USL Orange County SC

Los Angeles Blues Sign Proven Winner in Miranda

Published on April 7, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 7, 2011) The Los Angeles Blues are proud to announce the signing of Edwin Miranda for the 2011 USL PRO season, pending USSF and USL approval.

For Miranda the move is a return home, as the Salvadorian grew up in the San Fernando Valley and played his college ball at Cal State- Northridge. He was drafted by MLS side Dallas Burn in 2004 and has since moved on to an impressive professional career of nearly 150 matches in the USL First Division and the NASL as well as several appearances with the El Salvador national team.

After starting for the Portland Timbers in 2004 and 2005, Miranda enjoyed a highly successful three-year stint with the Puerto Rico Islanders, crowned with a championship in his final season. The midfielder donned the jersey of Miami FC in 2009 and helped the PDL's Hollywood United Hitmen reach the playoffs the following year. After the 2010 PDL season, Miranda returned to Puerto Rico just in time to help the Islanders to another championship.

"Edwin was on our radar for a long time," Vice President and Head Coach Charlie Naimo offered. "After he touched base with us about a month ago, we made some changes to make room for him on the roster. Edwin gives us depth at the holding midfield position, but he's also very versatile and can move to center back. Combined with his experience and his track record of success, that makes him a very good fit for us."

Meanwhile, Miranda cherishes being back in Los Angeles. "I've played at this level for about seven years, but it was always away from home," he explained. "So to have a new team in LA was a fantastic opportunity. I had a few options on the table, including staying in Puerto Rico, but I really wanted to play for the Blues. Of course I realize that's also a tremendous responsibility. Since I know the USL inside out, I need to step up as a leader in the locker room and help the new guys out wherever I can."

With all his experience, the 30-year-old likes the Blues' chances in 2011. "We're looking very good, especially for being a first-year team. Obviously the players are still getting to know each other, so we haven't reached our full potential yet. In addition to working hard in training, we also need to become close friends off the field. I believe that's huge in trying to build a unit on the field.

"It's hard to make predictions for a league with so many new teams. But the club and the coaches have put such a great roster together that I honestly think we have the potential to win it all this year. I can't wait for the season to get started."

The Blues kick off their campaign with a four-game road swing in the Caribbean, starting with an April 15 match at Sevilla FC Puerto Rico. The team's home opener at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium is on May 1 at 5 p.m. against Antigua Barracuda FC. Season tickets, flex plans and individual game tickets can be purchased online or by calling 310-264-4649.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 7, 2011


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