NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Tampa Bay Native Kyle Clinton Follows Father's Footsteps

Published on May 17, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


TAMPA, Fla. (May 17, 2013) -- When you look at the Rowdies roster, midfielder Kyle Clinton doesn't only stand out due to his six-foot-four frame, but also because many people don't know where he actually plays on the field.

"I really don't have a set place on the field," exclaimed Clinton. "I have always played anywhere my coach has asked me to play, whether that be in the defense, midfield or as a forward. At the Rowdies, I recently have been playing in the midfield even though early on in the preseason I even got some minutes as a forward."

It's not only his versatile playing abilities that are unique about Clinton. Kyle is the son of former Rowdies goalkeeper Kevin Clinton, who played with the club from 1979-1982 and returned for a brief stint in 1988.

"It's great to see my son on this Rowdies team," grinned Kevin. "Since he was very young, I would focus on teaching him how to handle the ball well with both feet, as well as constantly told him to play wherever the coach may need you. It makes me so happy to see Kyle follow his dream of playing professional soccer and most importantly the fact that it is on this Rowdies team."

Kyle originally signed with the Rowdies on March 27 of this year after spending the beginning of the season as a trialist. Clinton is a native of Safety Harbor and joined the club after playing for Global Premier Soccer's Portland Phoenix of the Premier Development League, a Rowdies player development affiliate club.

"I was a trialist in 2011 with the club but didn't make the team," commented Kyle. "After playing in Portland, I finally got my chance once again this year and luckily I was able to earn my spot on the team. For me to play on the team my father originally played for is really a great feeling."

Clinton grew up in the Tampa Bay area playing for the Clearwater Chargers while attending Countryside High School. Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill expressed his satisfaction with Kyle's effort this season.

"I couldn't ask Kyle for much more, as he comes into training with his mind set on improving day after day. It is great to have a local player on the team that can prove to be a role model for many Tampa Bay kids growing up. No matter where I have asked Kyle to play, he does his best to excel on the pitch."

With first place just three points away, the Rowdies will visit Minnesota United for the first time this season. This Saturday's match at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay will then host Minnesota at Al Lang Stadium the following Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. For information on 2013 season tickets or individual tickets contact the front office at 813-287-1539 or tickets@rowdiessoccer.com.

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