Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Sacramento Mayor Wants Firm Number From MLS On Expansion Goal

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http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2018/01/16/sacramento-mayor-wants-firm-number-from-mls-on-expansion-goal/

Sacramento Mayor Wants Firm Number From MLS On Expansion Goal

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https://sports.yahoo.com/usl-granted-2018-2nd-division-003441868.html

USL granted 2018 2nd-division sanctioning by U.S. Soccer

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/1/16/16897926/tim-hanley-goalkeeper-coach-philadelphia-union-mls-combine

Veteran goalkeeper coach with Union staff at MLS Combine

Union are in the process of “finalizing an agreement” with Tim Hanley

Hanley, a 57-year-old former goalkeeper who played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Earthquakes in the original NASL, served three stints and a total of 11 seasons coaching for his hometown San Jose Earthquakes before parting ways with the team in November. He has also held technical staff positions with the LA Galaxy (2007), Houston Dynamo (2009-2014) and Stanford University (2001-2005).

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/875829?referrer_id=2349190

Fans Happy Overall With Offseason Moves

Head Coaches across league receive strong support as signings pick up steam

Perhaps the most notable goalkeeper move so far has been Matt Pickens, who was the first signing for Nashville SC, joining from the Tampa Bay Rowdies. With some starting positions up for grabs as preseason gets underway, there will be some battles that will be worth monitoring over the next couple of months.

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/876290?referrer_id=2349190

Flemmings Makes Move to Rowdies

Former Red Bulls II standout heads to Tampa Bay for new season

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/17/tampa-bay-rowdies-wner-bill-edwards-is-moving-out.html

Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards is moving out of downtown St. Pete

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https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/usl-s-second-division-status-maintained-by-us-soccer-011618

USL’s second-division status maintained by US Soccer

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http://www.tbo.com/From-Finland-with-love-Kyle-Curinga-s-back-stateside-with-Rowdies_164569851

From Finland, with love: Kyle Curinga’s back stateside with Rowdies

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-us-soccer-grants-usl-2nd-division-status-20180117-story.html

US Soccer grants USL 2nd-division status

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https://mlsgb.com/2018/01/17/david-beckhams-miami-franchise-finally-set-official-launch-end-january/

David Beckham’s Miami franchise finally set for official launch before the end of January

Official team name and kit designs expected to be revealed before the end of the month

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r1mi5/tampa_bay_rowdies_boss_stuart_campbell_on/

Tampa Bay Rowdies boss Stuart Campbell on managing Joe Cole and the US soccer boom (thesetpieces.com)

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https://thesetpieces.com/world-football/tampa-bay-rowdies-boss-stuart-campbell-managing-joe-cole-us-soccer-boom/

Tampa Bay Rowdies boss Stuart Campbell on managing Joe Cole and the US soccer boom

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http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article195130934.html

Sacramento City Council must hold the line on public money for MLS stadium

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https://www.soccerwire.com/news/pro/u-s-soccer-board-of-directors-grants-pro-league-sanctions-for-2018/

U.S. Soccer Board of Directors grants pro league sanctions for 2018

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https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/1/17/16879454/us-soccer-fractured-relationship-fans

US Soccer has fractured its relationship to the fans

And U.S. Soccer fans have had enough.

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/876748?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Leadership Welcomes U.S. Soccer Sanctioning

Awarded full Division II sanctioning ahead of 2018 season by USSF Board of Directors

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r2007/rowdies_to_face_fc_cincinnati_on_feb_10_in/

Rowdies to Face FC Cincinnati on Feb. 10 in Preseason Friendly at IMG Academy (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/876791

Rowdies to Face FC Cincinnati on Feb. 10 in Preseason Friendly at IMG Academy

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r21z1/from_finland_with_love_kyle_curingas_back/

From Finland, with love: Kyle Curinga’s back stateside with Rowdies (tampabay.com)

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http://www.tampabay.com/From-Finland-with-love-Kyle-Curinga-s-back-stateside-with-Rowdies_164569851

From Finland, with love: Kyle Curinga’s back stateside with Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r1jpc/wefoundgeorgi_rowdies_resign_georgi_hristov/

