NASL: How would Miami FC do in MLS?

The Back Line

First and foremost, much of Miami’s success on defense comes from the strong defensive play of Richie Ryan and Michael Lahoud. Lahoud’s success has led to call-ups with Sierra Leone in AFCON Qualifying, and he has taken his career a step forward after routinely being a starter or rotational player in MLS with the Union and Chivas USA. Ryan made a career for himself in the top flights of Ireland and Scottland before coming to the NASL.

Defender Hunter Freeman is similar to Lahoud, in that he had a long career in MLS before finding his legs again in NASL. Freeman typically plays fullback, but his versatility has seen him step in at center back multiple times. Opposite of Freeman, Robert Kcira left the New York Red Bull’s Academy before playing in the Austrian first division for two years. He has stood out as someone who plays at a higher level than the typical NASL fullback this year, and he’s only 23.

Former Whitecaps defender Mason Trafford and Rhett Bernstein both found success abroad before coming to Miami, so it’s hard to say how they would compare to MLS veterans. Their play shows they can compete at a high level, but it remains to be how they would handle some of the MLS attacks they would have to deal with. Sitting behind Ryan and Lahoud improves their chances, while Daniel Vega helps as well.

Vega played most of his career with Argentina in the top flight, first with Nueva Chicago before moving to powerhouse River Plate. After five years with River, he moved to Cyprus and played for Anorthosis Famagusta FC, then came to the Miami FC. Like Trafford and Bernstein, its hard to tell if his skills would translate on MLS, but along with his high level of play, he has the resume that says he would be a regular starter.