Chapter XXIV: "This was heaven" (ft. Ray Hudson)

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.