Former Red Bulls defender Eric Brunner (left) signed with Miami FC of the USL First Division. Ernesto Motta/Red Bulls
Rookie defender Eric Brunner, who left the Red Bulls two weeks ago after he refused to negotiate his contract to a lesser developmental deal, signed with Miami FC Tuesday.
Miami plays in the United Soccer League's First Division.
"Eric is definitely a quality player that will help strengthen this team,” Miami coach Zinho said.
The Red Bulls felt Brunner became expendable after they signed former Toronto FC defender Andrew Boyens to a contract. That gave the MLS club one player over the 18-senior player limit.
The club wanted Brunner to renegotiate his contract. But the 6-4 Brunner choose to walk and take his chance with another team.
Picked by the Red Bulls in the second round (16th overall) of this year's MLS SuperDraft, Brunner recently was named to the U.S. Under-23 men's National Team by coach Peter Nowak. He is in Toulon, France to participate in the Toulon International Tournament. The U.S. plays Turkey in its first game Wednesday.
That means more than likely his Miami FC debut will have to wait until June 1 when the Seattle Sounders (2-1-3) visit Tropical Park Stadium.
