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Rowdies Sign Trio, Finalize Roster

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 03/15/17, 10:49AM EDT

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Paterson, Fitzgerald and Porter join Tampa Bay for new season


Photos courtesy Matt May / Tampa Bay Rowdies

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday the club had signed three more players ahead of next weekend’s 2017 USL regular season opener, finalizing the club’s squad for the new season. The signings are pending league and federation approval.

Forward Martin Paterson, goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald and defender Kyle Porter have all earned contracts after lengthy trials with the Rowdies. The trio arrived in February to train with Tampa Bay and play in preseason matches.

“These three players have been training with us for a several weeks now,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “They’ve fit in quickly with our group and played well in our preseason matches. With Martin, Akira and Kyle all signing, we’re happy with our roster as we head into next weekend’s USL season opener.”

Paterson, 29, has appeared in four matches as a trialist and scored the Rowdies’ game-winning goal against the University of Tampa on March 4. Paterson is a Northern Ireland international that brings Premier League experience to the Rowdies, having played for clubs including Stoke City and Burnley, among others.

Fitzgerald, also 29, arrives in Tampa Bay after spending the previous six seasons with the Carolina RailHawks, now known as North Carolina FC. He appeared in four matches as a trialist, including keeping a clean sheet against the University of Tampa on March 4. In his 229 minutes of preseason action, Fitzgerald just conceded just two goals from open play, one each against the Philadelphia Union and Jacksonville Armada FC.

Porter, 27, appeared in four matches as a right back for the Rowdies this preseason. The former D.C. United player has also competed for FC Edmonton, the Atlanta Silverbacks and Ottawa Fury FC after turning pro with Energie Cottbus in the German 4th division as an 18-year old. Born in Toronto, Porter has earned seven caps with the Canadian National Team, and also previously competed on loan in the USL while with D.C. for the Richmond Kickers.

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