Rowdies add goalkeepers, striker Wheeler to bring squad to 20

Posted Feb 9, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Feb 9, 2010 at 05:17 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?