December 23, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced that the club has signed center-back Freddy Kleemann for the upcoming 2023 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
Kleemann joins Tampa Bay having spent the last two seasons under contract with Major League Soccer’s Austin FC. The 23-year-old also enjoyed two loan spells with Birmingham Legion FC the last two years, starting in Birmingham’s 2022 season opener against the Rowdies before his season was cut short by an ACL injury the following week.
“Looking back on it now, it really motivates me to go out and play again and enjoy playing soccer,” said Kleemann. “I think Tampa Bay is a place I can do that. I really miss playing, and miss winning especially because that’s one of the best feelings there is. I’m looking forward to playing games, having fun, but also winning. I think my injury puts that in perspective, how important it is to enjoy what you’re doing. Doing it at a high level is one of the best feelings there is.”
Born in California, Kleemann played college soccer at the University of Washington, helping the Huskies record 12 shutouts in 19 appearances during the 2019 season. Austin FC selected the young defender as the no. 11 pick in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft in 2021. In his first year as a professional, Kleemann made three appearances for Austin and also two appearances during a short loan stint with Birmingham.
“Freddy was very unfortunate when he picked up his injury last year because he’d had a very good performance against us on the opening day,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “I saw him at the MLS combine a couple of years earlier and he caught my eye with how composed he was on the ball, his dominance in the air, and how he read the game very well. Freddy’s got all the top attributes to be a top center back, but he definitely needs to build himself back up coming off a serious injury. We think that we can help him do that. Our expectations are high but certainly we need to start with just getting him back playing and enjoying it.”
The schedule for the 2023 USL Championship season is expected to be unveiled in the new year. In the meantime, fans can secure season tickets by visiting rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets. Fans may also contact the ticket office by emailing tickets@rowdiessoccer.com or calling 727-222-2000 during regular business…
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