Strikers sign Kleberson, Miami FC adds goalie Mario Daniel Vega

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Miami FC, South Florida’s two NASL teams, began 2016 with significant signings.

Kleberson, a World Cup-winning midfielder for Brazil in 2002, joined the Strikers. Kleberson, 36, played 32 times for the national team and was a teammate of Strikers co-owner Ronaldo. His club career includes stops with Atletico Paranaense, Manchester United, Besiktas, Flamengo, Bahia, the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer and Indy Eleven of the NASL.

“We are delighted to have a player on our team with the quality and winning mentality of Kleberson,” Strikers coach and general manager Caio Zanardi said. “He is an experienced leader and a true professional. We expect him to be an example for his teammates on and off the field.”

Miami FC, a new club that begins play this spring, signed 31-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Mario Daniel Vega, who spent 2007 through 2012 with River Plate. The past two seasons he played in Greece.

“We’re very happy to bring Vega into our Miami FC family,” coach Alessandro Nesta said. “Vega adds years of international experience to the team having played for some of the top clubs in South America and Europe. His background with one of the most prestigious clubs in Argentina, River Plate, and first division team, Anorthosis Famagusta of Greece, is the type of high-caliber player we are looking for.”

“It’s an exciting time for soccer in Miami and I’m lucky to be a part of it,” Vega said. “It’s going to be another great opportunity to grow as a player, and I’m looking forward to winning the NASL Championship alongside my new teammates for our city and our fans.”

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 10:07 PM with the headline "Strikers sign Kleberson, Miami FC adds goalie Mario Daniel Vega."