The much anticipated encounter between Fort lauderdale Rebels and Unity FC got underway at the Lauderhill Sports Complex on Wednesday  June 10, 2009.  The game had to be rescheduled due to rain and Lightening on Saturday, June 6.

Both teams had alot of support, as again the community turned out in droves.  Rebels came into this game as firm favorites as they had already beaten Unity in regular season play.
The game started with both teams eager to put on a good perfomance for the very large crowd. In the 5th minute of play, Unity took a shock lead when the ball was played to Semi Final match winner Terrence Goldson out on the left.  He dribbled past 3 Rebels defenders before sending a right foot shot low to the goal keepers right.  The keeper made a good attempt to try and make a save, but he was well beaten as the ball settled into the corner of the net to make the score 1-0 in favor of Unity FC.

Fort lauderdale Rebels now knew that they were going to be in for a tough fight if they were going to win the CASA Super League on their first attempt.  They were creating chances and thought that they had equalized when Rudy Lormera, their top scorer put the ball into the back of the net, after the Unity goal keeper Shaw had made a save, but he was judged to be in an off side position.
Unity was now doing alot of defending as the Rebels searched for an equalizer. --Five minutes before the half, Rebels found a way through the Unity defense when Lormera dribbled around the keeper and from a very awkward handle, he squeezed the ball into the net to make the score 1-1.

Both teams went in at the half on level terms.  The second half started with both teams trying to get the go ahead goal.  Rebels attacking and Unity counter attacking.  Rebels sent on mid-fielder Junior Alerte and he came close to breaking the dead lock with a 25 yard shot that beat the keeper and hit the underside of the bar, then fell into the arms of the keeper as he sat on the floor.  The linesman was in a very good position and indicatied to the referee that the ball had not crossed the line.  That was the closest either team came to scoring the winning goal in the second half of regulation time. After 90 minutes the scores remained one goal a piece. 

They went into 30 minutes of overtime.  Still no one was able to find a winning goal and so on we went to penalty kicks.  After ten penalties, both teams had scored 4 goals each, so they went into sudden death.  After a missed penalty kick from the Rebels, Unity had to score to win and it was number 14, Jason Heywood who stepped up and scored what proved to be the goal that gave Unity FC their first CASA Super League Title after being runners up 2 times in the last 4 seasons.

Next scheduled games at the Lauderhill Sports Comples- 3rd place game, Friday, June 12th, 7:45pm.  FC Internaxionale vs Thunderbolts.
Lauderhill 50th Anniversary Celebrations-June 21st @ 2:00pm, Haiti Select vs Brazil Select
                                                                              5:00pm, Village United JA vs CASA Allstars.

Written by: Cleveland Brown
Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA)

 Goldson & Lormera fires their teams into CASA Super League Final!
 
The Semi Finals of the CASA Super League got on the way after a 2 hour delay at the Lauderhill Sports Complex on Saturday night.
In the first game of a double header, second seed FC Internaxionale vs. Unity FC.  As predicted in this column last week, this was going to be a very close game.  For the fans who stayed in their cars and waited for the rain to let up, they were not dissapointed.  They were treated to a very good soccer match.  Both teams were evenly matched.  It did not seem to bother either team that they had to wait 2 hours for the game to kick off.  FC Internaxionale had the better of the early going.  They had a couple of clear cut chances, one chance fell to the usually sure footed Horace Howell, who put his shot wide from 4 yards out.  The teams went in 0-0 at the half. 

The second half started with Unity showing more purpose in trying to break down the FC Internaxionale Rear guard and they were rewarded when they took the lead in the 65th minute with a well taken goal from striker Terrance Goldson.  He played a quick one two with Romario Francis and slipped a low shot under the diving Patrick Jones in the FC goal.  FC Internxional re-doubled their efforts in trying to break down the Unity defense, but even with the 2 leading goal scorers in the league, they were unable to get a equalizer.  Final score FC Internaxionale 0, Unity 1.
 
Unity will now go on to take on the much fancied Fort Lauderdale Rebels, who saw off their opponents, THunderbolts FC, by a score of 2-0.  Rebels went into an early lead when they were awarded a penalty kick within the first 5 minutes of the game.  Striker Roudy Lormera stepped up to take the spot kick, which he placed into the corner of the net past Chad Pastmore, the Thunderbolts keeper.
Thunderbolts played very well after that lapse in their defense.  They were not allowing rebels to settle on the ball and had a few chances themselves, but playing without their star striker Sean Barrett due to suspension, they were unable to break down the Rebels defense.  The teams went in at the half with Rebels up by 1-0. 

The second half started with Rebels playing their brand of soccer by moving the ball around more swiftly, making Thunderbolts having to chase the game.  The Rebels went further ahead in the 85th minute when they had a quick break after Thurderbolts moved up field to try and get the equalizer.  Again it was the big striker Roudy Lormera who nothched his second goal of the night making the final score 2-0.

