Miami FC Inks Former NY Red Bulls Defender Eric Brunner
Published on May 20, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami - In what is expected to be one of a slew of new signings due to the high number of injuries Miami FC's team suffered in the beginning of the 2008 USL-1 season, the Blues officially welcomed 6'4" Ohio State University Defender Eric Brunner to their roster.
"Our goal remains to sign between 22 and 26 players to our roster," said Miami FC head coach Zinho. "There are a handful of spots left, and you can bet we are going to make them count. Eric is definitely a quality player that will help strengthen this team."
Brunner was recently named to the U.S. U-23 men's national team under coachPeter Nowak and is currently in Toulon, France to participate in the Toulon International Tournament. That means more than likely his Miami FC debut will have to wait until June 1st when the Seattle Sounders (2-1-3) visit Tropical Park Stadium. Eric Brunner is a strong candidate to represent the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In college; along with starting as the Buckeyes' captain in his senior year, Brunner was named on the First Team All-Big 10 squad and made the College Cup All-Tournament team. "Eric is an outstanding athlete," Ohio State head coach John Bluem is quoted as saying. "He is naturally right-footed but can strike with his left foot, too. Eric is the whole package. His positioning and senses are excellent and he was the cornerstone of our defensive unit."
After his standout career with the Buckeyes, he was drafted in the second round (16th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. He was also the Red Bulls first overall pick of the 2008 draft, highlighting his value as an athletic and versatile defender.
His arrival in Miami will compliment an already strengthened defense partially in thanks to Trinidad and Tobago National Avery John, who earned USL-1 Team of the Week honors for his role in holding the Portland Timbers (3-0-4) scoreless on May 18th.
Miami FC's next home game at Tropical Park is June 1st ("Student Summer Vacation Day"); tickets for students with ID are only $3, at 6:00 PM as they host the Seattle Sounders. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting http://www.miamifc.com or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI. Watch all games live on USL Live!
USL First Division Stories from May 20, 2008
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC Schedule - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Miami FC Inks Former NY Red Bulls Defender Eric Brunner - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Timbers' Little, Knowles Selected to First Divisional Team of the Week - Portland Timbers
- Patterson named to USL1 Team of the Week - Charleston Battery
- Josh Gardner named USL Player of the Week - Seattle Sounders
- RailHawks Goalkeeper Chris McClellan Honored - North Carolina FC
- Gardner and Alas Players of the Week - USL-1
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