#WeFoundGeorgi - Rowdies Re-Sign Georgi Hristov!! UNLEASH THE BULGARIAN!! (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/876724

#WeFoundGeorgi - Rowdies Re-Sign Georgi Hristov Who Plans On Making All-Time Rowdies History for First Time in Many Years

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7r4rj1/usf_mens_soccer_announces_spring_schedule/

USF Men's Soccer Announces Spring Schedule, Including 3/9 Match vs. Rowdies (gousfbulls.com)

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http://gousfbulls.com/news/2018/1/17/mens-soccer-announces-spring-schedule.aspx

Men's Soccer Announces Spring Schedule

USF wraps up its spring season on March 9 in its annual match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Time and location to be determined.

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http://cincinnatisoccertalk.com/2018/01/17/fc-cincinnati-will-play-new-england-revolution-tampa-bay-rowdies-indy-eleven-and-more-in-preseason-matches

FC Cincinnati Will Play New England Revolution, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Indy Eleven and more in Preseason Matches

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https://mlsgb.com/2018/01/17/david-beckhams-miami-franchise-finally-set-official-launch-end-january/

David Beckham’s Miami franchise finally set for official launch before the end of January

Official team name and kit designs expected to be revealed before the end of the month

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

David Beckham's Miami group expecting MLS announcement soon

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http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3349612/david-beckhams-miami-group-expecting-mls-announcement-soon?src=com

David Beckham's Miami group expecting MLS announcement soon

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https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2018/01/16/Franchises/Beckham-MLS-Club.aspx

David Beckham's Miami MLS Club Preparing For Official Launch In Late January

David Beckham and his business partners are preparing for a "late-January official launch of Miami's long-awaited" MLS team, according to Michelle Kaufman of the MIAMI HERALD. The team is scheduled to begin play in the '20 season, although it "may have to play in a temporary site the first...

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/876290?referrer_id=2349190

Flemmings Makes Move to Rowdies

Former Red Bulls II standout heads to Tampa Bay for new season

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https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2018/1/16/16895370/analyzing-david-kilpatricks-brilliant-open-letter-ussf

Analyzing David Kilpatrick’s brilliant open letter to the USSF

Add Kilpatrick to the “USSF, please reconsider your awful decision” club.

In case some have missed it, the USSF’s decision that seems as if it took place years ago came to the conclusion to strip the NASL’s status as a Division II league. The result has put an array of current NASL clubs in trouble, and it still continues to haunt the New York Cosmos’ franchise.

A variety of public figures have come together to go against the final decision made by the USSF. The Cosmos’ Club Historian David Kilpatrick joined the fray when writing an open letter to the USA Soccer Federation, and it was filled with amazing claims to say the least.

Kilpatrick was born in 1968, coincidentally right as the original NASL was formed. The historian has had plenty of time to gather notes on New York’s long history that includes the Pele time period and much more.

To say that Kilpatrick was likely upset with the recent decision is a bit of an understatement. The Cosmos staff member made a very solid opening claim when saying this, which was noted by the Cosmos’ website:

"When I speak about soccer overseas, the single most frequent question I am asked is not, “when will the USA win the World Cup,” but “when will the Cosmos play in the MLS?”"

"If failure to understand how winning a 2nd division doesn’t earn promotion to a 1st division has proven a popular talking point, how then can one explain an entire league being relegated from 2nd division to 3rd division status?"

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qr099/a_glimmer_of_hope/

A Glimmer of Hope (businessobserverfl.com)

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https://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/a-glimmer-of-hope/

A Glimmer of Hope

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qsu6s/rowdies_strengthen_their_attack_with_signing_of/

Rowdies Strengthen their Attack with Signing of Junior Flemmings (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/876278

Rowdies Strengthen their Attack with Signing of Junior Flemmings

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qw4aw/ill_be_back/

“I’ll be back” (i.redd.it)

https://i.redd.it/4d91kevo8ia01.jpg

Monday, January 15, 2018

A Glimmer of Hope

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https://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/a-glimmer-of-hope/

A Glimmer of Hope

In late November, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and their outspoken owner, area property magnate Bill Edwards, found out they would not be one of the contenders for Major League Soccer’s next round of expansion.

