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MIAMI (January 6, 2020) – The Miami FC continues to bolster its 2021 USL Championship roster announcing on Wednesday the signing of defender Sean McFarlane, pending league and federation approval. The 27-year-old has signed a multi-year deal with Miami FC. 

“Most importantly Sean knows the level of expectations at Miami FC and has proven he has the mentality to be able to flourish in our environment,” said Technical Director and Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “Furthermore he is the ideal player profile for our system and has proven himself as one of, if not the best attacking right back in the USL with 14 assists and 5 goals in the last 2 years. I am really excited to be able to welcome Sean back to the team that is in his heart.”

MIAMI (January 6, 2020) – The Miami FC continues to bolster its 2021 USL Championship roster announcing on Wednesday the signing of defender Sean McFarlane, pending league and federation approval. The 27-year-old has signed a multi-year deal with Miami FC. 

“Most importantly Sean knows the level of expectations at Miami FC and has proven he has the mentality to be able to flourish in our environment,” said Technical Director and Head Coach Paul Dalglish. “Furthermore he is the ideal player profile for our system and has proven himself as one of, if not the best attacking right back in the USL with 14 assists and 5 goals in the last 2 years. I am really excited to be able to welcome Sean back to the team that is in his heart.”

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, McFarlane is predominantly a right back but can be deployed as center back if needed. He spent both the 2019 and 2020 season with USL Championship’s Austin Bold, where he featured in 51 official matches including league and U.S. Open Cup play. In 2020, McFarlane was able to tally up two goals and two assists in just 15 matches, making him one of the top players in his position. 

During the 2019 season, McFarlane was able to score three goals in 33 league matches, but his standout year was highlighted by him recording 12 assists. The speedy right back also played in three open cup matches that year, adding another two assists to his total.

Prior to joining Austin, McFarlane had a terrific 2018 season with Miami FC, playing a crucial part in the National Premier Soccer League championship run. In 18 appearances, the Jamaican scored three goals. McFarlane joined Miami after a successful 2017 season which saw him score two goals and record two assists in 29 league matches with Colorado Switchbacks of the USL Championship.

McFarlane has earned 15 appearances with different age levels of the Jamaican youth national team, while also being a member of the senior national team that made a historic run to the Final of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Coming to the United States at the age of 11, McFarlane is no stranger to South Florida. He first studied at the American Heritage School in Fort Lauderdale and after a short stint at Saint Leo University, he transferred to Florida International University, home of Riccardo Silva Stadium.

Below is the roster as of today’s addition of Sean McFarlane.

Goalkeeper: Brian Sylvestre
Defenders: Sean McFarlane, János Löbe, Othello Bah, Junior Palacios
Midfielders: Lance Rozeboom
Forwards:

NEWS: Defender Sean McFarlane (@Seanmjr77) is coming back to South Florida

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍’𝙎 𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙊𝙇𝙐𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎
✅ – 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 pic.twitter.com/639h28RtnA

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) January 6, 2021

Club has also signed Colombian defender Junior Palacios

MIAMI (January 5, 2021) – The Miami FC announced on Tuesday that midfielder Lance Rozeboom, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre and defenders Othello Bah and János Löbe will be back out on the pitch at Riccardo Silva Stadium in 2021. Miami FC also announced defender Junior Palacios has also signed a one-year contract.

Lance Rozeboom captained The Miami FC both in 2019 and 2020, playing in 14 league matches this past season. His versatility allows him to play as a holding midfielder, but also can be deployed as a center back. The Iowa native has a plethora of USL experience, having played over 100 league matches for Ottawa Fury, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Austin Aztex and Rochester Rhinos. Rozeboom was originally drafted by Major League Soccer’s D.C. United in 2012.

Returning to the club along with Rozeboom will be South Florida native Brian Sylvestre, who joined Miami FC prior to the season from Forward Madison of USL’s League One. Sylvestre  Born in Hollywood, Florida, the goalkeeper played for Schultz Academy and Weston FC at the youth level before making the jump to the IMG Soccer Academy program in 2008. After a season at IMG, he caught the eyes of Vancouver’s Academy Program before signing his first professional contract with the Whitecaps in March 2011.

Sylvestre experience includes 12 starts for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union in 2015, while also suiting up for Vancouver Whitecaps (2011-2012) and L.A. Galaxy (2018). In his 12 appearances for the Union, he recorded five shutouts. From 2015 to 2017, Sylvestre started in over 50 matches for North Carolina FC (formerly known as Carolina RailHawks).

