Miami FC Signs Midfielder Blake Smith, Defender Brad Rusin

Miami FC has announced the signings of Brad Rusin and Blake Smith ahead of its inaugural NASL season. The news comes just days after the club unveiled its first three players - Dane Richards, Jaime Chavez and Wilson Palacios - at its kit launch event. Rusin and Smith add high-level experience to the club's roster, which now sits at five players. 

“I’m excited to have Brad Rusin and Blake Smith as a part of the team. We are assembling a high caliber group of players that will make Miami FC a team to watch,” said Miami FC head coach Alessandro Nesta.

Rusin, who is a defender, has played in over 125 professional matches. His professional career includes time with the Carolina RailHawks (NASL),  HB Køge (Denmark), Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS), Orlando City (USL PRO), Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) and San Antonio Scorpions (NASL). Rusin attended the famed IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before playing in colleage at UCLA. He trained with the English Premier League’s Bolton Wanderers and made his professional debut with the RailHawks in 2009.

American midfielder Blake Smith comes from the Swiss side Yverdon-Sport in the 1. Liga Classic. He has previously played for the Montreal Impact and Indy Eleven. In 2013, Smith was selected 8th overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by the Montreal Impact. He made his professional debut the same year against Sporting Kansas City.