Minnesota United have added yet another big name to their roster ahead of the 2016 season.

The club announced on Tuesday that former FC Edmonton midfielder and Jamaican international Lance Laing has officially signed with the club ahead of the 2016 season. Laing has been named to the NASL Best XI three times since joining the league in 2011.

“He’s a powerful left-footed player who strikes a really good ball, both from set pieces and within the run of play,” said sporting director Manny Lagos. “He can get up and down the line, he’s had experience playing both left back and left midfield and sometimes in the proper system left winger. Ultimately he’s got a versatility about him that can make him and our club very dangerous.”

Last season, Laing led FC Edmonton with seven goals while finishing second in the league in assists with six.

With the signing of Laing, Minnesota United’s roster is now comprised of six 2015 NASL Best XI selections: Kevin Venegas, Justin Davis, Ibson, Lance Laing, Stefano Pinho and Christian Ramirez.

“It’s going to be a challenge, there is going to be a lot of competition for spots,” Laing said. “I’m just going to go out there to prove myself and work to be a part of this group. I know everyone on this roster will be pushing each other and we will be a better team because of it.

“It’s an honor to be joining a team that has so many great players and great coaches, its going to be a great team to be a part of,” Laing added. “I’m very happy to be cheered on by Dark Clouds and their fans, I have always felt playing here, that Minnesota fans are the best in the League and I can’t wait to be on the right side of their cheers!”

Here’s a closer look at some of Tuesday’s NASL news and notes:

MLS FEES, STRUCTURE DETERRED MIAMI FC OWNER FROM LEAGUE

Miami FC just made more sense in NASL, according to owner Riccardo Silva.

In an in-depth interview with The Telegraph, Silva explained his reasoning for choosing to be an owner of an NASL team rather than an MLS franchise. He stated that the fees and current structure of MLS deterred him from becoming an owner there, so he decided to put a Miami team in the NASL.

One of the chief concerns when it came to deciding was the $100 million expansion fee required to become an owner of an MLS team. Silva says that owning a club in the NASL was a better decision because there is long-term potential.

“Of course, there is an expansion fee to pay like MLS…but it’s not as expensive as MLS and this was one of the reasons why I did it,” Silva told The Telegraph. “This is much cheaper but proportionally, I think the leagues are closer than the fees would say.

“NASL has 6,000 attendance average, MLS has 21,000: it is one-third or one-quarter – but the expansion fee is much much less than one-third or one-quarter. It is less than one-tenth.

“I saw a business opportunity because I think the (NASL) expansion fee will be more expensive in the future and the attendances will be higher.”

MIAMI FC ADD TWO MORE PLAYERS 

In the aftermath of last week’s trio of player signings, Miami FC continues to fill out the club’s inaugural roster.

Miami FC announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Brad Rusin and Blake Smith ahead of the club’s debut 2016 season. Rubin joins after featuring for the San Antonio Scorpions last season, while Smith returns to the U.S. after plying his trade with Yverdon Sport FC in Switzerland in 2015.

“I’m excited to have Brad Rusin and Blake Smith be a part of the team,” Miami FC Coach Alessandro Nesta said. “We are assembling a high-caliber group of players who will make Miami FC a team to watch.”

The two signings come in the aftermath of the club’s first player announcements, as Miami FC revealed last week that the club had signed Wilson Palacios, Dane Richards and Jaime Chavez.

RYAN, RICHTER, UBIPARIPOVIC GRANTED TRANSFER REQUESTS BY FURY FC

The Ottawa Fury FC exodus looks set to continue.

Following the departure of head coach Marc dos Santos, Ottawa Fury FC announced on Tuesday that defender Ryan Richter, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic and captain Richie Ryan have each been granted requests to depart the club. Ryan has since been confirmed as a member of the Jacksonville Armada.

“We would like to thank all three players for their service to the organization and wish them good luck in the future. When presented with these transfer requests it was imperative that we reached arrangements that would allow us to improve the team while optimizing the style we want to play and attracting players we’re looking to bring in,” said head coach Paul Dalglish. “Ottawa Fury FC is and will always be put first.”

“Our goals are unchanged for 2016 and while there will be new faces in the squad, the expectations remain the same – to win a championship,” Dalglish added. “Towards that end, the recruiting process continues and there’s great interest in Fury from quality players around the world.  Many exciting announcements are ahead.  Stay tuned.”

—

What do you expect from Laing and Minnesota United in 2016? What other players would you like to see Miami FC go after? How do you expect Fury FC to bounce back this upcoming season?

Share your thoughts below.