ROWDIES ANNOUNCE SIX-GAME PRESEASON SLATE

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/ep3i36/rowdies_announce_sixgame_preseason_slate/

ROWDIES ANNOUNCE SIX-GAME PRESEASON SLATE

The Suncoast Invitational games are free, and we get a good chance to see Outer Miami for the first time!

Anyone know if there are any other MLS teams coming down to IMG for pre-season?

I know of Philadelphia and Atlanta are coming as well

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1078118

ROWDIES ANNOUNCE SIX-GAME PRESEASON SLATE

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/ep8kd3/rowdies_launch_wpsl_team_in_partnership_with/

Rowdies Launch WPSL Team In Partnership With Pinellas County United SC

Very excited about this. Still not sure how working with all three of these youth clubs who compete with each other is going to pan out (TBU, Chargers, PCU), but a really good thing nonetheless...

I look forward to this!

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/1078173

ROWDIES LAUNCH WPSL TEAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PINELLAS COUNTY UNITED SC

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/ep6ncs/tampa_bay_rowdies_add_u23_team_in_usl_league_two/

Tampa Bay Rowdies Add U23 Team in USL League Two

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.uslleaguetwo.com/news_article/show/1077966

Tampa Bay Rowdies Add U23 Team in USL League Two

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2020-01-14/galaxy-closing-in-on-deal-with-mexican-star-chicharito-hernandez

Galaxy closing in on deal with Mexican star ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1077946

Morrell Makes Jump to Greenville from Tormenta FC

FIRST GOALSCORER IN LEAGUE ONE HISTORY JOINS TRIUMPH AHEAD OF SECOND SEASON

New Greenville Triumph SC signing Alex Morrell scored the first goal in League One history against his new club for South Georgia Tormenta FC last March. | Photo courtesy South Georgia Tormenta FC

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Greenville Triumph SC announced the addition of another offensive threat ahead of the 2020 season on Tuesday, announcing the signing of former South Georgia Tormenta FC player Alex Morrell to their roster, pending league and federation approval.

Morrell has played in all three flights of professional soccer in the United States, beginning his career in Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire in 2016 after a standout collegiate career at the University of North Florida. Morrell made four appearances with the Fire before he was loaned to Saint Louis FC of USL Championship for the remainder of the 2016 season.

From Saint Louis, Morrell spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the USL Championship's Tampa Bay Rowdies. He made 35 appearances for the Florida side, netting three goals and three assists before being signing with South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2019.

“Everything about the move to join the club feels right,” said Morrell regarding his move to the Triumph. “I believe Greenville will challenge me and I look forward to it. I'll give everything I have to the organization, coaching staff and players. I'm beyond excited to get started.”

The Lakeland, Florida native appeared in 27 matches for Tormenta FC in League One’s inaugural season, logging 2,257 minutes with four goals and three assists, including the first goal in League One history that earned Tormenta FC a victory against the Triumph.

“We are really excited to bring Alex on board, a guy that has great experience and a competitive edge to win,” said Greenville Head Coach John Harkes. “I've admired him as a professional for years with his ability to run at players in the final third and finish. We're really looking forward to working with him as a member of the Greenville Triumph.”

(Follow link for full article.)

https://hoodline.com/2020/01/tampa-s-5-top-bakeries-that-won-t-break-the-bank

Tampa's 5 top bakeries (that won't break the bank)

La Segunda Central Bakery | El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant | Alessi Bakery | Faedo Family Bakery | Sami's Bakery

Looking to try the top bakeries around?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable bakeries in Tampa, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fulfill your urges.

1. La Segunda Central Bakery

Topping the list is La Segunda Central Bakery. Located at 2512 N. 15th St. in Ybor City, the bakery and Cuban spot, which offers coffee and tea and more, is the highest-rated budget-friendly bakery in Tampa, boasting 4.5 stars out of 217 reviews on Yelp.

This spot specializes in Cuban sandwiches, baked breads, pastries and desserts that range from flan to cheesecake cups and rainbow cake. Enjoy a media noche sandwich or guava and cheese turnover with a cafe con leche.

The site can tell you a thing or two more about the history of La Segunda Central Bakery that Juan More founded in 1915 after spending time in Cuba.

"He brought the recipe of Cuban bread from Cuba to Tampa to feed the cigar workers at the beginning of the 20th century," the business notes in its Yelp profile. "For over 100 years, we've used the same hand-baked process and traditional recipes to ensure a taste and texture that can't be duplicated."

