Inter Miami CF today acquired five new players in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft ahead of its inaugural season in a fan celebration live from the Club's headquarters.
With the No. 1 pick in the Expansion Draft, Inter Miami selected defender Ben Sweat from New York City FC, followed by defender Alvas Powell from FC Cincinnati, midfielder Lee Nguyen from LAFC, midfielder Luis Argudo from Columbus Crew SC and goalkeeper Bryan Meredith from Seattle Sounders FC.
“We’re excited about what we were able to accomplish with this draft,” said Sporting Director of Inter Miami CF Paul McDonough. “We feel we are gaining momentum ahead of the 2020 season.”
Sweat, a Florida-native, was selected from New York City FC where he spent the last three seasons. The 28-year-old left back made two U.S. Men’s National Team appearances in 2018, appearing against Colombia and Peru. The veteran of the American soccer system previously played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL, the Dayton Dutch Lions in the USL Championship, Columbus Crew SC in the MLS, Reading United in USL League Two and VSI Tampa Bay FC in USL League Two.
With the team’s second pick, Inter Miami selected 25-year-old Alvas Powell from FC Cincinnati. The Jamaican defender spent one season in Cincinnati after six years with the Portland Timbers. In that time, he registered six goals from his right back position. Powell has made 49 appearances for the Jamaica National Football Team, as well as appearing across the youth levels. He was a member of the Jamaican side that competed at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Nguyen, an American international, was the Club’s third pick in the Expansion Draft. He was selected from Los Angeles FC where he played for two seasons. The 33-year-old midfielder represented the U.S. Men’s National Team on nine occasions, including two in the 2007 Copa América. Nguyen has appeared in 239 MLS games, totaling 54 goals and 58 assists. The MLS veteran began his professional career with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, the highest division in the Netherlands.
Inter Miami selected Luis Argudo from Columbus Crew SC with its fourth pick. The 23-year-old midfielder was a 2018 SuperDraft selection by Columbus. In his two seasons with the team he appeared in 39 regular season games, making 16 starts and registering one goal and three assists.
Meredith, the Club’s last pick in the Expansion Draft, was selected from Seattle Sounders FC. The 30-year-old goalkeeper has made 13 MLS appearances, starting in 11 of those games and keeping four clean sheets.
Inter Miami CF now has 14 players signed to its inaugural roster. In addition to owning Homegrown Player Rights for Drake Callender, who is currently playing with the University of California, Berkley, the Club also controls its first and fourth round picks in the SuperDraft. Inter Miami also has the No. 1 overall pick in Stage One of the 2019 MLS Re-Entry Draft.
Inter Miami, formally known as el Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, will play its first-ever home match on Saturday, March 14, at 2:30 p.m. ET, against five-time MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy. Fans can register today for pre-sale access to Inter Miami’s first match in Club history at intermiamicf.com/tickets/home-debut.
