Investing in soccer may be wise, says Goldman Sachs investment banking co-head

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https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/26/investing-in-soccer-may-be-wise-goldman-sachs-investment-banking-head.html

Investing in soccer may be wise, says Goldman Sachs investment banking co-head

Major League Soccer has been growing in popularity since the 1994 World Cup.

MLS has 23 teams, and the average attendance per game has recently surpassed that of the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association.

In the long run, the value of an MLS team might catch up with that of a National Football League team.

If you're wealthy enough to buy a National Football League franchise, you might want to consider Major League Soccer instead.

According to Gregg Lemkau, co-head of investment banking at Goldman Sachs, the value of NFL teams has been stable but MLS teams are on the rise.

"The growth of soccer in the U.S. has actually been quite positive," Lemkau said on "Closing Bell."

With the U.S. hosting the World Cup in 2026, Lemkau said the popularity of soccer will continue to expand. The average attendance per game has recently surpassed that of the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association, he added.

When it comes to investments, the NFL is one of the most expensive to make. The league has 32 franchises valued at about $2 billion each, according to Lemkau. An MLS team might sell for $500 million now; however, in the long run, its value might catch up with that of the NFL, he said. There are 23 MLS teams.

And it's not just soccer. The NBA also may eventually be more valuable than the NFL, with live sports assets remaining highly profitable, said Lemkau.

In fact, overall, live sports draw large audiences, attracting advertisers and media companies looking to purchase rights, he added.

"Sports rights continues to be the holy grail for media," Lemkau said.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/929916

Rowdies Make Splash with Poku’s Addition

Former New York City FC standout set for action upon opening of transfer window on July 10

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the club had signed former New York City FC midfielder Kwadwo Poku for the remainder of the USL season. The signing is pending receipt of his ITC clearance and league and federation approval. He will eligible to play once the transfer window opens on July 10.

The 26-year-old most recently played for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, but is well known in the American soccer scene for his time with New York City FC in Major League Soccer in 2015 and 2016, during which time he made 36 appearances and scored seven goals in the top flight.

“We are so excited to have Poku join the Tampa Bay Rowdies,” said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “He brings a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season. Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he'll do the same under Head Coach Neill Collins.”

Poku also featured prominently for Miami FC after a midseason move during the 2016 season from New York and scored 15 goals in 55 appearances for the South Florida club. During his time in Miami, Poku helped the club reach the Quarterfinals of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before it was eliminated by current USL Eastern Conference-leader FC Cincinnati.

“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said. “For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent. He’s a player the fans will love and he brings us something we’ve lacked in terms of strength, presence and goals from midfield."

Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Poku has played in three matches for Ghana’s senior national team, with his first one coming in 2015. He will wear the No. 88 jersey for the Rowdies. He is the third new addition to the Rowdies in the last week, joining Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro as the newest players on the roster.

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http://ghanasoccernet.com/ghanaian-midfielder-kwadwo-poku-joins-american-side-tampa-bay-rowdies

Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Poku joins American side Tampa Bay Rowdies

American side Tampa Bay Rowdies have sealed the capture of midfielder Kwadwo Poku after the Ghanaian left the Russian top-flight league.

The 26-year-old sealed the move on Tuesday to make a return to the North American country after a short stint with the Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The signing is pending receipt of his ITC clearance and league and federation approval.

He will eligible to play once the transfer window opens on July 10.

Poku most recently played for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, but is well known in the American soccer scene for his time with New York City FC in MLS in 2015 and 2016 and then Miami FC in the NASL in 2016 and 2017.

"We are so excited to have Poku join the Tampa Bay Rowdies," said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards.

"He brings a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season and chase down the USL Cup in 2018.

"Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he'll do the same under Head Coach Neill Collins."

A physical force, Poku scored seven goals in 36 appearances for NYCFC, and was named to the MLS "24 under 24" after his stellar 2015 season.

“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said.

“For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent.

"He’s a player the fans will love and he brings us something we’ve lacked in terms of strength, presence and goals from midfield."

In South Florida, he scored 15 goals in 55 matches, while also guiding Miami FC to both the 2017 Spring and Fall Season Championships.

Poku was also fundamental in Miami's long Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in 2017, where they reached the quarterfinals.

Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Poku has played in three matches for Ghana’s senior national team, with his first one coming in 2015.

He will wear the No. 88 jersey for the Rowdies.

