25 for 25: Trailer

Happy Holidays!

I hope your end to 2023 has been fantastic!

Even though this series technically wrapped up with Chapter 25, it still felt as if there was one more episode which needed to be released.

At the end of every episode, I asked my guest 2 questions:

1. What is the legacy of the Miami Fusion, to you?
2. What do you want new fans of MLS to know about the Fusion?

For this "epilogue" of the series, I mashed together everyone's responses to send us out of 2023 in style.

Enjoy!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XXV: "You're asking me to be Blackbeard". Legendary announcer, player, and former coach of the Miami Fusion: Mr. Ray Hudson sends us off in style!

For this whole year, we've been charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable stories of this magical club in South Florida that existed from 1998-2001. We told the oral history of the Miami Fusion from those who actually lived it, speaking to former players, coaches, staff, fans, even the owner himself!

And now, what better way to close out this series than with the man most associated with the Miami Fusion, Ray Hudson. Ray joins us for the final 2 chapters in this series.

In this particular chapter, Ray details how he was in prime position to take charge of the Miami Fusion during their 2000 season, and how it eventually lead to their success in the 2001 season.

Ray shares as many stories and memories of the Fusion as he can muster. He shares personal anecdotes for many MANY players, coaches, and staff and even apologizes that he can't get to MORE folks associated with the Fusion.

I want to thank everyone who has come on the podcast to share their specific stories and memories, both of the early days of MLS and of the Miami Fusion specifically. What started out as wishful thinking has turned into a full-blown love letter. THANK YOU for everything, have a happy holidays, and let's continue to keep the memory of the Miami Fusion alive for years to come, cheers!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XXIV: "This was heaven". Legendary announcer, player, and former coach of the Miami Fusion: Mr. Ray Hudson sends us off in style!

For this whole year, we've been charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable stories of this magical club in South Florida that existed from 1998-2001. We told the oral history of the Miami Fusion from those who actually lived it, speaking to former players, coaches, staff, fans, even the owner himself!

And now, what better way to close out this series than with the man most associated with the Miami Fusion, Ray Hudson. Ray joins us for the final 2 chapters in this series.

In this particular chapter, Ray details how he came to play for the For Lauderdale Strikers, what drew him to, and kept him in, South Florida, and where his mind was 25 years ago, when he saw the Fusion kick off in MLS' 3rd season.

Next week, Ray closes us out with as many stories and memories of the Miami Fusion that he can muster, but for this week, we're keyed in on the Strikers!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Chapter XXIII: "...and then there's Eric Wynalda" former Miami Fusion staffer Derek Workman shares his perspective on working for the Miami Fusion 20+ years ago.

Derek was heavily involved in the local South Florida soccer scene. His involvement afforded him the opportunity to play against that famous Bradenton Academy team, and his involvement got him to the field of Lockhart Stadium.

Derek shares so many of his unbelievable stories of the Miami Fusion, including one where he carted USMNT legend Eric Wynalda around once the Fusion acquired the legend.

We are nearing the end of this special series highlighting the Miami Fusion, but for now, enjoy this fun episode featuring Derek Workman!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

'25 for 25' was a finalist in the category of "Best Football Podcast - International" at the 2023 Football Content Awards. 

I traveled to Liverpool, England to attend the award ceremony at Anfield Stadium and while I didn't end up winning, I was ultimately able to spread the story of the Miami Fusion far and wide.

While I was in town, I took the opportunity to attend a local non-league match featuring Bootle FC and, because I'm me, I took my recording equipment with me so I could capture a slice of life for this English team to bring back to American fans upon my return.

In this episode you'll get to hear about Bootle's past & present and then we cap off the episode with a true stream of consciousness that occurred in the clubhouse, after the match.

Enjoy!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XXII: "It was painful" former Miami Fusion owner Ken Horowitz shares his side of the story.

Ken shares how he came to own & start the Fusion 25 years ago and what caused him to make the decision to fold the Fusion after the 2001 season.

Ken takes care to set the record straight about why the Miami Fusion folded, what led up to the folding, and how some of those issues still exist today.

