ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (December 8, 2016) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have been busy building their roster this offseason as they continue preparations for the debut season in the United Soccer League in 2017. Over the course of the coming days, the Rowdies will announce the first eight members of their 2017 roster.

Tampa Bay’s franchise leader in goals scored is set to return in 2017, with Bulgarian forward Georgi Hristov opting to re-sign with the club pending league and USSF approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

Hristov is set to return for his fifth season with the Rowdies, having eclipsed the 100 league appearances for Tampa Bay late last year. 2016 was a resurgent year for the 2013 league MVP, scoring 11 goals and adding four assists to lead the club with 26 points. Hristov is Tampa Bay’s all-time leading scorer with 34 league goals, plus an additional four in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play.

On September 24, Hristov bagged the first hat trick in modern Rowdies history, scoring three goals in a 4-1 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Hristov is the franchise leader in multiple goal games with six.

“I’m so happy to re-sign with the Rowdies,” Hristov said. “I’ve been with this club for a long time now and it is definitely my home. My family and I are happy that I’m able to continue on with the Rowdies and I’m looking forward to another year playing in front of our great fans.”

Since joining the Rowdies in 2013, Hristov has made 111 competitive appearances, playing nearly 9,000 minutes. He played in all but one match last season.

“Making sure Georgi came back for another year was a priority of ours this offseason,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He’s a fantastic player and a great example to have in our locker room of how a professional should act. He takes care of himself and his teammates and we’re delighted to continue on with him.”

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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