Our third returnee, defender János Löbe, proved his versatility on the pitch during this past 2020 season. After joining the club in January 2020, Löbe began preseason deployed as left back, but quickly began to transition into roles in both the midfield and attacking portions of the pitch. His attacking and defensive qualities make Löbe a threat to any opposition. The 25-year-old featured in 15 out of the 16 matches played by The Miami FC, while recording one assist. 

Although originally from Kierspe, Germany, Löbe moved to the United States in 2015, where he attended Fordham University. While at Fordham, Löbe had a brief stint for New York Red Bulls U23 in USL League Two in 2018. After being selected in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls Löbe made 24 appearances for New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship, including one playoff appearance.

Bah returns to Miami FC for his third season with the club, originally joining the South Florida side prior to the 2019 season. Originally from Liberia, he featured in 11 USL Championship matches being deployed as left back in most occasions. Bah joined the club from Chattanooga FC and was a member of The Miami FC side which won multiple titles in 2019 during their time in both the NPSL and NISA. Prior to playing professionally, the defender played collegiately for Tennessee Wesleyan University and Nova Southeastern University.

NEWS: @TheMiamiFC announces the return of @LanceRozeboom, @SylvestreBrian, @JanosLoebe and Othello Bah ahead of the 2021 @USLChampionship Season.

READ MORE: https://t.co/LcdCxsTuRw pic.twitter.com/SHtMAAMFZu

— Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) January 5, 2021

Defender Junior Palacios has earned a one year contract after spending most of the 2020 season on trial with The Miami FC. The Colombian native demonstrated his strong defensive abilities as a center back and will be hoping to make an impact in the club’s back line.

The Miami FC continues working hard to fortify their 2021 USL Championship roster, and will be making a series of player announcement in the coming days as part of fulfilling their 2021 New Year’s Resolutions.

2021 Miami FC New Year’s Resolutions

MIAMI (October 15, 2020) – The Miami FC announced on Thursday that the club has appointed former Inter Milan and D.C. United Executive Michael Williamson as Chief Executive Officer, while Paul Dalglish has been named Technical Director and Head Coach. These appointments reinforce the club’s long-term strategy for success both on and off the pitch, while continuing its commitment to the Miami Community.

“Michael is a fantastic appointment as the new CEO of Miami FC,” said Miami FC Owner Riccardo Silva. “He brings to the club a wealth of expertise and experience, not just at the highest levels of soccer in Europe, but in U.S. soccer too given his successful tenure at D.C. United. With Paul leading the club on the technical side, I am sure that Miami FC’s exciting playing style and its winning ways will continue. Miami is a passionate soccer city and as the only professional soccer team playing in Miami, Miami FC undoubtedly has its best years ahead of it. I wish Michael and Paul the very best of luck in their new roles.” 

“I would like to thank Riccardo Silva for trusting me to take the reins of this amazing club,” said Williamson. “I know how successful Miami FC has been since they took the field in 2016, and my goal is to continue that trend on and off the pitch. I want to use my experience to help further build the culture Miami Football Club has already established, while developing new and exciting ways to connect with our fans, partners, and this amazing Miami Community.”

As CEO, Williamson will be overseeing the strategic direction of the club, with the focus of developing and strengthening Miami FC’s roots in the community. Williamson will work alongside newly appointed Technical Director and Head Coach Paul Dalglish to make sure the success off the field can be replicated on the pitch at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

Dalglish started the 2020 season as General Manager of the club, but in August was called to take upon the role of Head Coach for the remainder of the USL Championship season. Miami FC finished the season with back-to-back wins against their Group H opponents, including a victory over Eastern Conference semifinalist Charleston Battery.

“To bring in someone with Michael’s experience is a clear statement of intent from Riccardo and where he wants to take this club,” commented Dalglish. “I have met Michael and our goals and vision go hand-in-hand. His experience speaks for itself, and it will allow me to focus on my area of expertise which is what happens on the pitch. Miami FC has a way of playing, which is attack-minded football, and it’s my responsibility to bring that to Riccardo Silva Stadium for the years to come.”

About Michael Williamson
Williamson joins Miami FC after a successful tenure with Serie A’s Inter Milan, where he served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Director during his time there.  

