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Velásquez joins club after successful 2019 campaign with El Paso

MIAMI (February 5, 2020) – Miami FC announced on Wednesday the signing of creative midfielder Sebastián Velásquez ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season*.

NEWS: @TheMiamiFC sign Colombian midfielder Sebastián Velásquez (@TiaN_Futbol) ahead of 2020 @USLChampionship
season.

📰: https://t.co/rS5hyigeQB#Futbol305 #VamosMiami pic.twitter.com/UCotfEMe2T

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) February 5, 2020

Originally from Medellin, Colombia, Velásquez joins the club after spending the second half of the 2019 USL Championship with El Paso Locomotive. During his time there, the midfielder scored seven goals, while recording two assists. His contributions helped the club reach the Western Conference final, while notching two playoff goals in postseason play.

“Sebastián is a player that has been on our radar for a while,” said Head Coach Nelson Vargas. “He’s the final piece we’ve wanted to complete our roster and we’re expecting great things from him. We know Sebastián will not only be a great addition on the field, but also off the field, where he is known for being very active in the community.”

Velásquez’ professional career began in 2012, where he was selected in the 2012 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. During his time there, Velásquez made 49 appearances, while assisting the club reach the MLS Cup in 2013.

After a successful time at RSL, the Colombian would go on to make 12 appearances with New York City F.C. in 2015 and 16 with North American Soccer League’s Rayo OKC.

In 2017, Velásquez signed with Real Monarchs of the USL, where he would play for two years and become one of the league’s most dangerous attacking midfielders. In 49 appearances with the club, he scored 16 goals and recorded 10 assists. His prolific attacking abilities helped the Monarchs claim the 2017 USL Regular Season title.

The Miami FC will start their quest another championship on Friday, March 13, when they host the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the club’s inaugural USL Championship match. The match will be played at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

*Pending Federation Approval

Defender joins club on loan from FC Cincinnati

MIAMI, Fla. (February 1, 2020) – Miami FC announced on Saturday the arrival of defender Hassan Ndam, who joins the club on loan from Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati for the 2020 USL Championship season*.

Ndam, 21, signed with MLS’ New York Red Bulls in March 2017, making his pro debut for Red Bulls II of the USL Championship later that month. During his two seasons in the Red Bull system, Ndam made 57 appearances for Red Bulls II, while adding four more appearances at the MLS level.

“Hassan brings more experience to our roster, which we’re looking forward to,” said Head Coach Nelson Vargas. “He’ll fit perfectly in an already strong back line and with plenty of USL games in his short career it will help us get ready for a very tough upcoming season.”

Ahead of the 2019 season, FC Cincinnati selected Ndam in the MLS Expansion Draft. He would later be loaned out to USL Championship side Charlotte Independence, making six appearances with the club. 

Originally from Cameroon, the center back began his professional career back in his native country playing for Rainbow FC.

*Pending Federation Approval

Miami will either host Naples United FC or visit Miami United FC U23

MIAMI (January 29, 2020) — The Miami FC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup journey has been set. Miami will either host Naples United FC at Riccardo Silva Stadium or visit Miami United FC U23 at Ted Hendricks Stadium in the 2nd Round of the U.S. Open Cup. The match will take place on April 7, 8 or 9, with the the exact date announced at a later time.

U.S. Soccer has determined the pairings and possible pairings for the Second Round of the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with 25 Division II and 14 Division III pro teams facing 19 First Round winners and each other April 7-9 in the 107th edition of U.S. Soccer’s National Championship.

The 39 professional teams include 25 from the USL Championship (Division II), eight from the recently sanctioned National Independent Soccer Association (Division III) and six from the second-year USL League One (Division III). They will be joined in the Second Round by the 19 Open Division winners from the First Round, set for March 24-25.

As a result of competition parameters for the Second Round, 15 of the 29 matchups will see First Round winners against Division II clubs, four First Round winners taking on Division III sides, while Division II vs. Division III will be on the marquee for 10 contests. Competition rules for the Second Round require First Round winners to be paired against either a Division II or Division III club. Further, the tournament has a universal provision to preclude teams from the same qualifying pool playing their first Open Cup game from facing each other. Each pro division is considered a unique qualifying pool regardless of the number of leagues in the division.

Pairings were made on a geographical basis within the parameters listed above. If three or more teams/pairings were from the same proximity, matchups for these teams were made by random selection. Instances where a logical geographic fit did not exist were resolved by random selection.

Watch All U.S. Open Cup Matches on ESPN+
For the second consecutive year and as part of a four-year deal, ESPN+ will be the home for all Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games from the First Round through to the Final.

For all second-round pairings, click here.

Meeting between former rivals at Riccardo Silva stadium on May 29 to air on ESPNews

MIAMI (January 28, 2020) — The USL Championship and ESPN announced on Tuesday an addition to the league’s 2020 national television schedule, with the contest between The Miami FC and Indy Eleven on Friday, May 29 now set to air on ESPNews. Kickoff at Riccardo Silva Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.

