The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed four first-time professionals in Jeff Michaud, Marquez Fernandez, Chris Glodack and Zachary Portillos
The Tampa Bay Rowdies infused their roster with youth and energy on Monday with the signing of four talented young players.
The group consists of midfielders Marquez Fernandez and Jeff Michaud, defender Zac Portillos, and goalkeeper Chris Glodack. All four players participated in the Rowdies’ invite-only combine that took place from January 31 to February 2 and were identified as players capable of earning a roster spot. They came on trial and impressed, playing significant minutes in Tampa Bay’s friendlies last week against the Philadelphia Union and Malmo FF.
For all four players, the Rowdies are their first professional team. Portillos is the oldest player in the group, despite being only 23 years old. Glodack and Michaud are native Floridians.
Fernandez and Michaud bring midfield depth with great potential. Fernandez, 22, ended his collegiate career at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, which made a run to the College Cup national semifinals in 2014. Michaud, 21, started his college career at UCF before playing at Eastern Florida University. He also played for Schulz Academy in Fort Lauderdale in the Premier Development League in 2013.
Tampa Bay also brought in defensive depth with the signing of Portillos, who played for the University of Akron, an NCAA powerhouse. He was a member of the same Zips team coached by current Rowdies goalkeeper coach Stuart Dobson. Originally from Aurora, Colo., Portillos is a natural left back with great speed and crossing ability.
The final member of the group, Glodack arrives in Tampa Bay following an impressive four-year career for Clemson University. He played high school soccer at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
