Miami FC Reinforces Backline with World-Class Experience
“Miami FC solidifies roster with the signing of internationally-renowned center back, Junior Baiano.”Courtesy of Miami FC
2009/08/10
Miami FL- Miami FC confirmed its latest signing, Junior Baiano, via social-network outlet Twitter (www.twitter.com/MiamiFC). Baiano, who has 25 caps with the Brazilian National Team, will now call South Florida home, having joined the team for the remainder of the 2009 season. The Brazilian center back will bring much-needed international experience to a Blues’ backline which has been recently hurt by multiples injuries and suspensions.
Junior Baiano joins Miami FC after a very distinguished career that spanned three different continents. Baiano has played for the some of the biggest clubs in his native Brazil, like Flamengo, São Paulo, Palmeiras, and Vasco da Gama. He also played for Werden Bremen in Germany’s Bundesliga and for Shanghai Shenhua in China. At the highest international level, Baiano won the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup and came in a very close second in the 1998 FIFA World Cup with the Brazilian National Team. He also won “Copa Libertadores” in 1999 with Palmeiras.
“This signing will help us tremendously in our playoff push. Junior’s international experience will certainly translate on the pitch and give us an edge to finish the season strong. He’s been training with us for a couple of weeks now and already knows well how we play and what will be required of him in this League,” said head coach Zinho.
The signing is subject to USL and USSF approval along with international clearance.
Miami FC will face the Minnesota Thunder this Friday at Lockhart Stadium. FOX Soccer Channel will feature this nationally televised game as the “USL Game of the Week.” Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm.