Miami enters its inaugural season in the Championship looking to become an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference. Led by Head Coach Nelson Vargas, the side includes some notable returnees from its 2019 campaign in El Salvador international Tomas Granitto and standout newcomers that include 2017 Championship All-League selection and Jamaican international Romario Williams.

The hosts will be tested by an Eleven side that returns most of the squad that reached the Eastern Conference Final of the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs. Led by Head Coach Martin Rennie, the Eleven count the Championship’s all-time shutouts leader Evan Newton in their ranks, as well as 2019 All-League selection and Trinidad & Tobago international Neveal Hackshaw.

This year marks the first of a three-year agreement between the USL and ESPN that will now see 20 regular season contests air on ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, and more than 590 games air on ESPN+, the industry-leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming platform.

Left back joins the club after successful rookie season with Red Bull II

MIAMI (January 28, 2020) – Left-back János Löbe has signed with The Miami FC ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season*, the club announced Tuesday.

Although originally from Kierspe, Germany, Löbe moved to the United States in 2015, where he attended Fordham University. Löbe was a standout during his four years in collegiate soccer, being named the Atlantic-10 Offensive Player of the Year in two occasions, while scoring 26 goals and picking up 31 assists in 79 games. 

While at Fordham, Löbe had a brief stint for New York Red Bulls U23 in USL League Two in 2018. 

His performances at NYRB U23 and Fordham, which happens to be current RBNY II Head Coach John Wolyniec’s alma mater, caught the attention of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, who selected him in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. 

“We’re excited to have János join Miami FC,” commented Head Coach Nelson Vargas. “He has the ability to get into attacking positions and has a very good left foot. He will give us depth and tactical flexibility as well.”

In 2019, Löbe made 24 appearances for New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship, including one playoff appearance. While known for his defensive capabilities, his pace down the left side of the pitch also makes him a threat offensively. In his first professional season, he recorded seven assists, while also scoring one goal.

*Subject to Federation approval

Midfielder resigns for 2020 season

MIAMI, Fla. (January 22, 2020) – Midfielder and captain Lance Rozeboom will be returning to The Miami FC for the 2020 USL Championship Season*, the club announced on Wednesday.

Rozeboom, 30, will once again lead The Miami FC on and off the pitch, with the hopes of bringing yet another trophy to Miami after a successful 2019 season.

The defensive midfielder is no stranger to the USL, having featured in over 100 league matches for several clubs throughout his professional career. Born in Walker, Iowa, Rozeboom joined Miami FC in early 2019 after spending a season with in-state rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies.

“Resigning Lance is tremendous for us,” said Nelson Vargas, The Miami FC Head Coach. 

“He will bring leadership both on and off the field. We are all delighted that he’s decided to come back. He is a highly respected voice in our locker room and he epitomizes what a Miami FC player should be. Welcome back Lance!”

General Manager Paul Daglish is familiar to the leadership Rozeboom brings to the club, having coached him during his time with the Austin Aztecs, Ottawa Fury FC and most recently The Miami FC.

Along with captaining Miami in 2019, Rozeboom also served as captain during his time at Ottawa Fury FC, making 52 appearances in 2016 and 2017.

On his return to The Miami FC, Rozeboom commented: “God has blessed and humbled me to have another opportunity to play for Miami FC. My thanks go to Paul and Nelson for considering me. It is an honor to work with people I came to have a deep respect for last year, including front office members and coaching staff members, who all made me and my family feel we were a part of their family. I will do my best both on and off the field to help the club reach its goals.”

Major League Soccer’s D.C. United originally drafted Rozeboom in 2012, with the midfielder later suiting up for Rochester Rhinos (2013-2014) and the Aztecs (2015).

*Subject to Federation approval

Frenchman joins from New York Red Bulls

MIAMI, Fla. (January 21, 2020) – The Miami FC announced on Tuesday the signing of midfielder Vincent Bezecourt ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season*.

The addition of Bezecourt (26) to The Miami FC brings one of the craftiest midfielder in USL to South Florida. Originally from France, Bezecourt has spent his entire professional career as a member of the New York Red Bulls, having signed with Red Bulls II back in 2016.

The midfielder has made over 60 appearances for Red Bulls II, scoring 18 goals and recording 23 assists. During his time with Red Bulls II, Bezecourt won the 2016 USL Cup, while also reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2017 and 2018.

“Vincent is a great addition to The Miami FC,” said the club’s head coach Nelson Vargas. “He’s technically very good and will bring another dimension to our team. He’s played at a top-notch organization that is New York Red Bulls and we’re eager to get him here.”

His impressive performances with the USL club have earned him 22 MLS appearances with the first team, with nine of those in 2018, when Red Bulls won the MLS Supporter Shield.

Prior to joining Red Bulls, Bezecourt played collegiately for the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers, appearing in 39 matches, while recording 10 goals and 9 assists in two seasons.

*Subject to Federation approval