Miami FC continued gearing up for a potential playoff push Monday, signing former Brazilian national team member Junior Baiano for the rest of the season.

Baiano, 39, has 25 caps with Brazil, and his time with the team inclu-ded the 1998 World Cup. He played for a short time with Zinho, Miami FC's coach.

Baiano's professional career includes stints in Brazil's first division and the German Bundesliga. He will play a significant role in the Blues' back line, which has been ravaged by injuries and suspensions.

``This signing will help us tremendously,'' Zinho said. ``Junior's international experience will certainly translate on the pitch and give us an edge to finish the season strong. He's been training with us for a couple of weeks now and already knows well how we play and what will be required of him in this league.''

The deal is subject to league and USSL approval. It comes just days after Traffic Sports announced the signing of U.S. U-20 team member Gale Agbossoumonde to a 3 ½-year deal. Agbossoumonde likely will appear in a handful of games for the Blues this fall.

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