Insiders close to Edwards and the team, however, believe the Rowdies’ odds of clinching a future expansion slot remain better than average.

MLS wants to expand from 24 to 28 teams in the coming years, and it plans to hold two rounds of expansion to meet that goal. In early December, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento were announced as the four finalists of the present round. Of those, Nashville and one other, yet to be announced, will begin play in 2020 — growing the league to 26 teams.

That leaves two additional, post-2020 expansion slots, meaning the Rowdies’ bid isn’t dead. Far from it, if you ask Greg Holden, vice president of investment firm Manning & Napier. A Business Observer 40 under 40 winner last year, Holden is also co-chair of the Rowdies Council, a volunteer group that builds support for the St. Petersburg-based team among the Tampa business community.

Holden says it’s telling that MLS has been slow to announce the second team to join the league alongside Nashville. “Things change quickly in the world of professional sports and stadium finance,” he says. “It was only a few months ago that St. Louis and San Diego were considered the favorites for this first round of expansion and referendum woes veered them both off course.”

In addition to a privately financed, $80 million plan to more than double the capacity of Al Lang Stadium, home of the Rowdies, Edwards’ bid also boasts a team increasingly supported by enthusiastic fans. Led by British football legend Joe Cole, in 2017 the Rowdies made a deep playoff run and set a new attendance record despite having one of the highest average ticket prices in the United Soccer League.

“This is important,” says Holden, “as other clubs vying for MLS entrance with higher average attendance have much lower average ticket prices, raising questions of how many of those fans would convert.”

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article194653114.html

Beckham’s Miami soccer team has been a dream for years. The reality may be days away.

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http://www.goal.com/en/news/david-beckhams-miami-mls-venture-owners-team-name-everything-you-/l2xokkiehv5d1szx8sinm75wz

David Beckham's Miami MLS venture: Owners, team name & everything you need to know

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https://www.prosoccerusa.com/expansion/miami/david-beckhams-miami-mls-expansion-team-may-finally-play-2020-report-says/

David Beckham’s Miami MLS expansion team may finally play in 2020, report says

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http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/2018/01/15/former-st-petersburg-mayor-rick-baker-leaves-the-edwards-group/

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker leaves the Edwards Group

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qkeru/rowdies_resign_defender_tamika_mkandawire/

Rowdies Re-sign Defender Tamika Mkandawire (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/875830?referrer_id=2909153

Rowdies Re-sign Defender Tamika Mkandawire

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7qjz7v/rick_baker_resigning_as_president_of_the_edwards/

Rick Baker resigning as president of The Edwards Group (floridapolitics.com)

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http://floridapolitics.com/archives/253582-rick-baker-resign-edwards-group-president

Rick Baker resigning as president of The Edwards Group

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7q00xc/rowdies_open_the_season_march_17_at_north/

Rowdies open the season March 17 at North Carolina FC; home opener March 24 vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (uslsoccer.com)

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/875213?referrer_id=

USL Sets Course for 2018 with Home Openers

New season to open with 14-game slate weekend of March 16-18

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7py0jl/clearwaters_kyle_curinga_returns_to_play_for/

Clearwater’s Kyle Curinga Returns to Play for Rowdies [OC] (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/01/12/home-again-clearwaters-curinga-returns-to-play-for-rowdies/3406

Home Again: Clearwater’s Curinga Returns to Play for Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7py45r/season_ticket_members_receive_free_tickets_to_jan/

Season Ticket Members Receive FREE Tickets to Jan 20 Florida Cup Match - Atletico Nacional vs. Legia Warsaw (i.imgur.com)

https://i.imgur.com/XvAozx0.png

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7px5ib/rowdies_add_brazilian_defender_ivan_magalh%C3%A3es/

Rowdies Add Brazilian Defender Ivan Magalhães (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/875053

Rowdies Add Brazilian Defender Ivan Magalhães

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pony2/rowdies_continue_to_build_roster_with_signing_of/

