ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Friday the club had signed center back Ivan Magalhães, pending federation and league approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue my career in this incredible organization,” said Magalhães. “I’ve always admired this club and it is going to be an honor to be a part of it. I am ready to get started and to make history with this team.” 

Magalhães comes to Tampa Bay after spending the previous two seasons with the USL’s Rio Grande Valley FC. Despite having only just turned 24, Magalhães has already made 58 USL appearances in two years as a professional with the Toros, the hybrid partner of Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo.

“Ivan is a player that brings experience beyond his years,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He’s played plenty of games in the USL already and we believe we’re a great place for him to continue to grow as a player.”

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The Brazilian-born defender played for Sao Paulo’s Corinthians SC as an academy player before moving to the United States to play for Eastern Florida State College in 2013. After two seasons in Melbourne, Magalhães transferred to The University of Maryland.

After one year with the Terrapins, Magalhães was drafted No. 26 overall by the Houston Dynamo in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, and signed for RGVFC that same year.

Magalhães played 2,700 minutes for RGVFC last season, starting 30 matches. 

“We’re focused on rounding out our squad with young and experienced talents,” said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards. “This is another great example of the tremendous depth and skill that we have on this roster. As we sign the remaining players to our club, we continue to make it clear to them that our main goal is to bring a championship to St. Pete!”