He is the third new addition to the Rowdies in the last week, joining Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro as the newest players on the roster.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/us-bidders-acquire-ac-milan-ricketts-commisso

Reports: US bidders looking to acquire AC Milan

Chicago Cubs owners and Rocco Commisso competing for Italian soccer side.

Two separate US bidders are in talks to acquire Italian top-tier soccer side AC Milan, according to US and Italian media reports.

According to the Associated Press news agency, the Ricketts family, owners of Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise the Chicago Cubs, are looking to take control of the Serie A side. 

The agency reports that the Milan office of Edelman, the public relations company hired by the Ricketts, said the entire family is interested in a takeover of Milan for “a medium-to long-period investment” and wants to create “a strong bond with the city”.

Meanwhile, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport says that Rocco Commisso, the American billionaire owner of the New York Cosmos soccer side, is already in negotiations with current Milan chairman Yonghong Li.

Gazzetta reports that Commisso is being backed by US financial services company Goldman Sachs in his approach, and says that he is “ahead of Thomas Ricketts in the Rossonero club race”.

Commisso is a prominent figure in the US soccer market. Earlier this month, media reported that Commisso had withdrawn his offer of US$500 million in funding for a revived North American Soccer League (NASL) after the US Soccer Federation refused to meet his demands.

The Cosmos played in the NASL until 2018, when the USSF refused to sanction it as a second-division league because it failed to meet certain standards.

The interest in AC Milan comes after increasing concerns over the financial stability of the Italian giants. The side qualified for the Uefa Europa League last season, but faces possible ejection from the competition by European soccer’s governing body following a breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

In April 2017, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s holding company, Fininvest, completed the sale of its 99.93 per cent stake in AC Milan to Luxembourg-based Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux, which is controlled by Li.

US private equity fund Elliott provided Rossoneri Sport with €180 million to complete the deal, as well as a further €128 million to aid investment in the playing squad, with AC Milan spending over €200 million on players in 2017 alone. The loans, with an average interest rate of just below ten per cent, are due to be repaid by October 2018.

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https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2018/06/24/aiming-for-milan-reports-commisso-vying-to-buy-italian-club/

AIMING FOR MILAN: Reports: Commisso vying to buy Italian club

Rocco B. Commisso reportedly wants to purchase A.C. Milan. (Photo courtesy of the Cosmos)

Cosmos owner Rocco B. Commisso reportedly is in the lead to buy A.C. Milan of Italy’s Serie A.

Commisso, who recently had a $500 million proposal to revive the North American Soccer League rejected by the U.S. Soccer Federation, is trying to by the storied club after current owner Yonghong Li missed a payment, according to Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.

The CEO and founder of Mediacom, a cable television company, reportedly is negotiating with David Han Li in New York. The talks include lawyers and financial advisors, which are supported by Goldman Sachs, Sky Sport Italia reported.

Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is the other top contender and has the help of Morgan Stanley.

Commisso is trying to put together a group to buy the Italian club.

No purchase amount has been reported yet.

A.C. Milan was put into this position when owner Yonghong Li recently failed to pay a $37.2 million to increase the capital by a deadline. Instead, Elliott Management, a hedge fund, will pay the amount.

So, Yonghong Li has 10 days to repay that figure or Elliott will start to call in his assets and begin a takeover of the Italian club.

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also might be interested in purchasing Milan, Sky Sport Italia reported, although that was not confirmed.

A Cosmos spokesman had no comment on the possible deal. If one is finalized, Commisso will comment.

Commisso is a long-time Juventus supporter, so if his purchase comes through it will be interesting to see what he has to stay about owning the team that is the rival of his favorite club.

The Cosmos are not participating in a league this season as the North American Soccer League is taking a hiatus after the USSF rescinded the league’s Division Two status for 2018. The NASL has filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the federation.

There is a team wearing the Cosmos’ colors as Cosmos B is competing in the National Premier Soccer League. The team clinched a playoff berth with a 5-0 win over the defending champion Elm City Express Saturday night.

For the original story, visit:

https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/06/23/milan-news-nuova-proprieta.html

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https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/pac-calls-foul-on-austin-s-mls-stadium-plan/1264776880

PAC calls foul on Austin's MLS stadium plan

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Days before the Austin City Council is expected to make a big decision on whether to move forward with a Major League Soccer team at a city-owned lot on the northside of town, a political action committee is blasting out ads against the soccer team.