Rowdies Continue to Build Roster with Signing of Defender David Najem (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/874405?referrer_id=2824806

Rowdies Continue to Build Roster with Signing of Defender David Najem

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pomfa/sky_sports_punditry_or_coaching_joe_cole_gives/

Sky Sports: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football (skysports.com)

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11197310/watch-punditry-or-coaching-joe-cole-gives-his-views-on-life-after-football

WATCH: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pjd7f/promising_goalkeeper_matias_reynares_joins/

Promising Goalkeeper Matias Reynares Joins Rowdies Ahead of 2018 Season (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/874320

Promising Goalkeeper Matias Reynares Joins Rowdies Ahead of 2018 Season

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https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/76399/tim-hanley-mlss-longest-serving-coach-on-mls-th.html

Tim Hanley, MLS's longest-serving coach, on MLS then and now and his specialty, American goalkeepers

Tim Hanley (far right) with the old NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Your playing career included goalkeeping at Foothill College in Northern California, with the San Jose Earthquakes in the old-NASL when your teammates included George Best, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and stints in Scotland and Switzerland. How much did that experience help you in guiding American goalkeepers during a very different era of American soccer?

The goalkeeper coach is a relatively new position in soccer. I was 19 years old at my first club, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and was mentored by the starting goalkeeper, Winston DuBose, a fantastic goalkeeper. In San Jose, it was my teammate goalkeepers, Bob Rigby and Bill Irwin. We worked on our own sharing ideas, technique, exercises. When I began coaching goalkeepers, this playing experience and sort of self-taught foundation allowed me to really understand each of my keepers, their qualities, and exactly what each needed to improve.

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http://wfla.com/2018/01/12/tampa-bay-rowdies-to-host-bethlehem-steel-in-2018-usl-home-opener/

Tampa Bay Rowdies to host Bethlehem Steel in 2018 USL home opener

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/875213

USL Sets Course for 2018 with Home Openers

New season to open with 14-game slate weekend of March 16-18

In the Eastern Conference a pair of familiar foes will meet at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as North Carolina FC makes its USL debut against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and for a third successive year the Charleston Battery will host FC Cincinnati at MUSC Health Stadium on the opening Saturday of the season.

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https://www.thedailystampede.com/2018/1/12/16887232/first-usf-bulls-mens-soccer-preseason-game-announced-philadelphia-union-marcus-epps-mls

First USF Men’s Soccer Preseason Game Announced, Will Play Philadelphia Union in Clearwater

Former Bull Marcus Epps is coming home.

As reported by Brotherly Game, the Philadelphia Union are coming to Tampa for preseason training as part of the Suncoast Invitational put on by the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The matchup is especially intriguing for USF soccer fans as former midfield standout Marcus Epps comes back to the Bay Are

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http://wfla.com/2018/01/10/rowdies-set-to-play-against-mls-clubs-in-st-petersburg/

MLS clubs heading to Pinellas for games against Rowdies, preseason training sessions

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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2018/1/10/16873672/philadelphia-union-2018-preseason-schedule-tampa-bay-rowdies

Philadelphia Union announce preseason schedule

The blue and gold will face division rivals, a pair of college teams and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in preseason

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https://kaplanherald.com/2018/01/16/beckhams-miami-soccer-group-has-been-a-dream-for-years-the-fact-could-also-be-days-away/

Beckham’s Miami soccer group has been a dream for years. The fact could also be days away.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Suncoast Invitational confirmed: NYCFC vs. PHI & Rowdies vs. MTL on 2/24 (facebook.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7p8jro/suncoast_invitational_confirmed_nycfc_vs_phi/

Suncoast Invitational confirmed: NYCFC vs. PHI & Rowdies vs. MTL on 2/24 (facebook.com)

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https://www.facebook.com/events/531000850593836/

FEB 24

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Montreal Impact

2018 Rowdies Suncoast Invitational Montreal Impact vs New York City FC @ 5:00 PM EST and Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Philadelphia Union @ 7:30 PM For Military Tickets, please call (727) 222-2000 For Group Tickets, please call (727) 521-7267