2. El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant

Gandy-Sun Bay South's El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant, located at 6241 S. Dale Mabry Highway, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the low-priced bakery, Colombian and breakfast and brunch spot 4.5 stars out of 85 reviews.

If you're looking for more, we found these details about El Cafetal Bakery and Restaurant.

"Established Colombian restaurant specializing in desserts and natural juices with the mission of offering good food and excellent service to the customer," according to the history section of the business's Yelp profile.

3. Alessi Bakery

Alessi Bakery, a bakery and deli that offers sandwiches and more in Oakford Park, is another budget-friendly go-to, with four stars out of 244 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2909 W. Cypress St. to see for yourself.

If you're curious for more, we found these details about Alessi Bakery, a family owned business for 107 years, which offers bakery and deli items, wedding cakes and catering services.

Curious to know more about the history and people behind this business?

"In 2011, owner Phil Jr. began to remodel the bakery, adding new menu items, a wonderful area for patrons to enjoy their meals, and a large window to watch Alessi's cake decorators create their famous cakes," the business states on Yelp, this time in the bio section of its profile.

4. Faedo Family Bakery

Over in South Seminole Heights, check out Faedo Family Bakery, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 72 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the bakery by heading over to 5150 N. Florida Ave.

The site has lots more information on Faedo Family Bakery, which has been around for more than 35 years.

"We want to be your number one bakery providing the best authentic Cuban bread and pastries. We offer a variety of traditional breads along with other sweets,"  it notes on Yelp in the section explaining specialties.

5. Sami's Bakery

Finally, there's Sami's Bakery, a local favorite with four stars out of 44 reviews. Stop by 2399 E. Busch Blvd. to hit up the middle eastern bakery, which offers cupcakes, low carb breads and more, next time you're in the mood for cheap eats. It also has a gluten-free pastry section with muffins, brownies and cheesecake.

Yelper Joshua B. wrote, "We picked up a chocolate covered baklava, tzatziki sauce, grape leaves and a warm cheese bread fresh out of the oven. Everything we had was very tasty."

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/florida-lawmaker-files-measure-urging-members-to-support-cigar-exemption-bills

Florida Lawmaker Files Measure Urging Members to Support Cigar-Exemption Bills

Between Tampa’s Ybor City and Miami’s Little Havana neighborhoods, Florida’s history of cigarmaking runs deep. The cigar industry is not only ingrained in many Floridians culturally, but also economically.

Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R-32) introduced a memorial bill yesterday in the Florida House that commemorates these facts and also encourages his fellow lawmakers to support two federal bills that would protect premium cigars from regulation: H.R. 1854 and S. 9. (Largely symbolic, memorial bills are the method by which the legislative bodies petition Congress and other governments or governmental agencies.)

S. 9 was introduced last year by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), while H.R. 1854 was submitted by Florida Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14). Both bills seek to protect premium cigars, with Castor’s bill going one step further by specifying that cigars with “flavor additives” would not be protected like premium cigars.

“Cigar Rights of America would like to commend the initiative of Florida State Representative Anthony Sabatini for introducing H.M. 1093, calling upon Congress to advance S. 9 and H.R. 1854, which demand the U.S. Food & Drug Administration exempt premium cigars from their onerous regulations,” said Glynn Loope, executive director of the Cigar Rights of America. “This is an opportunity for the Florida legislature to send a profound message to the Trump administration that premium cigars are important to the Florida economy. … This is also a message to the remainder of the Florida congressional delegation that hasn’t signed onto H.R. 1854, given that Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are working together on S. 9. It’s time for the Trump administration to act, and this resolution sends that message.”

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/how-to-enjoy-watching-soccer/

How to Enjoy Watching Soccer When You’re Not a Diehard Fan

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2020/01/15/what-city-leaders-want-to-see-before-spending-110m.html

What city leaders want to see before spending $110M in support of MLS

City government negotiators want a framework for a series of projects before freeing up $110 million for an expansion Major League Soccer training complex.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-fc-celebrates-first-year-of-existence-work-still-to-be-done-ahead-of-opening-kick

Austin FC celebrates first year of existence, work still to be done ahead of opening kick

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/charlotte-can-afford-110-million-mls-commitment-but-its-far-from-a-done-deal/275-9683149c-1449-4bb8-b088-07379a9ef861

Charlotte can afford $110 million MLS commitment, but it's far from a done deal

One obligation for the city's investment in Major League Soccer is the commitment that the Panthers will stay in the Queen City long-term.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/01/15/shake-shack-is-coming-to-midtown-tampa.html

Shake Shack is coming to Midtown Tampa

Shake Shack, the New York burger joint with a cult following, is finally bringing Shack Stacks and custard concretes to Tampa Bay.

