami FC

The Whitecaps released a Video Interview with their new multi-position player Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze and they asked him to compare practice with that of last years Miami FC (Watch it below). Zee is also asked if the fact the Whitcaps are moving up to MLS influenced his decision to sign for the club.

In December Miami Ultra Robert Scorca interviewed Zee. Here is an excerpt:

Robert Scorca: You came for an open tryout with Miami FC. How many players participated? How many signed on with Miami FC?

Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze: There were 128 players trying out, 4 players were invited back to train with the team, I was the only one who signed.

You can read the full interview HERE

Compilação de Gatas do Palmeiras

Caroline Santana - Vitoria

Vote for Burrito! Vote for the Real Football! plus Miami FC info.

Hola Futbol fans! Burrito want to ask you favors. If you love futbol, if you love Burrito's Blog, then please help us beat all those American Football Blogs running against us on Best Of Blog awards over at the Sun Sentinel. Please go to this link: http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/community/ssblogcontest/voting/?vote_for=205#205 for Football in Miami and Beyond to win Sports section of contest. You can also go to this link: http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/community/ssblogcontest/voting/best.php to vote for best overall Blog. Vote for Football in Miami and Beyond and Help us steal pig skin egg they call Football from fish fans! Burrito no hate American Football or Dolphins, Burrito like fish, Burrito bite fish and eat fish and hump fish too! So help us beat them Handeggball people (cause thats what they should call that sport) and Burrito send quesadilla to all you futbol lovers!

Moving on to other news Burrito's compadre Robert Scorca write good piece over at MiamiSoccerFan.com on Miami FC's open tryout that took place this weekend at Weston Regional Park. Burrito was going to tryout pero Ignacio at Miami FC office say dogs not allowed to play on team! Pinche culero! Its ok, Burrito going to pee on his tire next time he see him!
If you want to read Roberto's article go AQUI

Don't forget to vote for Football in Miami and Beyond! Go HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best over all! Let them know what the real Football is!

Burrito is happier then when Uncle Ed give him bone! Why? Because Miami FC have 4 players, Si, 4 players and they are beginning of the teams that will win new USSF Div 2 Championship (What an estupido name!) Burrito can't wait to see our Miami FC Blues beat those ugly Tampon Bay Poopies (Tampa Bay Rowdies) when they come to South Florida. So far Miami FC have Burrito's carnales Zach "Beowulf" Kirby, Jarryd "The Hammer" Goldberg, JP "Macho Man" Rodrigues and el rookie Bryan "Negro" Perez!

In case you forget, vote for Football in Miami and Beyond! Go HERE for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog over all!

Burrito want to ask all you vatos to Join the Miami Ultras! The Ultras want you to be part of the craziest group since the Bee Gees... no, since the Beatles! ...since Hot Sauce at Taco Bell? Never mind. Join the Ultras! It's Free! You get to play drums and cow bell and we have best tailgate in town! So Join us by going HERE

Did Burrito mention Football in Miami and Beyond is running for Best of Blogs on the Sun Sentinel? No? Well Go HERE to vote for Best Sport Blog and HERE for best blog everwhever!

Finally Miami Soccer Fan has re-released the Spanish section of their site. Burrito happy cause Burrito originally from Mexico! Most posts will be translated from English and thats why if you want to write en Espanol then please contact "El Presidente" Pieter Brown at articles@miamisoccerfan.com and help us attract more Spanish speaking fans to the Ultras! GO HERE to read in Spanish!

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Miami FC re-signs Jarryd Goldberg and JP Rodrigues

Miami FC brings back two important players to the team. Read team release HERE

Fan Favorite Jarryd Goldberg returns to the midfield. One of Miami FC's standout players. Jarryd was born November 13, 1985 in Livingston, New Jersey. Goldberg attended Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and played college soccer at Boston College and Boston University. While at college, Goldberg took part in the 2005 Maccabiah Games, winning a silver medal with the US team.
Robert Scorca recently interviewed Jarryd. To read the piece go HERE

The second player that returns is John Paul "J.P." Rodrigues. JP was with the Blues during the first two seasons of Miami FC's existence playing alongside Romario and Zinho. JP is a Guyanese international soccer player who plays as a defender. Rodrigues has played professionally for the Nashville Metros and Miami FC, and he made his international debut in 2006. JP is currently playing with the Milwaukee Wave

Miami FC has announced that there will be other additions to the roster this week among other interesting information.