Sale Dates and Times:

Public Onsale : Tue, 9 Jan 2018 at 10:00 AM

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7pbxiy/joe_cole_almost_played_with_pep_guardiola_at_west/

Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City master (thesun.co.uk)

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/5305222/joe-cole-pep-guardiola-west-ham-chelsea/

dream team Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City master

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7p7lyb/tampa_bay_rowdies_sign_tampa_bay_native_kyle/

Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Tampa Bay Native Kyle Curinga (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/873675

Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Tampa Bay Native Kyle Curinga

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7p36ki/jaguars_kicker_josh_lambo_fondly_remembers_time/

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo fondly remembers time with Tampa Bay Rowdies (tampabay.com)

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/Jaguars-kicker-Josh-Lambo-fondly-remembers-time-with-Tampa-Bay-Rowdies_164287733

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo fondly remembers time with Tampa Bay Rowdies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7oz7nw/rowdies_expand_roster_with_signing_of_midfielder/

Rowdies Expand Roster with Signing of Midfielder Lance Rozeboom (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/873083

Rowdies Expand Roster with Signing of Midfielder Lance Rozeboom

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http://www.tbo.com/blogs/hometeam/2018/01/09/rowdies-sign-former-ccc-player-kyle-curinga/

Rowdies sign former CCC player Kyle Curinga

The Tampa Bay Rowdies have added a local player to their roster for the 2018 season. Former Clearwater Central Catholic standout Kyle Curinga was signed by the club on Tuesday to play defender. Curinga, 23, also played at Florida Atlantic, in Finland with GBK Kokkola and with Real Monarchs SLC in the USL.

Curinga trained with the Rowdies last winter and played as a trialist in the 2017 Florida Cup. Last season he played in 26 matches with the Monarchs and helped lead them to the USL regular season championship.

As a senior at CCC in 2012, Curinga scored 33 goals and added 31 assists. He was named the Times All County Player of the Year.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/09/third-major-league-soccer-team-to-launch-preseason.html

Third Major League Soccer team to launch preseason training in Pinellas County

A third Major League Soccer team is coming to Pinellas County to conduct its preseason training.

The New York Red Bulls will come to the area for preseason training from Jan. 22 to Feb. 3 at the Oldsmar Sports Complex. The New York Red Bulls join D.C. United and Philadelphia Union, who both hold their preseason training in Clearwater at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex.

“It was a real concerted strategic effort to identify MLS teams that we would want to come to build their preseason training program,” said Tim Ramsberger, chief operating officer for Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, which is an official marketing partner of the New York Red Bulls during the 2018 season.

The partnership should expand the number of visitors from the New York area, Tampa Bay's No. 2 market for tourists year-round.

"We expect to get a big push in that New York market throughout the coming year," Ramsberger said. VSPC will do so through activities such as fireworks night at Red Bull Arena and the Match Time Temperature.

The Red Bulls decision comes after the Tampa Bay Rowdies were officially out of this year's Major League Soccer bid. Four cities- Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento - were named finalists for the next two expansion teams, the league announced in November. While those cities are being considered for the next two expansion teams, in a release, the MLA said that all the remaining markets, which includes Tampa Bay, are under consideration for the following two expansion clubs that will be announced at a later date. Last year, St. Petersburg voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum allowing Rowdies owner Bill Edwards to self-fund $80 million in upgrades to the team’s home, Al Lang Stadium. The improvements, which would expand stadium capacity, were intended to help boost the chances of becoming an MLS expansion team.

Despite the Rowdies' outcome, the addition of the Red Bulls preseason training, "is going to help grow soccer and our image in the soccer community," Ramsberger said.

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https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/5305222/joe-cole-pep-guardiola-west-ham-chelsea/

dream team Joe Cole almost played with Pep Guardiola at West Ham but now he wants to coach like Man City master

Barcelona legend was leaving after winning six La Liga titles and the Hammers were ready for a bit of tiki-taka

Cole’s mind is ticking away now, in overdrive as he contemplates a career in coaching.

