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Rowdies add goalkeepers, striker Wheeler to bring squad to 20
Posted Feb 9, 2010 by Nick Murray
Updated Feb 9, 2010 at 06:17 PM
The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced the signings of four more players, goalkeepers Daryl Sattler and Phillip Lamarre, forward Aaron Wheeler and defender Gordon Kljestan, and confirmed of the signing of Chinese midfielder Long Tan on Tuesday evening, bringing their squad to 20 for their inaugural season.
Sattler was the USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2009 for the Wilmington Hammerheads, which won the USL-2 regular season championship. Lamarre performed well at the Rowdies third combine, held in Tampa in January, and played collegiately for Florida Atlantic University from 2006 to 2008, currently holding the school record for shutouts (15).
“We are delighted to not only have captured two outstanding goalkeepers, but also two outstanding characters,” Rowdies head coach Paul Dalglish said in a press release. “Both of them captained their respective teams and will be incredible assets to our team and organization.”
The 6-foot-4 Wheeler put in strong performances at the Rowdies third combine, and should be a strong target man for the side. Wheeler scored 18 goals for the USL’s Premier Development League in 2008, earning league MVP honors, and previously played for Towson University and Lenior-Rhyne University. He was named the All-South Conference first team three times in his college career, earning National Soccer Coaches Association of American All-South Atlantic Region first team honors as well.
Klestjan was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 and signed with the New York Red Bulls in 2008. Last season he played in 22 games for the USL’s Cleveland City Stars.
Dalglish said he was very happy with the acquisition of Kljestan, and the squad he and general manager Perry Van Der Beck had been able to put together.
“Gordon is an experienced offensive left back who will allow us to play the attractive, attacking style of soccer we hope to be known for at FC Tampa Bay,” Dalglish said. “I’m delighted with this signing and the amount of talent we’ve managed to bring on board not only for this season but for the future as well. We’ve achieved our goal to sign influential and exciting players to our roster and I know the fans will be entertained watching our games in the coming seasons.”
As disappointed as I am for former University of Tampa goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, who I think will catch on somewhere professionally, I’m very happy to see Wheeler among the players named today. He was very impressive at the final combine, and has the sort of personalty and scoring ability that could make him a big fan favorite. He is in the mould of a Peter Crouch, Kenny Cooper-type of player, as good with his feet as someone four inches shorter, and should be an excellent target for corners and set pieces.
What say you, my pitch invaders?
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Reader Comments
Por (whitestarw) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)
The real test will be when the team plays friendlies and the first three games, then we can see how well the team performs.
Suggest removalPor (brandonsoccerfan) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Because of his brother Sacha, Gordan Klestjan has some name recognition. We’ll see what he can do on the field. I don’t know much about Wheeler, but his Twitter feed is hilarious! As for the goalkeepers, I’m pretty disappointed. Louis Crayton and Josh Lambo were listed as participating at combines, but I’m guessing they decided to pass. Ryan Thompson would have been great as a local guy. I have no idea who these other guys are, and they seem more on the level of U.S. D-2 talent as opposed to the rest of the team. Looks like they both have something to prove on the field. Can’t wait for the first friendly!
Suggest removalPor (TampaSoccerFan) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)
I’m disappointed by the non signing of Ryan Thompson as well. Satisfied with the other signings though. I believe that based on our roster right now, we have to be considered contenders to at least make the playoffs and have a good run in the Open Cup.
By the way, what is exactly is the Ponce De Leon Cup?
Suggest removalPor (brandonsoccerfan) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)
The Ponce De Leon Cup (not sure how it started) is something that Miami and Puerto Rico would compete for over the course of the season. Since Tampa Bay is close in proximity to the two, it looks like we will be included. Bring it on! Here’s the Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponce_De_Leon_Cup
Suggest removalPor (brandonsoccerfan) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)
I know you got this from the Rowdies, Nick, but Sattler was not the USL-2 goalkeeper of the year for 2009. That honor went to Richmond Kickers Goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Here’s a link: http://usl2.uslsoccer.com/home/399151.html
Suggest removalAlso, Sattler suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on July 17 of last year. The Rowdies have been horrible with their research on players so far. For example, Lamarre did play his first three years at FAU, but transferred to FIU last year and played out his senior season (not sure why he was allowed to play immediately). They have left out information in a lot of their press releases, sometimes even misspelling names. Hopefully the team steps up their game when it comes to PR and marketing!
Por (gws716) on February 10, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the info, Nick! Great coverage of the new team and league by The Trib!
Suggest removalPor (Nick Murray) on February 10, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the updates Brandon, appreciate the information.
Suggest removalPor (RowdieRalphie) on February 10, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Please tell me they are going to sign a better GK for their 21st signing.
Aaron Wheeler is a beast and was probably the best player in the PDL last year. Vancouver signed him to their PDL team after the season as backup for their USL1 run, but never used him. Apparently they were trying keep him around for their MLS team in 2011.
Rumor had it that he was trying to sign with MLS’s Philly Union, but I guess he isn’t waiting.
Suggest removalPor (brandonsoccerfan) on February 11, 2010 (Suggest removal)
So, Crayton was training with Kansas City, but according to ESPN, they have signed a Danish goalkeeper: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=740133&sec=mls&cc=5901
While I want to see Crayton succeed, I’m hoping this news puts him in a Rowdies uniform!
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