The Vancouver Whitecaps shored up their backline for 2013 on Friday with the acquisition of Brad Rusin, who’s spent the past 18 months in the Danish Superliga.
Rusin, 26, has played with Denmark’s HB Køge since July 2011, appearing in 38 total matches and chipping in three goals during his time abroad. His arrival in Vancouver is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and visa, and per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 6-foot-4 Rusin previously played for Whitecaps head coach Martin Rennie while with the Carolina RailHawks (above) for more than two seasons before his departure for Europe. Rusin – who was named team captain during the 2011 season – appeared in 54 matches and scored two goals for the RailHawks in the NASL.
“I’m looking forward to linking up with Martin Rennie again and be a part of something special in Vancouver,” Rusin said in a statement. “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.”
Originally from Crown Point, Ind., Rusin played collegiate soccer at UCLA and was a first-team All-Pac 10 selection in 2008.
“Brad is a very powerful, athletic player who can play a couple of different positions,” Rennie said in a statement. “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.”
The Whitecaps used veteran Jay DeMerit and Martín Bonjour as the primary center back tandem during 2012, when the club reached the MLS postseason for the first time in franchise history.