He is 36, promising Tampa Bay Rowdies another season Stateside in the United Soccer League before he calls time on his magnificent career.

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https://www.news4jax.com/sports/armada-owner-says-team-could-play-in-different-league-in-2018

Armada owner says team could play in different league in 2018

NASL sanctioning keeps future uncertain

Monday, January 8, 2018

WATCH: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football

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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11197310/watch-punditry-or-coaching-joe-cole-gives-his-views-on-life-after-football

WATCH: Punditry or coaching? Joe Cole gives his views on life after football

Should a player be a pundit or coach after he retires? Joe Cole gave his views on both career paths as he ponders which one is best for him.

Former Chelsea and West Ham forward Cole currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but has dipped his toe into the pundit pool recently with Sky Sports.

He has also been completing his coaching badges, and discussed the pros and cons of both options as well as which one he would prefer to do as a career when he retires.

"It's hard, you've got to find where you're most comfortable and happy," he said on Soccer AM. "I'm in a position where I want to give back to football one day, so coaching is partly the plan.

"I don't know [if I want to be a manager]. I won't say I'll definitely do it, and put pressure on myself, but I'd like to be involved whether as a No 1 or No 2, or I might try that, not like it and try to make it as a career as a pundit.

"I've been working with England U18s, just going in a few times and watching and learning. At this stage it is getting experience, seeing how they do it. I've been coaching a bit over in Tampa, I'm nearly through my A licence."

Hit play on the video above to see what he had to say.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2018/01/05/report-indy-eleven-join-usl-2018/1009460001/

Report: Indy Eleven to join USL in 2018

The Indy Eleven's future has been up in the air since U.S. Soccer didn't grant the North American Soccer League Division II status in September. The league sued the U.S. Soccer Federation and is currently awaiting word on its appeal, but it seems the Eleven aren't waiting around....

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/Jaguars-kicker-Josh-Lambo-fondly-remembers-time-with-Tampa-Bay-Rowdies_164287733

Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo fondly remembers time with Tampa Bay Rowdies

Friday, January 5, 2018

After record-setting year, Tampa Bay Rowdies look ahead to 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/252911-record-setting-year-tampa-bay-rowdies-look-ahead-2018

After record-setting year, Tampa Bay Rowdies look ahead to 2018

“Coming off a successful 2017 season, we felt in order for us to put a dominant team on the pitch next season, it was important to bring back several key players of the 2017 season,” Tampa Bay Rowdies chairman and CEO Bill Edwards said about the signings. “This adds to an important list of already signed players, as we continue to work on strengthening the squad for next year. We believe this team to be even more exciting for fans to watch than it was during the 2017 record-breaking season.”

“We saw some really exciting things from Leo last season before his injury and Hunter obviously played really well for us down the stretch,” Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell said in the press release about the two players. “Both players work extremely hard in training and set a good example for the players around them, so we’re delighted to see what they can do in 2018.”

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/01/05/from-the-editor-in-chief-five-stories-i-m-closely.html

From the editor-in-chief: Five stories I’m closely watching in 2018

Rowdies ascension

The Tampa Bay Rowdies evolved in 2017 — adding star talent, making the United Soccer League playoffs, and winning a referendum to build a waterfront stadium as part of a Major League Soccer bid. It was not among the first teams chosen to negotiate for an MLS franchise, but it isn’t out of the running. Key for 2018, and for owner Bill Edwards: Can the community move the needle on its average of nearly 6,000 fans a game? For that, he’ll need Tampa, let alone many more central Florida soccer fans to come across the bridges to more than double the nightly gate. We’ll be watching how the owner challenges the community to show up.

