ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (January 8, 2018) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies opened another busy week of player transactions, announcing the signing of midfielder Lance Rozeboom on Monday. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

Rozeboom, 28, joins the Rowdies after spending the last two seasons with the Ottawa Fury FC. A workhorse midfielder, he has appeared in at least 21 matches in each of his five professional seasons, including 52 appearances in his two seasons in Ottawa.

“I think our fans will really like what Lance brings to the table,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He’ll work really hard every time he’s on the pitch and he also knows how to handle pressure. He’s a great addition to the Rowdies, bringing experience to one of the strongest midfields in the league.”

A respected voice and proven leader, Rozeboom served as the Fury FC’s captain.

“We needed to continue building on a successful season and this is a great example of that,” said Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “Lance is a fierce competitor that fans will identify themselves with immediately. We’re looking forward to seeing him dominate the midfield next season.”

A central midfielder, Rozeboom is most comfortable in a holding role, breaking up opposition possession and providing a platform to launch attacks. He won more than 73 percent of his attempted tackles last season and intercepted 41 opposition passes. In possession, Rozeboom completed a reliable 86 percent of his passes.

“I am very blessed to have an opportunity to be a part of this team,” said Rozeboom. “The last couple of years I have enjoyed the experience of playing against the Rowdies and have always come away impressed with how they play, the players they have, and the fans that support them. My family is looking forward to being back in the United States and we are very thankful for the warm welcome and for a new start with a first-class organization.”

With five players added this week, the Rowdies now have 14 players on the roster for the 2018 United Soccer League season.

The current squad is listed below:

Goalkeepers (2): Akira Fitzgerald, Cody Mizell

Defenders (3): Neill Collins, Hunter Gorskie, Zac Portillos

Midfielders (7): Joe Cole, Leo Fernandes, Alex Morrell, Michael Nanchoff, Lance Rozeboom, Marcel Schäfer

Forwards (2): Jochen Graf, Sebastian Guenzatti