ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - After an outstanding four-year career as a member of the Eckerd men's soccer team, a series of impressive preseason performances with the Tampa Bay Rowdies has resulted in a professional contract for
Juan David Tejada.
Tejada came to Eckerd from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The native of Panama city, Panama, was a four-year starter for the Tritons scoring 23 goals and adding 12 assists. Â He was a two-time All-SSC selection as well as an all-region honoree.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies boast one of the most storied franchise histories in American soccer. Â Founded in 1975, the club has claimed multiple NASL Soccer Bowl Championships and currently competes in the United Soccer League.
The team's home field, historic Al Lang Stadium, is a short drive from the Eckerd campus, giving opportunity for Triton students, faculty, staff, and fans to see Tejada's career continue in the Bay area.
"This is a brilliant example of how superior work ethic, humility and character can open doors for you," said EC head coach
Ian Cameron. "Juan obviously has natural talent, but his signing for the Rowdies is a testament to those traits that aren't necessarily ordained in you. Juan's discipline off the field and application in training is one of the most professional I've had the pleasure to coach, and he has truly earned the right to play at the professional level. We're excited to see Juan develop under the guidance of the Rowdies' staff, in the safe knowledge that he will take every opportunity he gets with both hands. The Tampa Bay Rowdies fans will have fun watching Juan over the next year!"
Tejada made his first appearance on the field on Saturday, February 16, playing 40 minutes against D.C. United, where he nearly netted an equalizer in the 84th minute on a header that was just wide of the target.
Tejada's progress can be followed at RowdiesSoccer.com.