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/872370?referrer_id=2349190

Mizell Makes Return to Rowdies

Goalkeeper set for second stint in Tampa Bay after shining in Charlotte

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http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/872016?referrer_id=2333971

Graf Unveiled as Rowdies Strengthen Attack

First new addition of the offseason for Tampa Bay

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7o3i26/rowdies_strengthen_attack_with_addition_of/

Rowdies Strengthen Attack with Addition of Forward Jochen Graf (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/871997?referrer_id=2909153

Rowdies Strengthen Attack with Addition of Forward Jochen Graf

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7obpcw/rowdies_sign_talented_goalkeeper_cody_mizell/

Rowdies Sign Talented Goalkeeper Cody Mizell Ahead of 2018 Season (rowdiessoccer.com)

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http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/872362

Rowdies Sign Talented Goalkeeper Cody Mizell Ahead of 2018 Season

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.tbo.com/blogs/soundcheck/2018/01/03/flo-ridas-concert-at-al-lang-stadium-in-st-petersburg-canceled/

Flo Rida’s concert at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg: Canceled

Maybe Florida just got too cold for Flo Rida.

The mega-selling hip-pop star was scheduled to perform an open-air concert at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg on Jan. 14, but that show has been called off.

No reason has been given for the abrupt cancellation. It has been scrubbed from Ticketmaster and the website of the Mahaffey Theater, which booked it. It's still listed on the theater's Facebook page, but general manager Joe Santiago confirmed that it is no longer happening.

If you had a ticket and are not automatically refunded, look for more info at your point of purchase.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2018/01/04/see-210-new-developments-mapped-in-miami-for-crane.html

See 210 new developments mapped in Miami for Crane Watch update

South Florida Business Journal

High-profile new additions to the map include the Beckham United MLS stadium, the expansion of Miami Jewish Health, the River Landing-mixed use project, the renovations to Jungle Island, a creative hotel in the Miami Design District, the Magic City Innovation District, and new facilities for both ...

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https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/miami-beckham-united/major-league-soccers-awkward-expansion-process-stalls/

Major League Soccer’s Awkward Expansion Process Stalls

expansion has been slow for David Beckham and the MLS.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Roger Bennett wears "excellent" Tampa Bay Rowdies jersey on Men in Blazers show - Streamable (streamable.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7nyo95/roger_bennett_wears_excellent_tampa_bay_rowdies/

Roger Bennett wears "excellent" Tampa Bay Rowdies jersey on Men in Blazers show - Streamable (streamable.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

https://streamable.com/s0rg4

Roger Bennett wears "excellent" Tampa Bay Rowdies jersey on Men in Blazers show

(Follow link for full article.)

https://twitter.com/TheHoopedSleeve/status/948692867974942722

The Hooped Sleeve ⚽️‏

@TheHoopedSleeve

.@rogbennett is definitely Livin' the Dream!
@MenInBlazers @TampaBayRowdies @SHRTampa @NBCSportsSoccer

3:09 PM - 3 Jan 2018

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7nw1k0/fernandes_and_gorskie_set_to_return_for_2018/

Fernandes and Gorskie Set to Return for 2018 Season (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/871701?referrer_id=2824806

Fernandes and Gorskie Set to Return for 2018 Season

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/7nnuex/rowdies_and_the_seminole_hard_rock_hotel_casino/

Rowdies and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Announce Renewal of their Exclusive Partnership as Official Jersey Sponsor (rowdiessoccer.com)

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/871348

Rowdies and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Announce Renewal of their Exclusive Partnership as Official Jersey Sponsor

(Follow link for full article.)

http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/871715?referrer_id=2349190

Gorskie, Fernandes Return to Rowdies

Duo sign new contracts for upcoming season with Tampa Bay

(Follow link for full article.)

http://floridapolitics.com/archives/252812-florida-cup-2018-comes-al-lang-stadium

Florida Cup 2018 comes to Al Lang Stadium

Elite international soccer makes it way to Al Lang Stadium Jan. 20 and a couple of the world’s well-known clubs from Colombia and Poland will face off.

The 2016 Copa Libertadores champion, Club Atlético Nacional of Medellin, Colombia, will match up against Poland’s legendary Legia Warsaw at the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ home venue.

(Follow link for full article.)

https://www.sportstalkflorida.com/soccer/miami-beckham-united/major-league-soccers-awkward-expansion-process-stalls/

Major League Soccer’s Awkward Expansion Process Stalls

expansion has been slow for David Beckham and the MLS.