ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (December 14, 2016) — Two more Tampa Bay Rowdies veterans are returning as part of the clubs’ inaugural USL roster, with midfielder Michael Nanchoff and defender Zac Portillos staying in green and gold for the season ahead, pending league and USSF approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

“As a team, we’re delighted that Michael and Zac have chosen to continue on here in Tampa Bay,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “They’re both important players for us. Michael is a versatile player that we expect big things from this year. Zac hasn’t been able to show his full potential in his first two seasons, but we have high hopes for him.”

Nanchoff joined the Rowdies prior to last season and made 21 appearances in his first year with the Rowdies, including 15 starts. He was primarily deployed as a wide midfielder in Tampa Bay’s 4-2-3-1 system, though he also played occasionally as a deep-lying central playmaker.

Nanchoff has experience in MLS (Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers) and USL (Portland Timbers 2) as well as a loan spell overseas with Sweden’s Jönköpings Södra in 2013.

Portillos, a left back, will return for his third season with the Rowdies in 2017. Portillos won the spot as the Rowdies’ opening day starter in each of the last two seasons, only to have both cut short by injury. In his two years with the club, he’s been limited to seven appearances, but he’s expected to bounce back stronger in the coming year. He originally joined the Rowdies as a first-time professional in 2015.

Both Nanchoff and Portillos played college soccer at NCAA powerhouse Akron University.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies kick off their inaugural USL Season in March 2017 and they'll need your support to make it a memorable one. Secure season tickets before December 30 and save money on tickets. To purchase, call (727) 222-2000 or click here.

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