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Transfer: Miami FC Acquires Canadian International Defender Mason Trafford

Trafford Miami_FC_640x427 

Stone Sports Management LLC (Columbus, Ohio) - February 4, 2016

Stone Sports Management (“SSM”) announces that 2016 NASL Expansion Franchise Miami FC has purchased Defender Mason Trafford from the Ottawa Fury FC and has inked the 2-time Ottawa Fury FC Fans Player of the Year to a new 2-year contract. Trafford comes to Miami FC having helped Ottawa win the 2015 NASL Fall Season, a 2015 NASL Soccer Bowl appearance and establish NASL Modern-Day defense records. After being inserted into the Fury lineup in Week 6 as a left back, Ottawa’s defense kept six straight clean sheets (thirteen overall), giving up only 23 goals in the season, yet Trafford had an even better goals against average (0.60 Goals Against Average) as the club only gave up 15 goals in the 25 games he played.  The 29-year old Vancouver native returns “home” to where he was born (Boynton Beach, Florida) and will begin his new career chapter under World Cup and Champions League winner Alessandro Nesta and his staff.  Given his dual national status, Trafford will not occupy an international slot.

“After two unforgettable years in Ottawa, I am excited to continue my career with Miami FC and return to the area where I was born,” reflected Trafford.  “I am extremely proud to have been part of a Championship squad starting as an expansion franchise and formed bonds with teammates, staff and fans that will last beyond my playing career. I will do my best to emulate and exceed that success with Miami FC.  It is clear that the club is ambitious, professional and it will be an honor to work under one of the best defenders of all time and his staff.  I am looking forward to meeting all of my teammates and to prepare for the upcoming season."

This will be Trafford’s second NASL expansion season having initially signed with Ottawa ahead of their 2014 inaugural campaign for just the Spring season. Ottawa immediately recognized his contributions and inked him to an extension through the end of the 2015 season. In 2014, he led the team in minutes played (and was second in all of North America for a Canadian in minutes played), most NASL Team of the Week awards and was voted the Fans Player of the Year at central defense. Trafford enters his eighth professional season having also played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, IFK Mariehamn (Finland) and Guizhou Zhicheng (China). His North American, European, Asian and International experience will be critical for Miami FC as they begin NASL play on April 2, 2016 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Mason (and his fiancée Claudia) to establish himself with an ambitious club,” remarked SSM’s President and Players’ Agent Justin B. Stone. “This was a bittersweet situation for Mason as he really enjoyed his time in Ottawa, especially developing relationships with the Fury Fans and local community, but Miami FC aggressively pursued Mason and created a package that justified Mason’s market value as one of the best defenders in NASL. Having represented Mason from his first professional contract to the present, it is a great testament for him to have Italian legends Alessandro Nesta seek him out to be a leader on defense."

Fury Press_Release_Trafford

While in Miami, Florida during the MLS Combine, SSM learned of Miami FC’s interest in Trafford after the club identified him as one of the top defenders in NASL.  The clubs agreed shortly thereafter on a transfer fee pending finalizing personal terms with Miami FC.  

“I would like to thank Miami FC for their interest and professionalism throughout this process, especially recognizing Owners Riccardo Silva and Paolo Maldini, Technical Director Mauro Pederzoli, VP of Operations Darren McCartney and Head Coach Alessandro Nesta.” says Justin B. Stone. “I wish Mason and the club well for the upcoming season and looking forward to seeing a game down in Miami this year."

Click HERE to see Miami FC’s 2016 NASL Schedule and enjoy Mason Trafford's past highlights! Congrats to Mason and Claudia on their new adventure! Follow Mason Trafford on Twitter @mason_trafford and Instagram: @masontrafford

Stone Sports Management LLC
629 N. High Street, Floor 4
Columbus, OH 43215 USA
P: +1 (614) 972-6037
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