Brazil's Romario signs to play with Miami FC

Veteran striker gives USL team instant legitimacy

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - Former Brazilian star Romario will play for Miami FC this year during its first season in the United Soccer Leagues, then return to his home country.

Romario, 40, a striker, helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He will rejoin the Brazilian league club Vasco in September, Vasco president Eurico Miranda said at a news conference Thursday.

The United Soccer Leagues is the second-highest level of pro soccer in the United States behind Major League Soccer.

Miami FC is owned by Brazilian company Traffic Sports, which has a close relationship with Romario.

"Our objective with Miami FC is to build a winning team of international transcendence," Julio Mariz, president of Traffic Sports USA, said on Miami FC's Web site. "Today, with the signing of Romario, we have taken an important step in that direction."

The USL's first division includes teams in Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Atlanta, Portland and Minnesota.

posted by nscafuro @ 12:49 PM