I cannot thank Ken enough for taking the time to sit down and record his part of the history of the Miami Fusion.

Enjoy!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XXI: "The Reunion" we FINALLY had our first ever Miami Fusion reunion event!

Held at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL on Friday, October 6, 2023 there was a LIVE podcast recording of '25 for 25' as part of the Miami Fusion Reunion Event festivities!

Former players, coaches, staff, and fans all congregated in their Fusion gear to drink beer, swap stories, cry, and laugh in a wonderous event. The weekend festivities concluded with some of those folks attending the Inter Miami game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, October 7.

All in all, it was a WONDERFUL event and we captured as many stories as we could to fully complete THIS chapter of the Miami Fusion history.

THANK YOU to all who took time to get on the mic and share their stories:

- Jim Rooney (my captain and co-host)
- Ian Bishop
- John Trask
- Dona Cardoza
- Jaime Rojas
- Chris Henderson
- Dave Barry
- Michelle Kaufman
- Fernando Fiore
- Eric Eichmann
- Emmanuel (from the aFUSIONados)
- Laina DeLima Rosales
- Leo Sarmiento
- Jeff Rusnak

We're nearing the end of our journey through the history books here in South Florida, and while there are still a few more stories yet to be told, please enjoy this wonderful event which occurred just a few short weeks ago!


In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Alexi Lalas, former USMNT & MLS player (New England, Kansas City, LA & the MetroStars) shares his perspectives on the early days of MLS. Alexi reflects on where we've been and where we're going.

He reflects on his own experience with the 'Beckham Experiment' back in the '00's and how it corresponds with what we're witnessing with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami today.

Most importantly, Alexi shares his memories of Doug Hamilton. Doug, who helped build such a dominant 2001 Miami Fusion. Doug, who inspired Chris Henderson and Garth Lagerwey to have the front office careers that they've had. Doug, who helped shape the fabric of Major League Soccer.

Alexi takes time to recount a memorable time in MLS' history. Enjoy!

** Announcing the FIRST EVER #miamifusion reunion and live podcast recording of '25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it'. **

Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL has been gracious enough to host us down at their venue on Friday, October 6 from 8-9:30pm ET

GRAB YOUR TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-fusion-reunion-live-podcast-recording-tickets-650390564687

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XX: "We went out on top" former Director of Marketing Services for the Miami Fusion, Laina DeLima Rosales shares her perspective of working for the Miami Fusion 25 years ago.

She shares her memories growing up around the NASL, including being a ball kid for the NY Cosmos! She shares how she took her passions and experience into MLS when she was hired on to work for the Miami Fusion, and later, MLS as a whole.

Laina shares some incredible stories of the Fusion, including WHO is actually responsible for the name "Miami Fusion".

Enjoy!

** Announcing the FIRST EVER #miamifusion reunion and live podcast recording of '25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it'. **

Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL has been gracious enough to host us down at their venue on Friday, October 6 from 8-9:30pm ET

GRAB YOUR TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-fusion-reunion-live-podcast-recording-tickets-650390564687

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

- 22 years ago the world came to a screeching halt.
- 9/11/01 not only impacted the United States, it had an impact on the entire world.
- All active sports leagues, including MLS, suspended play while everyone tried to come to grips with what was happening, in real-time, all around us.

In this special bonus episode of the podcast, Al Rooney shares his perspective of being around the Miami Fusion when these events unfolded in real-time and discusses what he noticed most about this special soccer team. Namely, that they were "a team full of leaders".

Al also spends some time discussing the eldest Rooney sibling who helped with the initial clean-up of NY and how his health diminished very rapidly after the fact.

As we continue to move further and further away from these specific dates in time, it's important to take time to remember the moment.

We hope you enjoy the episode.


** Announcing the FIRST EVER #miamifusion reunion and live podcast recording of '25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it'. **

Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL has been gracious enough to host us down at their venue on Friday, October 6 from 8-9:30pm ET

GRAB YOUR TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-fusion-reunion-live-podcast-recording-tickets-650390564687

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.