Williamson started at the Italian club as the right-hand person of Inter Milan’s former President. His duties included overseeing the hiring of top club executives, being the representative at Serie A Assemblies, managing all relations with UEFA and other football authorities, being actively involved in the player transfer market working alongside the sporting director and head coach, and restructuring the club’s debt. 

In 2017, Williamson would be named as the club’s Chief Strategy Officer, while also serving as Co-CEO of Mi Stadio S.r.l, a joint venture company held between Inter and AC Milan for the management of the San Siro Stadium. As CSO, he was responsible for all key strategic initiatives of the club, including the planning and design of a new training center, redevelopment of the San Siro Stadium, the implementation of a club-wide digital transformation, and the creation of a sports analysis system. 

Prior to joining Inter Milan, Williamson was the CFO (2007-2012) and COO (2012-2014) for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. Along with managing all business units from technical and team operations to commercial and marketing, Williamson was also on the forefront of the negotiation to bring a new soccer-specific stadium to the District of Columbia region. 

About Paul Dalglish
The son of legendary Scotland international, Celtic and Liverpool forward Kenny Dalglish, Paul enjoyed a successful playing career through the ranks of the Premier League and the Scottish Premiership before heading to the MLS in 2006. He won the MLS Cup twice with the Houston Dynamo in both of his seasons with the club, in 2006 and 2007.

After two seasons with Ottawa Fury, Dalglish joined Miami FC in 2018 and immediately made a lasting impact on the club. Under his guidance, the team captured three trophies during the 2018 season, including the Sunshine Conference Championship, South Region Championship and NPSL National Championship. Dalglish went on to with the NPSL National Championship and NISA East Coast Championship in 2019. After this last championship, Dalglish joined the front office of the club, being appointed General Manager in November 2019. Dalglish would take over as interim Head Coach in August 2020.

MIAMI (October 6, 2020) — Miami FC midfielder Sebastian Velasquez has been named to the final USL Championship Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio. The Colombian native has two spectacular matches in the final week of play, helping Miami FC earn two wins in five days.

Velasquez had two goals and one assist across in the wins against the Charleston Battery and Atlanta United 2, while also completing 30 of 38 passes overall.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 15

GK – Rafael Diaz, Sacramento Republic FC: Diaz recorded an eight-save shutout as Republic FC took a 4-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night to close the club’s regular season at Papa Murphy’s Park.

D – Yuma, El Paso Locomotive FC: The Spaniard helped Locomotive FC record two shutouts over the week, winning 12 of 16 duels and four interceptions while completing 132 of 135 passes as El Paso claimed first place in Group C.

D – Duke Lacroix, Charlotte Independence: Lacroix put in a strong shift as the Independence shut out North Carolina FC to clinch first place in Group G with a 1-0 win, winning 7 of 9 duels and 2 of 2 tackles, while completing 46 of 51 passes.

D – Danny Reynolds, Tacoma Defiance: Reynolds recorded two assists across two games, won 9 of 13 duels and made 10 clearances as Tacoma faced Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC to conclude its regular season. 

M – Kembo Kibato, Rio Grande Valley FC: Kibato recorded a pair of assists and completed 22 of 24 passes overall while winning 5 of 8 duels and 2 of 2 tackles in the Toros’ 4-2 victory against OKC Energy FC to close the regular season.

M – Sam Stanton, Phoenix Rising FC: Stanton scored twice as Rising FC ended its regular season with a 4-1 win against the LA Galaxy II, and also completed 27 of 33 passes and recorded four interceptions. 

M – Dariusz Formella, Sacramento Republic FC: Formella had two goals and one assist as Republic FC scored four goals in the opening 25 minutes against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park.

M – Sebastian Velasquez, Miami FC: Velasquez had two goals and one assist across two games as Miami wrapped up the season with wins against the Charleston Battery and Atlanta United 2, while completing 30 of 38 passes overall.

F – Cal Jennings, Memphis 901 FC: Jennings capped his first professional season with a hat trick against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night, while recording four shots on goal and completing 2 of 3 dribbles.

F – Chandler Hoffman, Orange County SC: Hoffman recorded his second hat trick in the Championship as Orange County SC took a 4-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC, while also completing 12 of 14 passes and recording four shots overall.

F – Augustine Williams, LA Galaxy II: Williams scored three goals across two games, including a pair of tallies as Los Dos clinched a place in the 2020 Championship Playoffs with victory against Orange County SC, and completed 29 of 35 passes for the week.

