ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (January 5, 2017) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed Cody Mizell, bringing one of the USL’s sharpest young goalkeepers back to Tampa Bay for a second stint with the Rowdies, pending leaguer and federation approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

“Cody has really matured into a great goalkeeper since we had him previously,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “His stats in Charlotte speak for themselves and he understands what the Rowdies mean to the Tampa Bay area. We’re going to have competition in training every day.”

In the 2017 season, Mizell made 32 appearances in net for the Independence and was named one of five nominees for the USL Goalkeeper of the Year Award, which is given to the goalkeeper who had the biggest impact on his team.

He was sixth in the USL with 88 saves this year and posted five clean sheets.

“We have two very skilled goalkeepers in Cody and Akira,” said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “We set a modern-era club record in 2017, posting 14 clean sheets, but we know we can’t rest on what we accomplished. Cody will be a great addition to this club as we look to build on 2017’s success.”

Mizell played for the Rowdies in 2014, but headed to Iceland for a season with Fram Football Club. Playing 20 out of the 21 league and cup appearances eligible, Mizell earned league’s Best XI for his stellar season. He later returned to the United States and featured for the Charlotte Independence in each of the last two seasons.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join one of the most iconic and historic clubs in US soccer,” said Mizell. “The Rowdies are a first class organization that I am honored to be a part of again. The love and support I received from the fans and the community during my short time in St. Pete was unmatched. I look forward to working with and earning the respect of my new teammates and staff as we work together to bring a championship to the city.”

Tampa Bay’s roster for the 2018 United Soccer League season now sits at 13 members with another addition set to be announced tomorrow and several more next week. COME ON YOU ROWDIES!