Haitian-American Shanyder Borgelin makes Inter Miami history, team plays Austin Saturday
Shanyder Borgelin, a 6-5 forward and North Lauderdale native, became Inter Miami’s first Haitian-American first-team player this week.
He is the second person in his family to make history in recent months as his father, Samson, in November was elected the first Haitian-American mayor of North Lauderdale.
Inter Miami announced on Thursday that it signed Borgelin to a contract through the 2024 MLS season with options for 2025 and 2026.
Borgelin, 21, spent last season with Inter Miami II, the MLS Next second team. He previously was with the Philadelphia Union’s development program.
“We’re pleased for Shanyder to be able to take this next step and officially join the first-team environment,” said chief soccer officer Chris Henderson. “Shanyder is a talented, young player and a great person with the right mentality to continue to progress. We’re happy to continue that development here at Inter Miami, his hometown club.”
In his first season with Inter Miami II, the striker was the leading scorer with 14 goals, which tied for fourth most in the league. He also had three assists in 23 games, 15 of those starts.
Borgelin has represented the Haitian national team on three occasions to date, including Haiti’s March 2022 friendly against Guatemala at DRV PNK Stadium.
He dabbled in basketball, football and tennis as a kid growing up in Broward County, but his first love was soccer. He played at European FC in Davie, Weston FC and then got a scholarship to play at Plantation American Heritage High School. He played one year of high school soccer before moving to the Philadelphia Union Academy.
Inter Miami vs Austin FC
Inter Miami plays its final preseason match at home on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Austin FC. The game is part of the club’s “Futbol Fiesta,” which will include fan festivities and a team meet and greet for season-ticket holders.
Coach Phil Neville said the projected starters will play extended minutes. New Ukrainian center back Serhiy Kryvtsov, who suffered a slight knee injury two weeks ago, is expected to play. Robbie Robinson (calf tightness) is questionable.
The regular season kicks off Feb. 25 at home against CF Montreal. Tickets are available at intermiamicf.com
“We’re getting to that point where we just want to forward wind to the week after,” Neville said. “It feels like we’ve had a lot of scrimmages and training. Now, it’s about fine tuning and getting those guys that are a little behind major minutes and make sure everyone arrives the 25th of February fully fit.”
The coach added he wants the team to start the season strong after going winless the first five games last season.
“Last year didn’t get a W until five or six games in, it’s time this organization starts well,” he said.
Away Kit Revealed
The club on Friday unveiled “La Noche”, the new black away jersey for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The design is inspired by the energy of Inter Miami fans and the City of Miami night skyline.
It features an embossed wave pattern and new bold pink trim. The Club has also added the M icon to the jock tag as an additional ode to the city. “Freedom to Dream” is embroidered on the back of the neck.
The new jersey will be available for purchase in person for the first time exclusively during Saturday’s Fútbol Fiesta at DRV PNK Stadium. Fans will also be able to purchase the jersey on MLSstore.com beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
This story was originally published February 17, 2023 at 4:32 PM.