ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday evening the club had transferred Jamaican center back Damion Lowe to Norwegian club IK Start for an undisclosed fee.

"Although we will miss Damion since he was a great asset to the team, we will never stand in the way of any young athlete's success," said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. "I know Damion will represent the Rowdies name well in Europe and while he is doing that in Europe, we will be pushing forward still with our mission to win the 2017 USL Championship."

Lowe, 24, was in his first season with the Rowdies. A member of the Jamaican national team who played every minute of his country's run to the final of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Lowe made 18 appearances for the Rowdies in all competitions this season.

"We attract the best of the best players at the Rowdies organization, which is possibly the most unique team they will ever play for in North America," said Edwards. "We are so proud to have been able to provide Damion with the opportunity to pursue his life-long dream to play in Europe."