The final could be a classic if Unity can prevent Rebels from establishing their passing game and countering with the speed of Francis and Goldson.  It promises to be a fitting climax to a very exciting season.
 
Referees and coaches will play Limers over 40s at 5:00pm
Thunderbolts will play FC Internaxionale at 6:15pm for 3rd place
The final Unity FC vs Fort Lauderdale Rebels at 8:15pm
 
All of this live action will be taking place Saturday June 6, 2009 at the Lauderhill Sports Complex.  Their will also be lots of entertainment for the whole family.

Written by: Cleveland Brown
Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA)

     With 13 regular season games left , newcomers Ft. Lauderdale rebels have assured themselves of at least a second place finish in the CASA Super League. With two games to play on there schedule they, could finish the season with a perfect record of 11-0. On Wednesday April 22  there opponents were fourth place BC United.

     BC United started the game knowing that a win would put them in the playoffs , but they were playing against a team that has had eight straight wins in the league and seem to be getting stronger with every game. BC United had most of the early play. And it was no surprise when in the 10th minute they took the lead through Dane Fairweather from a Patrick Satahoo cross. They held on to the lead until just before the half when it all started to go wrong.  There goalkeeper, Errol Forbes was given a red card for a foul on rebels forward Jacquy Dieajuste. Within five minutes BC United's new goal keeper Louis Walcott had to pick the ball up out of his net twice before being able to make a save.  The goal scorers for Rebels were Mario Dieajuste and Jacquy Dieajuste. They went in at the half with Rebels holding onto a 2-1 lead .

     The second half started out very lively with BC searching for an equalizer. But they had yet another setback when defender Chad Green was red carded for serious foul play.It was now eleven players against nine and the advantage was in Rebels favor. Midway through the half, the nine men of  BC United were able to find the equalizing goal trhough Martin Condell to even things at 2-2.  Ft.Lauderdale rebels with there two man advantage began to press for a winner, and they were rewarded when there midfield general Stanly Guirand scored a spectacular goal from 30 yards out to seal the win. Final score. Ft. Lauderdale Rebael 3, BC United 2.

     In the other game, Carib United FC came from behind to beat Lauderhill Juniors by 6 goals to 1. Lauderhill took the lead through Samlal Vidash. But Garwayne Ashmeade scored a hat-trick, while Mikhail Francis, Kareem Gatchair and Jason Stewart added 1 goal each to make the final score, Carib United FC 6, Lauderhill Juniors 1

Saturday. 4/25/2009  @ 8:00pm
FC Internaxionalle vs Carib United FC

Sunday, 4/26/2009 @ 4:00pm
Unity vs Juventus

Written by: Cleveland Brown C.A.S.A

As we enter in the mid part of the EPL the standings are heating up as the defending champions Manchester United have came under enormous pressure form long time rivals Liverpool after a 4-1 loss to them at home.
We also see Arsenal getting back a few of their young talent from injuries.

Chelsea is also getting back on top form after getting rid of Luis Philippe Scolari and hiring russian head coach Guus Hiddink .Since guss stepped in we saw Didier Drogba catch back top form scoring 3 in his last 4 games.

Aston Villa are starting to slipped down after showing that they too can ramble with the big boys of the EPL. I have no doubt that Manchester United will retain their championship as the giants of english football.

They should however watch out for Liverpool as they too saw their top striker Fernando Torres come off the injury list causing pure havoc in the EPL.



Written By: Donovan Grange (CUFC Midfielder)

Last season it was Western who proved to be CASA two time champions. They have been the most dominant team within the league in the history of CASA, played 3 seasons and appeared in 3 consecutive finals.  Ft Lauderdale Blazers has played 4 seasons, made it to 2 finals, winning both.

Western started this season with 9 points while Ft Lauderdale Blazers started slowly with 5 points.

Which of these 10 teams will step up this 2009 season  and challenge CASA previous champions?

Juventous - International- Rebels - Thunderbolts - Unity - Eagles - Carib United - Team Haiti - BC – Juniors.


Will it be 2008 Runner-up Unity FC who has started tremendously well or, will it be new comer FT Lauderdale Rebels who seems to be the most exciting team this early in the season?



Written By: Garnet Deer

Today January 20, the world experienced history in the making as people around the world brace in front of their television to capture the message and moment. "Let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled" these are the words of our 44th President.

As a dedicated soccer fan I've sat on many ball fields watching and observing the same young men from Jamaica, who played together as high school teammates or rivals, show off their soccer skills and talents. Through the years they've had their differences on the field, yet off the field their relationship resumes as norm. Some of these same ballers continues to play the beautiful game however, the time has come to hand over the torch to a new generation of younger ballers. 