The group Austin for a Better Future posted a Facebook video Monday with the title "Austin Throws Away $1 Billion!" The video features a man listing other options the city can do besides help build up a soccer team. The group says the city could use the money to build more affordable housing, update city roads and help the homeless.

The video states if the city decides to move forward with the MLS team, it will be at the "expense of our community." The PAC also bought the domain: BillionDollarGiveaway.com. The "billion" comes from predicted property tax loss over 80 years.

Bill Worsham filed as treasurer for Austin for a Better Future PAC. In 2014, Worsham unsuccessfully ran for Austin City Council District 10.

"We simply want to shine light on all of the impacts, not just the positives, and give voice to affected residents before this far-reaching proposal is rushed through," Worsham wrote to KXAN via email. "To date, the potential alternative uses of the affected resources have not even been considered."

"We call this the Austin process. It's not always the prettiest thing," said Mark Littlefield, a lobbyist and consultant for Precourt.

Littlefield says Precourt would build the stadium but the city would continue ownership of the land and the city doesn't pay property taxes on its land because it would be used outside of soccer games.

"That's something that all of Austin can have and enjoy," said Littlefield.

On Tuesday morning, Precourt Sports Ventures released a rendering of how it would incorporate affordable housing into the lot if the city were to go that route. Precourt says it would work with Foundation Communities as a partner for the project. The company has already pledged more than $4 million to the non-profit if the deal goes through.

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http://www.spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2018/06/26/pac-condemns-mls--billion-dollar-giveaway--plans

Messages of support, protest surface regarding MLS

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council is slated to make a decision Thursday as to whether it will continue with plans to bring a Major League Soccer team to city-owned lot in North Austin, near the Domain.

On Tuesday morning, Precourt Ventures released a draft of a conceptual rendering for a stadium and soccer park at McKalla Place, including a potential on-site location for affordable housing.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/06/26/new-mls-stadium-site-plans-in-austin-include-more.html

New MLS stadium site plans in Austin include more parking, affordable housing

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https://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/fc-cincinnati-proposes-more-significant-changes-at-nippert-stadium-until-its-own-stadium-is-ready

FC Cincinnati proposes more significant changes at Nippert Stadium until its own stadium is ready

New turf, LED boards, revamped locker room

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https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/26/fc-cincinnati-shares-plans-for-30m-facility-photos.html

FC Cincinnati shares plans for $30M facility: PHOTOS

FC Cincinnati is planning a huge $30 million soccer facility that it expects to be a “world-class team training complex” where it will hold its practice sessions and build a youth academy.

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https://www.portada-online.com/2018/06/26/mls-looking-to-capitalize-on-world-cup-bounce-and-el-tri/

MLS Looking to Capitalize on “World Cup Bounce” and “El Tri”

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https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/austin-mls-soccer-stadium-conceptual-site-plan-now-includes-affordable-housing/269-567646272

Austin MLS soccer stadium conceptual site plan now includes affordable housing

The new area for a soccer stadium in Austin could include affordable housing apartment units.

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https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/26/stejskal-carlos-salcedo-window-what-couldve-been-rsl-mls

Stejskal: Carlos Salcedo a window into what could've been for RSL, MLS

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https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/precourt-releases-new-mckalla-concept-with-onsite-affordable-housing/VtdLs6SIU6VhwvhWmwvnUM/

Precourt releases new McKalla concept with onsite affordable housing

Precourt Sports Ventures released Tuesday a conceptual site plan that, if implemented, would add affordable housing and additional parking to the proposal for a Major League Soccer stadium in North Austin.

The new concept calls for up to 130 affordable housing units and a four-story parking garage for up to 600 cars near the south corner of the McKalla Place site. The previous concept showed a parking/staging area with 300 parking spaces in that location.

Richard Suttle, a lobbyist for PSV and MLS, said that the affordable housing would be built in partnership with Foundation Communities, a local nonprofit that provides affordable housing and other services. It is not clear how much the development would cost or how it would be funded.

“At this point in the process, there are a lot of scenarios that may work. In an effort to respond to ideas we have heard in our meetings with the community, our planners have looked at how to integrate additional uses on the site including the potential for on-site affordable housing,” Suttle said in a statement to the American-Statesman.

