ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 27, 2019) — With 10 days to go until the start of the 2019 USL Championship season, the Tampa Bay Rowdies opening day roster is now complete with the addition of goalkeeper Chris Konopka, pending league and federation approval.
Konopka is the third goalkeeper on Tampa Bay’s roster, joining John McCarthy and Macklin Robinson in a talented and deep group.
“We’re really excited to bring Chris into our team,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said. “Chris has played for some really great clubs around the world and the leadership and experience he brings to our locker room is invaluable. I’ve spoken before about how important competition is at the goalkeeper position and we’ll have it every single day with the keepers we have.”
Konopka, 33, is the only player on Tampa Bay’s roster older than 28. He has played professionally in five countries, including finishing the 2017-18 season with promotion-winning EFL Championship side Cardiff City FC.
Konopka has also represented six different Major League Soccer clubs: Sporting Kansas City (then the Kansas City Wizards), Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, Portland Timbers and Minnesota United FC.
In his distinguished career, Konopka has won the League of Ireland (2008 with Bohemians), the FAI Cup (2008 with Bohemians and 2009 with Sporting Fingal) and the Scottish League Cup (2015-16 with Ross County.
With Konopka now signed, the Rowdies opening day roster of 24 is below.
Goalkeepers (3): Chris Konopka, John McCarthy, Macklin Robinson
Defenders (7): Shawn Barry, Pape Diakite, Ryan Felix, Mohamed Kone, Tarek Morad, David Najem, Caleb Richards
Midfielders (7): Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Dom Oduro, Kwadwo Poku, Zach Steinberger, Andrew Tinari
Forwards (7): Brandon Allen, Sebastian Guenzatti, Antoine Hoppenot, Malik Johnson, Jaime Siaj, Leon Taylor, Juan Tejada
