Rowdies Retain Young Trio

The Tampa Bay Rowdies have exercised options on three more members of the 2015 roster, the club announced Monday. Goalkeeper Chris Glodack as well as midfielders Jeff Michaud and Verneri Välimaa will return in 2016. 

So far, 13 members of the 2015 Tampa Bay Rowdies roster are under contract for 2016, along with new members Kalif Alhassan, Tommy Heinemann, Danny Mwanga, Walter Ramirez, and Frankie Sanfilippo,

Glodack was available as a substitute nine times in league play last year as he matured into a professional goalkeeper. Just 22 years old, his athleticism and commitment are assets to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

“It’s tough being a No. 2 goalkeeper, let alone a No. 3 goalkeeper,” Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell said. “It’s tough to work your way into a starting spot, but Chris’s application and attitude are perfect. He comes in day in, day out, ready to train at 100 percent and never moans or groans. He just wants to work, and for that reason, he’s got a big future in the game.”

Michaud, 22, made four appearances in his first season as a professional, playing 32 total minutes for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2015.

Välimaa, also 22, also made four appearances, including one start, tallying 122 minutes on the field as a first-year professional.

Both Michaud and Välimaa were raised in South Florida, while Glodack attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, furthering the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Floridian roots.

“Jeff and Verneri got a chance to play a little bit last season,” Campbell said. “They equipped themselves pretty well and I’m looking for them to push on next season. I’m excited to see the progress they make in 2016 as they continue their development as young professionals.”