Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed midfielder Lawson Sunderland to a contract running through the remainder of the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with options through 2026. The central midfielder is the latest player to join from the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro side Inter Miami CF II, becoming the 11th player to earn a First Team promotion through the Club’s player development pathway.
“We’re pleased to sign Lawson to the First Team. He’s earned this opportunity with his dedication and performances over the last two seasons at the Club, and we’re excited about the depth he can provide and his potential for growth,” said Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “Lawson has improved and developed into a more complete midfielder since he arrived and we’re looking forward to continuing to elevate that path with the First Team.”
Sunderland, 21, has already featured once for the First Team on a short-term loan this season. He made his MLS debut on July 15, starting in the match against St. Louis CITY SC at CITYPARK. The American has also made 21 appearances, including 18 starts, registering three goals and an assist with Inter Miami II this season.
The midfielder first joined the Club ahead of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro regular season, signing with Inter Miami CF II, making his official Club debut off the bench on April 10 against in-state rivals Orlando City B. Sunderland made 19 appearances, 17 of them starts, during the 2022 season, tallying with two goals and two assists.
Prior to signing a professional contract with Inter Miami CF II, Sunderland spent time with Spanish side UE Sant Andreu then competing in the Tercera Federación category, netting one goal in the process. Before his time with UE Sant Andreu, he featured for Spanish sides CF Damm, CE Sabadell, and Levante UD at different levels. Sunderland also spent a season with the Portland Timbers academy system in 2017/2018.
At the international level, Sunderland has previously featured in the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team, receiving a call-up to the U-18 MYNT.