In its June 1 proposal, PSV pledged an upfront cash contribution of $500,000 to Foundation Communities for a new Waters Park Studio development and $125,000 annually to the organization.

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https://www.journal-news.com/sports/cincinnati-build-training-facility-milford/TquP0sR1pLHniWtepzMyuL/

FC Cincinnati to build training facility in Milford

FC Cincinnati will be building its training facility in Milford.

Milford City Council has a special meeting tonight for FC Cincinnati to present its plans to construct a “world-class team training complex” on 23.6 acres of land at the Expressway Park softball complex and adjoining property.

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https://247sports.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/Article/David-Tepper-opting-not-to-bring-in-limited-partners-with-Carolina-Panthers-ownership-119378312/

Report: David Tepper opting not to bring in minority owners

David Tepper is apparently about to join a very exclusive list.

The Panthers' new owner has decided to waive his opportunity to bring in limited partners and will purchase and be responsible for 100 percent of the franchise when the sale of the team officially closes in July or early August, Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Daily is reporting.

Tepper is buying the Panthers from current owner Jerry Richardson for $2.275 billion, including $2.2 billion in cash. The other $75 million is being deferred. Tepper's representatives and Tepper himself have yet to confirm the report, but it isn't exactly unforeseen, especially given the fact his net worth is at least $11 billion, according to Forbes.

Richardson owned 48 percent of the franchise, which equated to around $1 billion of the selling price. The other 52 percent was made up of the following minority owners: Richardson’s wife Rosalind; his children Mark and Ashley; M.C. Belk Pilon; Katie Belk Morris; H.C. Bissell; Erskine Bowles; Derick Close; Elliott Close; Cameron Harris; John Harris; Leon Levine; Jerry Wordsworth; and Steve Wordsworth. NFL majority owners are required to purchase at least 30 percent of the team to make it theirs.

When asked about bringing in limited partners shortly after the purchase was approved by the NFL last month, Tepper didn't really give a direct answer, indicating he was still deciding upon the best plan of action.

"Minority partners? I'm trying to figure out the structure right now," Tepper said. "Obviously there are some advantages to having some local partners. I'm trying to determine the development I want to have in the community. The more development there is in the community, that might make it more difficult to have minority partners.

"If you want to have, for instance, an MLS (Major League Soccer) team or something like that – which might some sense if you are in fact in Charlotte – or you do other things, I'm just trying to determine that in the next six weeks. If I'm moving someplace and we're doing this in Carolina, the first thing I care about is winning. The second thing I care about is winning. And the third thing I care about is…you guys are smart. That's on and off the field. That includes the charity aspect, the community aspect and how we make a community better. You win in a lot of ways, and I don't like to lose in any way."

Buying 100 percent of the Panthers would be a statement of sorts by Tepper, meaning all of the decision-making and funding would go through himself. There are only a few owners across the league who have been able to do the same. Of course, if it gets to be too much responsibility, Tepper could always bring in limited partners at a later date to help with the process.

But as of now, it appears it's going to be all Tepper.

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https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/06/26/report-reveals-everton-forward-wayne-rooney-will-sign-mls-side-dc-united-tuesday

Report Reveals Everton Forward Wayne Rooney Will Sign for MLS Side DC United on Tuesday

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https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2018/06/26/meet-the-league-new-mexicos-soccer-team-is-joining.html

Meet the league New Mexico's soccer team is joining (slideshow)

According to an article from Forbes, USL teams pumped more than $100 million into stadium construction from April 2015 to October 2016.

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http://thecontributor.org/news/nashville-soccer-club-spreads-soccer-culture-to-the-south-

Nashville Soccer Club Spreads Soccer Culture To The South

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https://www.lanereport.com/102696/2018/06/louisville-city-fc-ready-to-break-ground-on-new-stadium/

Louisville City FC to break ground on new $65M stadium

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City Football Club will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new stadium in Butchertown on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Plans now call for the $65 million stadium to have 11,300 seats – up from the original estimate of approximately 10,000 seats.

At the ceremony, Gov. Matt Bevin and Mayor Greg Fischer will speak along with Metro Council members David James (council president) and Barbara Sexton Smith, whose 4th District includes the stadium site. Additional speakers include Ryan Gedney, VP and Senior Project Designer of the stadium with HOK; Mike Mountjoy, Co-Chair Soccer Holdings, LLC; and LouCity head coach James O’Connor.

