Miami FC Bolsters Back Line With Tyler Ruthven Signing

Photo credit: New York Cosmos

Miami FC announced today that former Jacksonville Armada FC defender Tyler Ruthven has officially signed with the club.

“Building a strong defense is one of the most important things to me,” Miami FC coach Alessandro Nesta said. “Tyler has the experience and skills I’m looking for in a defender.”

Ruthven, an Alpharetta, Georgia, native, brings over six years of pro experience in the U.S. and abroad to the Miami FC defense.

He made his pro debut with the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2010, after a strong career at the University of South Carolina. Ruthven entered the NASL a year later, playing a season with the Atlanta Silverbacks.

In 2012, Ruthven joined MLS side New York Red Bulls, where he made five appearances while starting in three. During his three starts on the back line, Ruthven helped New York earn three consecutive clean sheets. A year later Ruthven, took his talents to Europe playing with IK Brage of Sweden and KuPS of Finland. While with KuPS, he helped the team reach the Suomen Cup Final, Finland’s top cup competition.

After his stint in Europe, Ruthven joined Arizona United SC, for a season before returning to the NASL with Armada FC. He would anchor the Jacksonville defense all season, playing in 31 0f 32 games in 2016. Ruthven would finish the 2016 season with 132 defensive clearances, good for fourth in the NASL.

"I couldn't be more excited to join Miami FC and compete for a title,” Ruthven said. “I know expectations are high and I'm thankful that the club brought me in to be a part of it. My family and I are anxious to get to Miami and get started."