Orlando City inks Rusin for 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC announced on Thursday afternoon the signing of former Vancouver Whitecaps Defender Brad Rusin for the 2014 USL PRO season, pending USSF approval. With only three defenders currently signed to OCSC, Rusin adds depth to Head Coach Adrian Heath’s backline, as the club continues to make a series of acquisitions heading into the 2014 campaign.

“We’re excited to have Brad in, and we’re building a bit more strength in the squad,” said Heath on the signing of Rusin. “We think that he is going to be a big addition for us and we certainly know that he can play at this level, but we’re also looking at next year as well.”

Known as an athletic and powerful defender, Rusin joined the Whitecaps on January 11, 2013, after spending the prior year and a half with Danish club HB Køge. The 27-year-old defender has an imposing 6-foot-4 frame and made 19 appearances for Vancouver, starting in 16 of those matches for the Canadian side.

“We really liked his physicality,” added Heath. “He’s a big, strong and mobile player.  We know that we’re bringing in someone who played 20 games in MLS last year for a side that had one of their best seasons to date.”

Rusin, who played collegiate soccer at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), began his professional career in 2009 with the Carolina Railhawks of the USL First Division. The former Bruin made 52 appearances, from 2009-2011, for the North Carolina based club and also recorded two goals.

After a three year stint with the Railhawks, Rusin signed a three year contract with HB Køge who had just been promoted to the Danish Superliga. During his time with the Danish side, Rusin scored two goals in 33 appearances.

The signing of Rusin marks two former Vancouver players added to Heath’s roster this month, as former Whitecaps Forward Corey Hertzog was acquired by the club earlier this week. With 14 total players on the roster, the Englishman has been active in comprising a talented squad as the Lions approach the 2014 USL PRO season.

Transaction: Orlando City SC Signs Defender Brad Rusin

Name: Brad Rusin

Position: Defender

Height: 6'4

Weight: 213 lbs.

Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (Major League Soccer)

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