As I interviewed a young man by the name of Romaro Francis who has played the game since the young age of 6 from Mona Prep in Kingston Jamaica, I got the impression that although he is in the prime of his young adulthood he is willing to embrace the change that faces the young Caribbean ballers, by accepting the responsibility of becoming a mentor to them. "Nothing is impossible, put 150% into your game because you never know who is watching. Live your dream and you will benefit with good results". These words coincided so well with the powerful message our President has been preaching throughout his campaign "YES, WE CAN"

Today our new President, Barack Obama challenges each us to make a change. The Caribbean community of South Florida ballers may be a small spec to the nation but, for the love of the game we can and will do our part to contribute to the rebuilding of a brighter and promising future.  

Kaka for $120 million pounds to set transfer history, isn't that too much money when Real Madrid only offered Manchester United $85 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, a player like Ronaldo who dominated the English Premiere (EPL) and UEFA Champions League?
 
Manchester City intends to spend so much money for Kaka to help them finish within the top 4 in this 2009 EPL season. Although Kaka joined AC Milan in 2003 and has only won one Serie A  and one Champions League  title in 5 years while playing amongst world class teammates.
 
If this deal goes through, going to England will be the biggest test of his career, only because the fans of Man city will be expecting future EPL and Champions League titles for that amount of money.

Remember, the world record transfer fee for Zinedine Zidane of $47.2 million pounds from Juventus to Real Madrid. Real Madrid only won one La Liga and Champions League title in 5 years with Zidane and he was Fifa 3 times World Player of the Year.  

If Kaka only produce 1 title in 5 years while playing for AC Milan, do you think Man City fans expectations are too high? 

How much more money will Man City have to spend to meet their clubs expectations?
 
And does Kaka really worth $120 million pounds? 


Written by: Garnet Deer

Saturday January 10, 2009 CASA had their 5th grand opening ceremony at the Lauderhill Sports Complex, I must say it was  "GRAND" the young female teams played a spectacular game, a young man jokingly said to his friend "# 97 crossed the ball better than you" young, old, black, white the crowd was very diversified yet all enjoyed what they came to see. 

According to the President  of CASA, Mr. Richard Campbell " We are now proud members of Florida Soccer Association (FSSA) and the United State Soccer Federation..having the opportunity to participate in all state organized competition.. as voting members" 

The premier event was very entertaining, the high school marching band performed just as good if not better than any college band, they lead out all 12 teams entered to play this 2009 soccer season. The teams proudly showed off their new gears in a organized manner.
 
Of course, the final game was played by Western United from Ft Lauderdale,CASA 2008 defending champions and Reno form Atlanta. That was an awesome game, of course the home team lost 2-3 to Reno, but take nothing away from Western, they put on a heck of a show. 

Thumbs up to CASA, its commited board members and sponsors, our Caribbean Soccer Community has been waiting a long time for this. 

CASA members would love to hear from you, send your comments or opinion.


  

Where my vibrant entrepreneurs at?

The future is so bright for so many young Caribbean Americans who are seeking to acquire a slice of the American Pie. Why do I say this? Well, how many individuals do you know has an idea but don't know the first step to take to make that idea a reality. When I first got the vision to start my own business the first thing I did was write it down, of course I didn’t believe I had it in me to take that step, but with the words of wisdom my grandmother instilled in me "If you have faith of a mustard seed all things are possible" I began to believe in myself, from that point I knew no one could stop me but me.

Publix founder, George W. Jenkins went against the odds during the great depression in the late 1920s early 30’s, and used his last savings to open his first Publix store in 1930 (Wikipedia, 08). Currently our economic crisis are no different than the 1920’s great depression, However, If Mr. Jenkins known as the risk taker took such a wise risk, why not you? Publix is now the largest customer friendly grocery store within Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. 

As I look around the Caribbean Community I see a need to be of assistance to those who already began to make their dream a reality, or those who don't know where to begin.  With 16 years of managerial experience and a Bachelor of Science degree, being a current student completing my MBA in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), I am whiling to bundle my knowledge and experience to be of assistance to the small businesses within the Caribbean community. I will strategically assist with the individual business marketing needs, seeking expansion in today’s competitive market while achieving the maximum profit possible for the business.

Publix’s sales for the fiscal year ended Dec. 2007, were $23 billion. (Publix News Room, 2008). Compare to $120,000 in sales five years after George W. Jenkins opened the first Publix store.

He Did It, So Can You!!

What was it like for you while growing up in the island? As a little girl my sister and I used to travel on the train from Kingston to St Elizabeth every summer. Each year I looked forward to the trip because my mom would buy us pepper shrimp at the nearest railroad road station. We would immediately devour the shrimps because they were delicious, then we ate the sweetest peeled oranges to quickly eased the hot peppery taste.

This past February, I had the pleasure of visiting my roots (Ipswich, St Elizabeth). Upon returning I labeled the trip “My reality check”. The reason is, the last summer I visited St Elizabeth was over 20 years ago, not only was the train a distant memory, the tracks and rails were broken and rotted. I experienced such a sudden world wind of emotions that words could not explain, only because, for all the years I’ve gone back to Jamaica on vacation I failed to visit the place of my ancestry, the beautiful mango eating and sweet pine bearing St. Elizabeth.

What’s your story?