Pais, Markey, Heath and Sam sign up for USL Championship
MIAMI (January 7, 2020) Miami FC has announced the return of four players who join the roster for the 2020 USL Championship season.
Goalkeeper Mark Pais, defender Jalen Markey, midfielder Harrison Heath and forward Lloyd Sam have all committed to the club ahead of its USL debut.
Pais, signed in January 2019 cemented his place as the regular goalkeeper for Miami FC during triumphant seasons in the NPSL and NISA Showcase. Having spent time at Fresno FC and Toronto FC in MLS, the shot stopper will relish our season opener at another former team, Saint Louis FC on March 7.
Center back Markey, also signed in January 2019, joined Miami FC from Seattle Sounders II and the 6’ 2” Washington native added some defensive steel to the backline.
Signed in February 2019 after spells with Minnesota United, Atlanta United and Orlando City, midfielder Harrison Heath became a familiar fixture in the Miami FC midfield in 2019.
Lloyd Sam, a veteran forward with experience in the Premier League and MLS with New York Red Bulls and D.C. United signed for Miami FC in January 2019. Sam, 35, was on the scoresheet in the NISA Showcase East Coast Championship as Miami FC ran out 3-0 winners over Stumptown Athletic to win its 9th trophy in 4 years.
Miami FC Head Coach Nelson Vargas said: “Character and mentality are the starting point when looking to bring anybody into our winning culture. We have a clear playing style and the players we are bringing back are the ideal player profiles to implement our style of play.”
You’ll be able to see all four returning players line up in Orange and Blue when The Miami FC returns to Riccardo Silva Stadium for their home opener against Tampa Bay Rowdies on Friday, 13 March. This follows the season curtain raiser at Saint Louis FC on Saturday 7 March.
Ticket details and the full USL Championship Eastern Conference schedule will be announced soon.