New York-based Bromley Cos., the developer of Midtown, said Wednesday that Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) has signed a deal for 3,200 square feet at Midtown's main entrance off of Cypress Street.

Bromley did not provide an opening date for Shake Shack but said that the district, which began vertical construction in May 2019, should open in early 2021. Midtown spans 22 acres at Dale Mabry Highway and Interstate 275 and is set to include three office towers, 390 upscale apartments, a dual-flag hotel and 220,000 square feet of retail.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal first reported that Shake Shack was working on a location in Midtown in September. The burger chain's interest in the bay region dates back to at least 2016, when it first started scouting real estate in the area.

Bromley Cos. CEO Nick Haines called Shake Shack "another first-to-market restaurant that we’re thrilled to bring to Tampa." The developer has also signed deals with True Foods Kitchen, the Oprah Winfrey-backed health food restaurant, as well as REI, an outdoor gear store. Both are new to the Tampa Bay area.

Shake Shack opened in Sarasota's Mall at University Town Center in 2019. It has more than 170 locations, 70 of which are outside the U.S.

“We’ve followed Shake Shack from its first location next to our office in New York’s Madison Square Park, and appreciate the delight and appeal it has to its customers," Haines said in a statement.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/15/alan-pulido-arrives-sporting-kansas-city-he-explains-mexican-players-recent-mls

As Alan Pulido arrives at Sporting Kansas City, he explains Mexican players' recent MLS interest

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/mls-bodyarmor-announce-partnership-with-support-from-kobe-bryant/

NEWS

Kobe Bryant helps announce MLS, BodyArmor partnership

Through the partnership, Bryant will look to help support the continued expansion of MLS.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/15/media-reacts-javier-chicharito-hernandezs-possible-move-la-galaxy

Media reacts to Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez's possible move to LA Galaxy

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/15/kobe-bryant-praises-mls-growth-probably-wont-be-latest-nba-star-turned-mls-owner

Kobe Bryant praises MLS' growth, but (probably) won't be the latest NBA star turned MLS owner

(Follow link for full article.)

https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/reports-chicharito-to-la-galaxy-is-nearly-a-done-deal-011641100.html

Reports: Chicharito to LA Galaxy is nearly a done deal

(Follow link for full article.)

https://stpetecatalyst.com/influencers/brian-auld/

INFLUENCER

BRIAN AULD

President - Tampa Bay Rays - Vice Chair - Tampa Bay Rowdies

INTRODUCTION

The Tampa Bay Rays are used to skepticism, but they're also known for surprising people. One key ingredient in surviving their toughest years and successfully playing their most difficult cards has been President, Brian Auld. The Ivy League-educated former teacher arrived in St. Pete more than a decade ago as a single person with a love of baseball. In the years since, he's become not just the President of the Tampa Bay Rays and Vice Chair of the Tampa Bay Rowdies,but the father of three kids he's educating in St. Pete's public schools. Auld has made a home in St. Petersburg, and shown his investment in the city by rolling up his sleeves and getting to work. With seven years left in the Rays' contract at Tropicana Field, our eyes will be on Auld to find an innovative and surprising way to keep the Rays in Tampa Bay.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW ABOUT YOUR WORK 3 YEARS AGO?

The stadium saga, as I think we've nicknamed it around here has been constantly hanging over the Tampa Bay Rays to the point where I think it influenced the way the Rowdies acquisition was seen. I'm not sure I appreciated quite to the degree of how that would affect our employee base.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We're gonna figure out how to keep the Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies in the Tampa Bay for generations to come. We're gonna bring every ounce of energy, creativity and influence to the process and keep our always optimistic heads above the water as we figure out a solution to what is a pretty complex problem.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://stpetecatalyst.com/zaps/rowdies-unveil-plan-for-amateur-soccer-team/

