ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced their first signing of the new year on Friday with the arrival of veteran defender Luke Boden. The signing is pending league and USSF approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

Boden most recently played for Orlando City SC in both Major League Soccer and the USL. A 28-year old left back, Boden made 45 MLS appearances for Orlando in the past two seasons. He originally joined the club in 2011 and made 95 USL appearances from 2011 to 2014, when he was named to the USL All-League Team.

“Luke is a great addition to our team,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He brings a great deal of experience to our side having played in so many matches at both the USL and MLS levels. He’s a reliable defender with a great left foot that will bring a lot of intensity to our side.”

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Boden is the fifth defender signed to the Rowdies’ 2017 roster. He will wear the No. 14 jersey.

Born in Sheffield, England, Boden came up through Sheffield Wednesday’s academy and broke into the first team in 2006. Boden played for Wednesday from 2006 to 2011, including loan spells at Rushden & Diamonds, Chesterfield and Northampton Town.

Boden moved stateside in 2011 to join Orlando City. In his six years with the club, Boden helped the side win the USL Cup twice in 2011 and 2013, and the USL regular season championship three times.

Tampa Bay is currently preparing for its Florida Cup opener against the German Bundesliga’s VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday, January 8. The Rowdies will then take on Brazilian Serie A side Atletico Mineiro on Saturday, January 14.