VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the acquisition of centre back Brad Rusin– pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and visa. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Brad Rusin – Whitecaps FCcentre back
- Played two-plus seasons under Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie at Carolina RailHawks before transferring to Europe
- Made nearly 40 appearances with Denmark’s HB Køge in one-and-a-half seasons
“Brad is a very powerful, athletic player who can play a couple of different positions,” saidMartin Rennie, Whitecaps FC head coach. “He did very well in Denmark and had a lot of interest from clubs in Europe and other clubs in MLS. We are pleased that we’ve got him and think that he can be an important player for us right away, but also for the long term.”
Rusin, 26, joins Whitecaps FC after spending the past year-and-a-half with HB Køge following their promotion to the Danish Superliga in 2011 and continuing into their 2012-13 season in the Danish First Division. The Crown Point, Indiana, native played a total of 38 matches in Denmark and contributed offensively with three goals.
Prior to his time in Europe, the 6-foot-4 centre back played two-plus seasons under Rennie at Carolina RailHawks. Rusin – who was named team captain during the 2011 season – appeared in 54 matches and scored two goals for the RailHawks in the North American second division.
“I’m looking forward to linking up with Martin Rennie again and be a part of something special in Vancouver,” said Rusin. “I have had the opportunity to visit Vancouver when I was a member of the RailHawks and always enjoyed the atmosphere and passionate fans during those matches.”
Before his time with the RailHawks, Rusin enjoyed four successful seasons at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2008, his senior year, he was named co-captain, Defensive MVP, and first-team All-Pac-10. In between his time with the Bruins, Rusin played in the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League for San Fernando Valley Quakes (2008), Ventura County Fusion (2007) and Bradenton Academics (2005).
Name:Brad Rusin
Pronunciation:RUSS-in
Twitter:@BradfordRusin
Position:Centre Back
Height:6-04
Weight:215
Born:September 5, 1986, in Crown Point, Indiana
Hometown:Crown Point, Indiana
Citizenship:United States
College:University of California, Los Angeles Bruins
Last Club:HB Køge (Danish First Division)
How Acquired:Acquired by Whitecaps FC from HB Køge on January 11, 2013
Whitecaps FC 2013 MLS season tickets start at $349, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including Pitchside Club and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visitwhitecapsfc.com/tickets.
