ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (December 29, 2016) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have made their first new signing of the offseason with young midfielder Alex Morrell joining the 2017 roster, the club announced Thursday, pending league and federation approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

Morrell, 22, is a Lakeland native that joins the Rowdies from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire. He spent part of last season in the United Soccer League on loan to Saint Louis FC. Morrell will wear the No. 9 jersey for the Rowdies.

“We’re excited to sign a young player of Alex’s quality,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He spent last year in MLS learning from experienced coaches and players and now he’s ready to make the next step. We look forward to seeing him develop and make an impact here with the Rowdies.”

A central Florida native, Morrell played youth soccer for St. Petersburg’s Strictly Soccer before playing collegiately for the University of North Florida Ospreys from 2012 to 2015. In 63 games with the Ospreys, Morrell scored 10 goals.

The Fire selected Morrell 22nd overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. He made four appearances for Chicago in his first professional season, logging 56 minutes. Morrell was loaned to Saint Louis in August and played in two USL matches.

Morrell is the 12th member of the Rowdies’ 2017 roster, which opens preseason play January 8 against Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg in the Florida Cup.

Tickets for the Florida Cup are available here. 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.