Chapter XVIII: "A team that started it" ft. Jeff Bilyk

08/18/23 • 56 min

In Chapter XVIII: "A team that started it", Jeff Bilyk shares his experiences playing for the Miami Fusion under Ivo Wortman and continuing under Ray Hudson.
Jeff shares his experiences playing for the Project-40 team back in the 90's, how it was the precursor to the Generation Adidas program we have now, and the overall talent development evolution in MLS.
There are also plenty of fun Miami Fusion stories Jeff gets into, 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.

Previous Episode

Chapter XVII: "You had to be sharp" ft. Tyrone Marshall

In Chapter XVII: "You had to be sharp" Tyrone Marshall shares his experiences playing for the Miami Fusion from 1998-2001.
Tyrone shares what it was like joining the Fusion midway through their inaugural season, how he got along with Carlos Valderrama, and what shifting from Ivo to Ray Hudson was like during the 2000 season.
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.

Next Episode

Chapter XIX: "Soccer has everything" ft. Phil Schoen

In Chapter XIX: "Soccer has everything" Phil Schoen shares his perspective of both the Miami Fusion and the early days of MLS as a whole.
Phil had the unique perspective of calling MLS' first ever match 27 years ago in 1996 AND the Miami Fusion's first ever match 25 years ago in 1998!
Throughout the years, Phil has continued to broadcast MLS matches including the current Inter Miami season. Phil draws the line between where MLS was (contracting a club in Miami) to where MLS is now (fully backing an MLS club in Miami). He shares his perspective on Lionel Messi and how the Fusion laid the foundation for what Inter Miami is able to do today.
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.