The public is invited to attend. Anyone wishing to attend should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. at the stadium construction site at Cabel and Adams streets (use 200 Cabel Street for GPS mapping directions).

“We’re ready to turn dirt and start seeing the stadium rise,” said Brad Estes, executive vice president for LouCity. “This is a major step in fulfilling our strategic plan, which includes having the best team and facilities in the United Soccer League. And when Major League Soccer comes calling, we will be ready.”

Construction of the state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium is being handled by HOK, a global leader in sport facilities with a history of providing creative and functional designs for USL and MLS facilities. The LouCity stadium will be part of a 40-acre development adjacent to Louisville’s Waterfront Park at the convergence of Interstates 71, 65 and 64.

Premium components of the stadium include:

    18 luxury suites
    Premier Club area with accommodations for 250
    Club and loge seating options
    40 by 72-foot video board
    Eight bars in strategic locations throughout the stadium

Louisville City FC is the reigning USL champion and the only USL team to make it to this year’s Round of Eight in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The remaining seven teams are all from Major League Soccer.

“There’s no doubt this team is ready for any challenge,” said coach O’Connor, a former Irish professional footballer. “Both the team and the fans deserve a first-class stadium. Building it speaks volumes for the city and the state’s commitment to traditional football. They understand that this is America’s growth sport, and Louisville is being positioned very well to take the next step.”

LouCity has been playing its games at Louisville Slugger Field, which does not allow for traditional soccer field dimensions. The new soccer-specific stadium will open for the 2020 season.

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http://www.wric.com/sports/richmond-kickers-coach-stepping-down-after-19-seasons/1265809899

Richmond Kickers coach stepping down after 19 seasons

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Kickers announced Tuesday that head coach Leigh Cowlishaw is stepping down after 19 seasons at the helm of the team.

The organization says Cowlishaw will remain an 'integral' member of the Kickers staff, shifting his full-time focus towards his role as Director of Soccer.

Cowlishaw, the longest-tenured coach in the United Soccer League, coached his 560th and final match on June 23 -- a 1-1 draw against Charlotte Independent City Stadium. He achieved his 276th career win two weeks prior following a 2-0 win over long-time rival Charleston Battery.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u4e26/get_ready_for_some_midweek_rowdies_soccer/

Get Ready for some Mid-Week Rowdies Soccer!

It's cliche to say the season is on the line as we come upon halfway through the season, but the way the table is set up, this is a must-win game. Lots of injuries, news players likely in the lineup, a road game... General Cole's last stand.

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929853

Match Preview: #TBRvCLT

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u1fkf/rowdies_sign_dynamic_midfielder_kwadwo_poku/

Official Rowdies Sign Dynamic Midfielder Kwadwo Poku

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/929815

Rowdies Sign Dynamic Midfielder Kwadwo Poku

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 26, 2018) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed midfielder Kwadwo Poku, the club announced Tuesday. The signing is pending receipt of his ITC clearance and league and federation approval. He will eligible to play once the transfer window opens on July 10.

Poku, 26, most recently played for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League, but is well known in the American soccer scene for his time with New York City FC in MLS in 2015 and 2016 and then Miami FC in the NASL in 2016 and 2017.

"We are so excited to have Poku join the Tampa Bay Rowdies," said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. "He brings a level of excitement on the field that will be very important for this team as we enter the second half of the season and chase down the USL Cup in 2018. Poku is a player that has succeeded at many levels of professional soccer and I have no doubt he'll do the same under Head Coach Neill Collins."

A physical force, Poku scored seven goals in 36 appearances for NYCFC, and was named to the MLS "24 under 24" after his stellar 2015 season.

“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said. “For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent. He’s a player the fans will love and he brings us something we’ve lacked in terms of strength, presence and goals from midfield."

In South Florida, he scored 15 goals in 55 matches, while also guiding Miami FC to both the 2017 Spring and Fall Season Championships. Poku was also fundamental in Miami's long Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in 2017, where they reached the quarterfinals.

Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Poku has played in three matches for Ghana’s senior national team, with his first one coming in 2015.

