The United Soccer League newcomer Tampa Bay Rowdies gained a significant piece of their attack on Friday, announcing the signing of forward Darwin Jones, a 24-year-old who spent the last two seasons within the Seattle Sounders’ organization.
Jones joined defender Damion Lowe and midfielder Leo Fernandes as additions to the roster this week.
“He can play either as a withdrawn second striker or in the wide areas as a winger,” said Rowdies Coach Stuart Campbell. “He’s quick and decisive, bringing plenty of quality to our attack.”
A University of Washington product, Jones grew up in Seattle and played for the Sounders’ PDL club while in college. He signed a homegrown contract with Seattle in 2015 and went on to score 7 goals in 19 USL appearances last season.
The Rowdies, who will play in the USL Eastern Conference along with Louisville City FC, now have 16 players on their roster, headlined by English great Joe Cole.
FC Cincinnati’s roster grows
LouCity’s River Cities Cup rival has announced five signings in the last week, among them former Louisville midfielder Aodhan Quinn, who served as the club’s team captain. Others signed were goalkeepers Dallas Jaye and Dan Williams, as well as defender Matt Bahner and forward Daryl Fordyce.
Quinn is the second former LouCity player to make the move to FC Cincinnati this offseason, joining winger Kadeem Dacres.
Jaye and Williams return as backups to starting goalie Mitch Hildebrandt. Matt Bahner moves from the Harrisburg City Islanders, for which he made 52 appearances over two years. Fordyce previously played for NASL side FC Edmonton, where he scored a club record 28 goals over the past four seasons.
Matt Bahner played for the University of Cincinnati before starting his professional career.
“We are excited to welcome Matt home to Cincinnati,” said Coach John Harkes. “It is something special to be able to play in front of your hometown fans, and we know Matt is looking forward to embracing this experience.”
City Islanders exercise option on DiPrima
The Harrisburg City Islanders announced this week the club has exercised its contract option on midfielder Danny DiPrima, who will enter his fourth season in 2017 having made 49 career appearances.
“Playing in front of my family, friends, and in my hometown is an extra drive to motivate me to help this club achieve its goals,” the Pennsylvania native said. “I’m looking forward to getting our season started.”
DiPrima helped the City Islanders reach the USL Cup Final in 2014, scoring the winning goal against the Richmond Kickers in the playoff semifinals.
Steel FC signs Real
Bethlehem Steel FC announced this week it has signed Philadelphia Union Academy standout Matthew Real, 17, to his first professional contract. Since 2015, Real has played nearly 30 matches across the U-18 and U-16 teams, scoring his first goal this season.
“Matthew proved last year that he can play at this level,” said Steel FC Head Coach Brendan Burke. “He is really good on the ball, and that jumps out when you see him play. He has a strong left foot to help balance out the team. He is a hardworking kid and never takes a play off and that is what we are looking for at Steel FC.”
Real is the third player from the Philadelphia Union Academy to sign his debut contract with Steel FC, joining current Philadelphia Union players Derrick Jones and Auston Trusty.
