ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies unveiled their first new signing of the offseason on Thursday with the announcement that forward Jochen Graf had joined the club for the 2018 USL season. Per league and club policy, further contract details will not be disclosed.

“I am so excited to have signed with the Rowdies and can’t wait to work with the top-class players and staff we have here,” said Graf. “I had the chance to play at Al Lang this past season, and saw firsthand how terrific the supporters and atmosphere are. I look forward to getting on the pitch, scoring goals, and helping this team win trophies in 2018.”

Graf was the leading scorer for the Rochester Rhinos in his first season in the USL, scoring 11 goals as the side reached the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs. The 28-year-old scored the opening goal in the club’s postseason victory against the Charlotte Independence, and brings a versatile edge to the front line, having displayed a strong nose for goal in addition to solid hold-up play leading the line.

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“We scored the most goals in modern-era club history last season, but we want to score even more goals next season,” said Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “Jochen will make us even more dangerous as we look to bring the 2018 USL Cup to Al Lang Stadium. Our fans will love seeing his energy and ability to score exciting goals.”

A native of Texas, Graf competed in Europe after playing collegiately for Bradley University. While overseas he played for Germany’s TSV Hertha Walheim and then Sweden’s Lidköpings FK, Carlstad United BK and Oskarshamns AIK.

“We’re excited to have Jochen on our roster for 2018,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He’s the kind of forward you love to have on your team because he works hard for every second he’s on the pitch and always gets himself into good positions.”