Miami Ultra President Pieter Brown wrote a great post called "Miami FC Good and Bad", it's about the current criticisms Miami FC parent company Traffic Sports is receiving by fans. Be sure to check it out. It all stems from the announcement of an Academy and fields proposed by Traffic in Ft Lauderdale. Many soccer fans would like MLS to return to South Florida and see this move by Traffic as a hindrance to their dreams. My recent blog post on this same subject see it HERE shed over 50 comments. My opinion is that this move is a positive thing for Soccer in South Florida. MLS is not going to come any time soon. We need to come to terms with that and support Traffic's willingness to commit. An Academy means we will see our future players develop right here in our hometown. It's time for true Soccer Fans to get behind this and join supporters groups, such as the Ultras. Go and Join them HERE

Miami Soccer Fan has also re-started their Spanish Language site. Be Sure to check it out! I will be translating for the site but if you are interested in contributing please contact Pieter Brown at the site.

Vamos Miami!

Interview with the newest Miami FC player, Bryan Perez

Bryan Perez is the newest member of Miami FC. His journey started in Costa Rica. At 6 or 7 years Bryan was enrolled in C. D. Saprissa's Futbol Academy where he played Attacking Midfield a position he would play for most of his career. Saprissa is Costa Rica's most successful futbol program. At 11 is was chosen to be a member of Saprissa traveling youth club.

This was not to be as his family moved to South Florida and he played for Glades Middle School. He went to Killian High School where he twice lead the team in scoring.
After high school he continued his education and soccer career at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he played Attacking Mid/Forward. he ended his career there as the teams all time leader in goals (29), points (70), shots(160), and games played (78).
He is a huge fan of Walter Centeno who plays for C.D. Saprissa and the Costa Rica National Team.

Robert Scorca: Who was most instrumental in your development as a player and a person?
Bryan Perez: My parents have played a huge part in my development as a player and definitely as a person. They were always there for me in the good and in the bad. Victor Pastora, Rick Benben and Fred Schliting were coaches throughout my soccer career that taught me the game.

RS: What was your biggest soccer moment?
BP: I had many big soccer moments in my club team and in my college team but if I had to pick I will pick the one with my club team. I played for Renegades from the age 13 to 16. I was a big factor in why Renegades were winning and had success. As the club got bigger they were more interested in bringing in the best players than making a team. At 15 years old I started losing my spot and my confidence. I started having problems with the team and was thinking of leaving when I was 16. I departed the club under less than friendly terms. Victor Pastora found out and thank God, he was forming a team in West Kendall in my age group. We formed a good team with chemistry and humbleness. We made it to the State Championship and it was against the team that I had problems with, the Renegades. It was an intense game because it was not just for the championship but to prove that a team is made with more than just talent. We played in front of a lot of people and it showed how much this game meant. We scored and were on top, and we got a red card with 20 minutes left. Coaches Julio Perdomo and Victor told me, you made that team now destroy it! I defended and gave it my all. We than became the champions of Florida. I can not find word that describes the feeling of winning that game. That is a feeling I'm never going to forget.

RS: When Costa Rica plays the United States who do you cheer for? Which national team would you rather play for, Costa Rica or the United States?
BP: I cheer for Costa Rica. I am often asked who I would rather play for. Even though the United States is a place that made me and opened doors for me my heart is with Costa Rica and I would play for Costa Rica.

RS: Do you have any superstitions or game day rituals?
BP: I have a few. I can't play without taking a shower before I go to the game even though I showered before.

RS: You played for the University of Missouri-Kansas City. What will you miss most about your time here?
BP: I'm going to miss the moments I had there with my friends and teammates. There I learned how to survive and become a man. I met special people there that I'm always going to have in my heart.

RS: What do you feel will be your biggest adjustment from the college game to the pro game?
BP: Definitely the speed of play, but that is something you pick up quickly.

RS: Did you follow Miami FC before you left for college or while you were in college?
BP: I did follow Miami FC but never attended any of the games. I even played a scrimmage against Miami FC in 2006. Victor coached a select group against Miami FC's reserve players.

RS: How much did returning home factor in your decision to play for Miami FC?
BP: A lot, it made my decision real easy. Starting my professional here in Miami is a dream. This is the city where I grew up.

RS: How did Miami FC and you get in contact before they signed you?
BP: Coach Victor and I stayed in contact while I was in college. After I was not picked to be in the MLS Combine my interest in Miami FC grew. After a few phone calls I decided to return from Kansas City.

RS: Do you have a nickname? If not I advise you to come up with one. If not I am sure the Miami Ultras (Miami FC Supporters Group) will give you one to use in their chants.
BP: I get called BP and Negro.

RS: Anything you would like to say to the Miami FC fans?
BP: I would like to say that I am going to work hard to show my best, and for Miami FC to win games and hopefully win a championship.

RS: Any closing thoughts before we close out this interview?
BP: I want to thank you for doing this interview, and the organization for giving me the chance in the Miami FC family. I am looking forward to a great season and a great experience.