He will wear the No. 88 jersey for the Rowdies. He is the third new addition to the Rowdies in the last week, joining Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro as the newest players on the roster.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8u09nk/ives_galarcep_poku_signing_with_the_rowdies/

POKUWATCH 2018 [Ives Galarcep] Poku signing with the Rowdies

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https://twitter.com/SoccerByIves/status/1011605262032146437

Ives Galarcep

‏Verified account @SoccerByIves

In non-World Cup related Russian (and American) soccer news, I’m told former #NYCFC midfielder Kwadwo Poku is signing with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the #USL , leaving Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala. He’s still only 26, definitely see him back in #MLS eventually.

9:41 AM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011627719434604544

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

We'll be dropping some news around noon that you won't want to miss.

11:10 AM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011630195332337667

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

You may have won $6,000 in the #RowdiesRiches Sweepstakes! Grab your match program this past Friday & head to http://RowdiesRiches.com .

11:20 AM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011641382459658240

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.

MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/NoPokuNoParty

#POKUPOWER

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Prior to departing to the Russian Premier League, Poku spent time with @NYCFC and @TheMiamiFC.

12:04 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011644475976888320

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Rowdies Head Coach @neillycollins3🗣️

“Marcel Schäfer will be difficult to replace, but @Poku is an unbelievable person to bring in and a huge coup for the club. For us to sign him at the age he is is really big. I’ve played against him and he was a very tough opponent."

12:16 PM - 26 Jun 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/UnusedSubsPod/status/1011640420596637697

The Unused 👌 Substitutes ⚽ Show

‏@UnusedSubsPod

Hear what @TampaBayRowdies head coach @neillycollins3 had to say about the signing of @poku https://clyp.it/jg5hlz13?token=64b4de8c5be0d7506e394227fd7e48f5 … #WelcomePoku #NoPokuNoParty

12:00 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TheHoopedSleeve/status/1011640893621854208

The Hooped Sleeve ⚽️ 👌
‏
@TheHoopedSleeve

Welcome to the @TampaBayRowdies family, @Poku!...We're relieved to see you on our side of the lineup sheet! 😅👍🇬🇭💚💛

12:02 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011663647850967040

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Welcome to the #RowdiesFamily, @Poku!

Rowdies Sign Kwadwo Poku

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1:33 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/martin_vingaard/status/1011659886655148038

Martin Vingaard
‏
@martin_vingaard

Yeeeeees!!!!!! No need to take the flag down #roundof16 #prouddane #fordanmark landsholdet @FIFAWWC @ Saint Petersburg, Florida https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkfu5gInBbe/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=1eg5w19tp25ps …

1:18 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011667269833887745

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Meanwhile, we’ve arrived safely in Charlotte for tomorrow night’s clash against @CLTIndependence.

1:47 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/jochengraf/status/1011667066808565761

Jochen Graf
‏
@jochengraf

Jochen Graf Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies

@Poku welcome my guy!

Jochen Graf added,

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.…

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1:46 PM - 26 Jun 2018 from Charlotte, NC

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https://twitter.com/USL/status/1011671212873969672

USL

‏Verified account @USL

"We are so excited to have Poku join the @TampaBayRowdies."

Details ↓

2:03 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011700812777644033

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

Giovanni Scanio, one of our Jr. Reporters, got the chance to meet @Poku and interview him after one of our recent practices.

Meet Poku with the help of Jr. Reporter Giovanni Scanio

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4:00 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://twitter.com/RobStoneONFOX/status/1011752268960620546

Rob Stone

‏Verified account @RobStoneONFOX

Rob Stone Retweeted Tampa Bay Rowdies

Whhoooaaaaa. Tremendous.

cc: @EricWynalda

Rob Stone added,

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.…

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7:25 PM - 26 Jun 2018 from Moscow, Russia

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https://twitter.com/TampaBayRowdies/status/1011640289604374528

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account @TampaBayRowdies

OFFICIAL: Rowdies announce the signing of midfielder Kwadwo @Poku. The Ghanaian midfielder most recently played in Russia for @fc_anji.

MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/NoPokuNoParty

12:00 PM - 26 Jun 2018

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/930032

Cowlishaw Steps Down as Kickers’ Head Coach

2013 USL Coach of the Year had led club in 560 contests since appointment in 2000

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https://www.abqjournal.com/1189602/civic-plaza-is-site-of-more-viewing-parties.html

World Cup: Civic Plaza is site of more viewing parties

Cameron Torres, a Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal fan, watches the Portugal vs. Spain World Cup game in Civic Plaza, Friday, June 15. Civic Plaza is hosting several more watch parties with its screen television. (Marla Brose/Journal file)