Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.

Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.

We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.

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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.