Miami Exercises Contracts Option On Several Key Players

Photo credit: Miami FC/Orovio Photography

Miami FC has exercised contract options on Rhett Bernstein, Jonathan Borrajo, Lionel Brown, Jaime Chavez, Aaron Dennis, Blake Smith, and Robery Baggio Kcira, fortifying the roster’s depth for the 2017 season.

“All of these players made positive impacts on our team, whether on or off the field,” Miami FC coach Alessandro Nesta said. “I want players on my team that have the desire to work hard every day and push our team to be the best it can be.”

Bernstein was named to the NASL Team of the Week a team-high four times. The center back totaled 112 clearances, the sixth best total in the NASL, 25 blocks and intercepted 76 passes. Always active on set pieces, he fired off 20 shots, putting five on goal, finding the back of the net once and notching an assist.

Borrajo served as Miami FC's captain in its inaugural season. He was a major contributor to the Miami FC attack with his passing, completing 831 passes, sending in 90 crosses, creating 22 scoring chances and finishing with a team-high six assists, good for fourth in the league.

Brown, a South Florida native, served as the Miami FC’s backup keeper and was featured on the match-day roster three times.

Chavez was named to the NASL Team of the Week three times, Player of the Week once, and earned Play of the Week once. The striker netted five goals in 2016 after firing 27 shots and putting 15 on target. His goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on October 14 was named the No. 1 play on SportsCenter’s Top 10.

Dennis played 204 minutes for Miami FC in his rookie season, registering one goal and one assist. He capped off the club’s massive 4-0 victory at Minnesota with his first professional goal.

Smith appeared in 30 matches, making 24 starts and played 2,152 minutes for the Miami FC in 2016. He was a great facilitator for the Miami FC attack, completing 704 passes, sending in 89 crosses, creating 23 scoring chances and notching five assists, the fifth best total in the NASL.

Baggio was featured in the match-day roster nine times last season. He won two tackles and three duels in the midfield, while completing 10 of his 11 passes.