Bryce Duke eager to play bigger role as he signs new Inter Miami contract through 2025
Bryce Duke is young and small in stature, but showed from his earliest days at Inter Miami that he is a bold and creative midfielder, and a spark plug who is not afraid to take chances.
He quickly earned the confidence of Miami coach Phil Neville after joining the club as a 21-year-old from Los Angeles FC last season. “He has personality, character, quality on the ball,” Neville said. “I thought it would take him 12 months to adapt, but he is really ambitious. We’ve got a boy with big potential.”
Neville and club management think so much of him that they announced Thursday they signed him to a long-term contract through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. He is expected to play an increased role on the team starting with Saturday’s road game at Toronto, as captain Gregore underwent surgery on Tuesday and will be out for six months. Duke and veteran Victor Ulloa will be counted on more in the absence of Gregore.
“Bryce is a dynamic young talent and we’re excited to keep him with us,” said chief soccer officer Chris Henderson. “Since he arrived here, he has steadily and consistently improved. We’re looking forward to helping him along his continued upward trajectory with Inter Miami.”
Duke is delighted to be locked in and eager to step up to the next stage of his development.
“It’s definitely a good feeling, having a club put that much trust and support into me means a lot,” Duke said. “I am very grateful that they believe in me long term and I’m excited for what the future has in store.”
Though the club invested in Venezuelan forward Josef Martinez and Argentine midfielder Nico Stefanelli this season, and brought back Mexican midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro off loan, the team is also committed to Duke, the emerging American talent.
He is especially vital now that team captain Gregore is out for six months following foot surgery. Gregore is more of a defensive midfielder, but Duke and the other midfielders will be called upon to fill the void.
“This year I am trying to be more of a leader, especially with Gregore picking up an injury,” Duke said. “He was that leader, that captain, leaves everything on the field all the time. He’s also that guy who isn’t afraid to put in a tackle. So, we need multiple people to fill those roles. I feel this is going to be a big year to take that next step. I am trying to hold myself accountable and score more goals.”
Born in Peoria, Arizona, Duke was a youth phenom, inspired by former U.S. national team star Landon Donovan and FC Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta. To this day, he watches Iniesta video clips to learn from the best.
He made his breakthrough with the Real Salt Lake youth academy, moved to the Barca Residency and signed his first pro contract with LAFC at age 18.
He did not get consistent playing time during his first two seasons at LAFC and decided to make a fresh start at Miami, when the club was undergoing an overhaul. The 5-7 and 146-pound midfielder made a big impression.
His objective this season is to find a better balance of passing and shooting. Duke led Inter Miami in assists in 2022, with seven in the regular season. He also scored a goal. He was voted to the 22 Under 22 presented by BODYARMOR, a list of the top 22 players in MLS under the age of 22.
“In the past, I always looked for the pass or assist before I looked for the goal, and this year I want to find a better balance of when to be that facilitator and when to be selfish, get out of my comfort zone and take that shot.”
Off the field, Duke has adjusted to living across the country from his family and settled into Fort Lauderdale. He says he “couldn’t do the whole downtown Miami thing, too many distractions.” He loves the beach and prefers the quieter pace of life.
Terms of Duke’s contract were not announced, but it is safe to assume he received a hefty raise from the $120,000 he was making. Asked if he is going to treat himself to a special purchase, Duke said “No.” He plans to save up his money to buy a home.
“I am very happy here, love Florida, and don’t plan to move anytime soon, so I want to get my own place,” he said.
Inter Miami has two wins and a loss so far this season and has yet to concede a goal by an opposing player. Miami had a pair of 2-0 wins over Montreal and Philadelphia and its 1-0 loss at New York City FC was on an own goal by Christopher McVey.
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 9:38 AM.