Rowdies unveil plan for amateur soccer team

The Tampa Bay Rowdies will field a team this year in USL League Two, the leader in pre-professional soccer in the United States and Canada. The Rowdies team,  Rowdies U23s, will be run in partnership between Chargers Soccer Club and the Rowdies technical staff. Former Rowdies defender and 2012 Champion Andres Arango will coach the team. The League Two team demonstrates the Rowdies' commitment to developing pathways for young players in Tampa Bay, Neil Collins, Rowdies head coach and technical director, said in a news release. The 2020 season will run from May to July and all Rowdies U23 home matches will be held at Al Lang Stadium with free admission, the news release said.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1078208

SUNCOAST SLATE: Rowdies to Host Impact, Inter Miami

TWO MAJOR PRESEASON EXHIBITIONS AT AL LANG STADIUM WILL SEE FREE ADMISSION TO PUBLIC

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/01/15/soccer/toronto-midfielder-tsubasa-endoh-awaits-breakthrough-moment-mls-japan/#.XiAWNdDPwV0

Tsubasa Endoh hopes the arrival of Yuya Kubo will lead to increased MLS coverage by Japanese media.

Toronto midfielder Tsubasa Endoh awaits breakthrough moment for MLS in Japan

When newly minted FC Cincinnati striker Yuya Kubo makes his MLS debut in March, few will be more eager to welcome him than Tsubasa Endoh.

The Toronto FC midfielder, who in 2016 became the first Japanese player selected in the MLS SuperDraft, told From the Spot earlier this month he hopes the presence of the former Samurai Blue player will help bolster the league’s exposure in Japan.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.goal.com/en-qa/news/former-nba-star-bryant-reaffirms-love-for-soccer-as-face-of/gbg14p2xrnj41anaj4n7w4nmi

Former NBA star Bryant reaffirms love for soccer as face of major MLS sponsorship

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.fashion.ie/2020/01/16/david-beckham-launches-his-own-eyewear-collection-with-safilo/

David Beckham launches his own eyewear collection with Safilo

Footballing star, David Beckham is set to launch his debut eyewear collection, Eyewear by David Beckham. The 44-year old ex Manchester United and Real Madrid soccer star will release his new collection he has created with Safilo.

Beckham who is husband to ex-Spice Girl and fashion designer Victoria Beckham announced the news in Milan earlier this week. David’s new designs are part of his collaboration with leading Italian luxury eyewear manufacturer Safilo.

David Beckham’s assemble will include a selection of eye wear frames that are constructed using some of the best materials available.

The theme of the collection is designed around David’s own personal taste. His collection has been described by critics as being contemporary aesthetic with traditional craftsmanship.

As part of the first stage of the promotional campaign, Beckham took to Instagram where he thanked Safilo for their continued support.

The Beckhams are seen as one of the leading UK brands with international appeal. Their empire extends out to business arrangements and partnerships with some of the biggest and well known fashion and beauty brands today.

Already David has collaborated with labels such as Adidas and L’Oreal. Only last year, David and his wife Victoria Beckham took full ownership of David’s branded company by buying out their long-term business partner, Simon Fuller.

David is also president of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Manchester based Salford City soccer club which he owns with fellow Manchester United team mates, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.

Beckham also plays a major part in helping bring awareness and raising the profile of British fashion industry. He is the Ambassadorial President of the British Fashion Council

Eyewear by David Beckham’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection will be available to buy at selected retailers from this coming March 2020.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/epe4af/kristian_dyer_on_twitter_per_source_im_hearing/

[Kristian Dyer on Twitter] Per source, I'm hearing that former #RBNY goalkeeper Evan Louro will sign in the USL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The pipeline to Tampa continues.

Tinari was a great pickup last year but sadly another year wasn’t picked up by the Rowdies. Neill Co…

Just couldn’t stay healthy...that was a bummer...

Louro is definitely a good shot stopper...wonder about that kid from Wolves that was rumored as a loan. And maybe if both sign, does Robinson go on loan to a League One team (probably should get the starts to see what he can do)...

Louro is a step above Robinson. A little bit of competition is good but I can't see Robinson starting over Lauro, especially if the Wolves kid arrives.

For sure. I’d say Louro is quite a few steps above Robinson.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/kristianrdyer/status/1217634000191344640?s=21

Kristian Dyer
@KristianRDyer
Per source, I'm hearing that former #RBNY goalkeeper Evan Louro will sign in the USL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The pipeline to Tampa continues.
9:25 PM · Jan 15, 2020·Twitter Web App