{"id":37113,"date":"2026-01-05T15:30:33","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T20:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/05\/inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship\/"},"modified":"2026-01-05T15:30:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T20:30:33","slug":"inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/05\/inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Inter Miami Strengthens Roster with Two New Additions in Bid to Defend MLS Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/05\/inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship\/#The_Rise_of_St_Clair\" >The Rise of St. Clair<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/05\/inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship\/#Canadian_Players_Chasing_World_Cup_Dreams\" >Canadian Players Chasing World Cup Dreams<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/05\/inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship\/#Argentinian_Defender_Joins_Inter_Miami\" >Argentinian Defender Joins Inter Miami<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/05\/inter-miami-strengthens-roster-with-two-new-additions-in-bid-to-defend-mls-championship\/#Inter_Miamis_Move_to_Freedom_Park\" >Inter Miami&#8217;s Move to Freedom Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"flex-col-cntr article-content mg-b-25\" style=\"width:100%;\" showslider=\"false\">\n<div class=\"freeform-content\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" height=\"20px\" src=\"https:\/\/b.fssta.com\/uploads\/application\/external-logos\/goal-dot-com-logo_black.svg\"\/>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Inter Miami has bolstered its roster by signing Dane St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. The Canadian international has joined the Herons on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year. In South Florida, Lionel Messi is welcoming another Argentine, Facundo Mura, to the MLS Cup champions.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Rise_of_St_Clair\"><\/span>The Rise of St. Clair<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Veteran goalkeeper \u00d3scar Ustari was primarily Javier Mascherano&#8217;s preferred choice last season, while Rocco Rios Novo stepped in as Inter Miami&#8217;s last line of defense in the MLS Cup final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Recognizing the need for additional strength in crucial positions, St. Clair impressed Minnesota United, who then secured him. Inter Miami believes St. Clair brings &#8220;top-level experience and proven quality.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">&#8220;At 28, St. Clair comes to Inter Miami following a remarkable season with Minnesota United, where he was honored as the 2025 Goaltender of the Year and led the Loons to consecutive Western Conference semi-finals in 2024 and 2025. He has also been a two-time MLS All-Star (2022, 2025) and All-Star MVP,&#8221; stated the Herons on their official site. &#8220;His consistent elite performance provides valuable experience and a winning legacy.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Canadian_Players_Chasing_World_Cup_Dreams\"><\/span>Canadian Players Chasing World Cup Dreams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 mg-b-15 article-content\" displaynav=\"true\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-04T180053.165.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-04T180053.165.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">St. Clair hails from Ontario and was the seventh overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. He was loaned to Minnesota, with stints at Forward Madison FC in USL League One and San Antonio FC in the USL Championship.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">His profile has exploded since returning to Minnesota, where he earned his first All-Star selection in 2022 and was named MVP of that match. It was in 2025 that the 28-year-old truly hit his &#8220;peak performance.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Inter Miami noted, &#8220;St. Clair leads the league with a 77.93% save percentage, recording 113 saves and 10 clean sheets in 30 regular season games. In 2025, he was the sole goalkeeper with a save percentage of 75% or more, averaging only 1.00 goals against.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">St. Clair received his first international call-up in 2021 and made his debut in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Aruba. With 18 caps under his belt, he is expected to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will see several matches hosted in Canada.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Argentinian_Defender_Joins_Inter_Miami\"><\/span>Argentinian Defender Joins Inter Miami<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Facundo Mura, an Argentine national team defender, joined Inter Miami as a free agent. The team announced that Mura has signed a contract lasting until 2029 after parting ways with Racing Club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">The 26-year-old right-back played four seasons with Racing from 2022 to 2025, contributing 12 goals and 15 assists, showcasing his ability to impact both defense and offense.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">With previous experiences at CA Colon and Estudiantes, Mura has accrued four trophies and aims to enhance his collection alongside Messi, who recently won the Ballon d&#8217;Or in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Mura&#8217;s international aspirations are also in sight, as he has yet to make his debut for the senior Albiceleste team. He represented Argentina at the 2019 U20 World Cup but now faces stiff competition for a first-team spot.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inter_Miamis_Move_to_Freedom_Park\"><\/span>Inter Miami&#8217;s Move to Freedom Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-04T182935.065.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-04T182935.065.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">Both players are eager to make an impact in their new surroundings, realizing the importance of adapting to a winning mindset as Inter Miami prepares to transition to a new stadium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\">The MLS Cup champions will kick off their campaign to defend the title with an away match, awaiting the readiness of their new dedicated field. Their 2026 season is set to open on February 21 against LAFC, with a clash at Freedom Park against Austin FC planned for April 4.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> The addition of top talents like St. Clair and Mura significantly enhances Inter Miami&#8217;s chances of repeating championship success, sparking excitement among fans. These moves underscore the club&#8217;s commitment to building a competitive team in MLS and could attract more viewership and investment in the league.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inter Miami has bolstered its roster by signing Dane St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. The Canadian international has joined the Herons on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year. In South Florida, Lionel Messi is welcoming another Argentine, Facundo Mura, to the MLS Cup champions. The Rise of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37114,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[3139,1066,78,501,40,584,1364,966,46,1229,45,2181],"class_list":{"0":"post-37113","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-additions","9":"tag-bid","10":"tag-championship","11":"tag-defend","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-inter","14":"tag-miami","15":"tag-mls","16":"tag-news","17":"tag-roster","18":"tag-soccer","19":"tag-strengthens"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37113"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37113\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}