FAIRFAX, Va. – In a few weeks, Miami FC begins its inaugural season in the North American Soccer League.

And a former George Mason standout will be captaining the ship.

Miami has named Jonathan Borrajo its first captain in franchise history. A former All-Colonial Athletic Association defender, Borrajo graduated from Mason in 2009 after leading the Patriots to the CAA regular-season championship in 2008.

“This is a huge honor for John,” Mason head coach Greg Andrulis said. “He is a tremendous leader, he inspires the players around him to achieve high goals. While at Mason he was a three-year captain; that rarely happens. He has the intangible qualities that we look for in leaders.”

The 28-year-old from Clifton, N.J., arrives in Miami after spending the 2015 season with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The defender played in 13 games and helped the Strikers reach the semifinals of the NASL Championship. In 2014, he helped the San Antonio Scorpions to the 2014 NASL championship.

Prior to playing in the NASL, Borrajo spent three years playing professionally for a couple clubs in Norway, totaling 20 assists. He also had a brief stint with the New York Red Bulls of the MLS in 2012.

“Honestly, it's a huge honor and privilege for the coaching staff and for my teammates to nominate me,” Borrajo told NASL.com. “It's hard to put into words. It's an emotional thing as a player. Since I've been here I've felt a responsibility to be a leader. There are a lot guys here who haven't played before in this league, and I'm just trying to be an example and tell them what the league is about.

“It's a great milestone in my career.”