Ben Sweat, the first overall pick in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft, is the tenth player signed to Inter Miami CF’s inaugural roster. The 28-year-old defender was selected from New York City FC where he spent the last three seasons.
"Ben is a Florida guy, played at USF, so I had seen him back then, so that was one factor for us," said Inter Miami CF Sporting Director Paul McDonough.
Sweat is a 6-foot-2 left back who is capable both in and out of possession. His 175-pound frame allows him to impose his will on the defensive end, while his touch and passing have helped him produce in attack as well. He has tallied nine assists in the MLS, including a career-best six assists in the 2017 season.
Sweat made two U.S. Men’s National Team appearances in 2018, appearing against Colombia and Peru. The defender is also a veteran of the American soccer system, previously playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL, the Dayton Dutch Lions in the USL Championship, the Columbus Crew in the MLS, Reading United in USL League Two and VSI Tampa Bay FC in USL League Two.
Prior to the start of his professional career, the Florida native played NCAA Division I soccer at the University of South Florida. In four years at the school Sweat played in a school-record 78 games. As a senior he was named All-AAC First Team.
