25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it

In Chapter XI: "It was magic" former community relations coordinator and "team mom". Dona Cardoza shares her experiences from all four years with the Miami Fusion!

Dona shares what it was like working for the Fusion for all four of those years and how she ended up working for the team simply by being across the hall from their offices 25 years ago!

Dona shares her passion for the team, what it meant for her to invest in the guys' lives, and her perspective on what the legacy of the Miami Fusion should be.

Enjoy!

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.

On this bonus episode of the podcast, host Joe Shaw, former captain Jim Rooney, and former coach John Trask were all guests on the 'Good Seats Still Available' podcast back on Monday, May 29.

Joe shared the genesis of the podcast while Jim & John shared their stories and perspectives of the Miami Fusion on this sports history podcast.

We cannot thank host Tim Hanlon and then entire GSSA crew for having Joe, Jim, and John on the show, and if you want to keep up with all the stories they're covering please go visit them at https://www.goodseatsstillavailable.com

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 X: "Diego didn't have an ACL!" former athletic trainer and eventual strength & conditioning coach, Jaime Rojas, shares his experiences from all four years with the Miami Fusion!

Jaime shares what it was like working for the Fusion for all four of those years and how he was baptized by fire immediately with team. 

Jaime also discusses several memorable injury/recovery stories featuring Jeff Cassar, Ian Bishop, and a Velociraptor named "Jim Rooney"!

Enjoy!

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 IX: "It comes down to moments" current Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director of Inter Miami and former Miami Fusion player Chris Henderson shares his perspective playing for the Fusion during their magical Supporter's Shield-winning season back in 2001.

Chris shares what it was like going from winning the domestic double in Kansas City the year prior to heading down to south Florida with Preki!

He discusses some advice he received early on which clued him in to what may have been just around the corner at the end of the 2001 season, and how he was excited to return to south Florida with Inter Miami so he could bring his career full circle!

Enjoy!

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 VIII: "Peacocks and double wides" current Atlanta United President and CEO and former Miami Fusion goalkeeper Garth Lagerwey shares his perspective playing for Miami back in 1999 & 2000.

Garth shares what it was like playing soccer in South Florida, what the atmosphere was like back then, how MLS has grown significantly since that time and how Doug Hamilton served as a mentor for Garth and helped lay the foundation for the fantastic executive career he's had to-date!

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 VII: "You make your own luck" long-time South Florida Sun-Sentinel soccer columnist Jeff Rusnak shares his perspective covering soccer in South Florida for several decades INCLUDING the Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer.

Jeff discusses the connective tissue between the Fusion and the NASL's Fort Lauderdale Strikers, and how Ray Hudson is the central character in the story of soccer in south Florida.

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 VI: "Let me set the record straight" current International Communications rep with Major League Soccer (MLS) / Soccer United Marketing (SUM) and former PR rep/Jack of all trades/"PT Barnum of Soccer" Gabe Gabor takes us deep into the 'unbelievable" aspects of all things Miami Fusion!

Gabe shares a few different unbelievable stories in this episode which include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. KC dollar night
2. Lockhart construction workers sleepover!
3. Picking up Carlos Valderrama (and entourage) at the airport
4. Almost not hiring iconic Ray Hudson to do commentary for the Fusion
5. Additional details from that memorable "Saginaw, Michigan" US Open Cup game
6. Accidentally getting the first Miami Fusion coach fired?

And SO.MUCH.MORE!

It's a truly incredible episode, and we cannot thank Gabe enough for sharing his stories with us.

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 V: "Fine, I'll score goals" the 2001 MLS Scoring Champion AND league MVP Alex Pineda Chacon shares his perspective participating as a key figure in that magical 2001 season for the Miami Fusion.

Alex shares his early interactions with Miami a few years before he finally came to the team, how he ended up playing in MLS, and why he begrudgingly accepted his role to 'score goals' when he was used to being the playmaker on the team, not the goalscorer.

It was an absolute delight to welcome this legend to the podcast, enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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.

On this bonus episode of the podcast, host Joe Shaw was a guest on the Battered Herons show back on Wednesday, April 12. 

Joe talked about his personal life, what initially made him such a soccer and MLS fan, what drew him to be a fan of the Miami Fusion, and why this podcast project means so much to him.

We cannot thank the Battered Herons enough for having Joe on the show, and if you want to keep up with Inter Miami this season please go follow the Battered Herons at https://www.youtube.com/@batteredherons

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 IV: "Finally, I have a team" El Presidente himself, Fernando Fiore, shares his perspective on what it was like covering the Miami Fusion throughout their run in MLS. While hosting Republica Deportiva on Univision every Sunday he was uniquely positioned to push the Miami Fusion and Major League Soccer to a new soccer-loving audience.

Fernando shares the dismay he felt at losing both the NY Cosmos and the Miami Fusion, and why he's fervently pushed for broader acceptance of soccer in the United States to help grow the game globally.

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 III: "Can you work with pros?" former assistant coach John Trask shares his stories of coaching the Fusion alongside Ray Hudson during both the 2000 & 2001 seasons.

John shares a few different unbelievable stories in this episode which include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The unique job interview John had for Ray Hudson in 2000
2. Playing the Michigan Bucks (a PDL team) in Saginaw, MI during the '00 US Open Cup
3. The range of emotions in the room when the Fusion were contracted, via conference call, at the end of the '01 season

It's a truly incredible episode, and we cannot thank John enough for sharing his stories with us.

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 II: "We liked to win" former starting goalkeeper Jeff Cassar shares his stories of playing for the Miami Fusion. Jeff started in net 25 years ago for the Fusion's first-ever game. Having been one of only a handful of players who were in Miami all 4 seasons, Jeff has a unique perspective on the trajectory of the team.

In this episode, Jeff shares his perspective on what it was like to play soccer in South Florida, what it meant to be part of that Supporter's Shield winning season, and how he helped mentor a young goalie by the name of Nick Rimando all the way up to an eventual MLS Cup Championship performance with Real Salt Lake in 2009.

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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.

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league.

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 I: "You're the worst coach I've ever had" former captain Jim Rooney shares his perspective on playing for the Miami Fusion. Despite not being an original member of the squad, Rooney immediately asserted himself as the de facto captain from the moment he stepped on the pitch.

In this episode, Jim shares his perspective on why Miami were ahead of their team, what it was like to be coached by Ray Hudson, and the behind the scenes details of THAT iconic sports bra goal celebration moment from the 2001 MLS All-Star game.

Enjoy!

25 years ago, on March 15, 1998, the Miami Fusion kicked off their opening game in MLS' 3rd season, becoming one of the 2 expansion teams in this ever-growing professional league. 

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 Tampa Bay Mutiny. 

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!