Bench: Brandon Miller (CLT), Rodrigo Da Costa (TUL), Wal Fall (STL), Ema Twumasi (ATX), Fredlin Mompremier (SKC), Stavros Zarokostas (CHS), Tobenna Uzo (TUL)

MIAMI (October 4, 2020) — The Miami FC finished their 2020 USL Championship campaign with a 3-1 win over ATL UTD 2. Despite going down a goal early in the first half, Miami was able to climb back and defeat their Group H rivals on Sunday night at Riccardo Silva Stadium. 

Goals from forwards Romario Williams, Prince Saydee and Sebastian Velasquez lifted the home side to victory.

The visitors would get on the scoresheet in the 13th minute off a fantastic volley by forward Jackson Conway.  A long ball by defender Patrick Nielsen left the striker one-on-one with goalkeeper Mark Pais. His shot from outside the box was too powerful for Pais to make a save, putting ATL UTD 2 up 1-0.

Moments later, Pais would get his revenge on ATL UTD 2 making a great save from point-blank.

In the 29th minute, Miami FC would be awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Ben Lungaard brought down Saydee inside the box. Jamaican international Romario Williams stepped up to the penalty spot and hammered home the equalizer. 

After controlling the remainder of the first half, Miami FC came out in the final 45 minutes with the intention of stealing all three points.

The go-ahead goal would come in the 50th minute, as Saydee received a ball from midfielder Tomas Granitto and went on to weave his way past several Atlanta defenders. When he found space, the Liberian blasted a laser into the top right corner of Lungaard’s net putting Miami up 2-1. 

Just moments after going up, Pais was called on again to make a spectacular save off of midfielder Amir Bashti’s header from point blank.

Despite nearly giving up the equalizer, Miami was able to take control of the match in the final 30 minutes, including a near goal by midfielder Harrison Heath. His curling shot missed by just inches, hitting the top right corner of the frame and going out for a goal kick.

The home side was awarded another penalty in the 72nd minute as defender Jalen Markey was brought down in the box after a free kick. Second-half substitute Mohamed Thiaw stepped up to take the penalty but Lungaard would make a kick save to keep Atlanta down only one goal.

Miami FC would seal the match in stoppage time as Thiaw fed a pass into the heart of the box, which Miguel Gonzalez let pass through his legs to find an incoming Velasquez at the top of the 18. The Colombian took a touch and calmly placed it past Lungaard to make it 3-1.

MIAMI (September 30, 2020) — In a match that saw 37 combined shots and seven goals, Miami FC proved victorious 4-3 against Charleston Battery on Wednesday night at Riccardo Silva Stadium. The home side scored four goals in the second half, to erase a two-goal deficit from the first half.

Two goals, which came in the 12th and 30th minute by forward Nicque Daley, had put the visiting side up 2-0 early in the match. After missing several chances to extend their lead, Charleston would see their advantage disappear in the second half.

Miami FC came out with the energy that was missing in the first half and forward Romario Williams would cut the away side’s lead to just one. A cross by forward Prince Saydee found the Jamaican in the heart of the box to blast it home.

While Miami was still celebrating, Charleston found what they thought would be the goal that would take the wind out of Miami’s sails. Robbie Crawford slipped through defenders and put his shot past a diving Mark Pais. 

Despite going down two goals again, Miami FC did not give up and would cut the lead to just one goal again in the 60th minute. Frenchman Vincent Bezecourt was left alone at the far post after a curling corner by Sebastian Velasquez and the midfielder headed the ball into the back of the net. 

Miami FC continued to push with the equalizer coming in the 65th minute. A fantastic individual effort by the Colombian saw him weave through defenders and finally beat a diving Joe Kuzminsky.

A plethora of chances followed for the home side, as they dismantled a tired Charleston Battery side. The final strike came in the 88th minute, with just minutes left on the clock.

Coming off the bench, forward Miguel Gonzalez was the hero once again like he had been several matches ago. Saydee’s rocket on frame forced Kuzminsky to leave a rebound just outside the six-yard box, where Gonzalez saw his ensuing shot barely trickle past the goalkeeper and cross the goal line. Despite the clearance by Charleston, both the linesman and center referee headed to the center circle validating the game-winning goal.

Miami FC will now host ATL UTD 2 this Sunday in their season finale at Riccardo Silva Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.