NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies Sign Midfielder Christophe Lallet and Goalkeeper Ryan Thompson

Published on January 7, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


The Rowdies announced on Tuesday that the club has signed midfielder Christophe Lallet and goalkeeper Ryan Thompson pending international clearance approval. The Rowdies signed both players to a two-year contract, with the second year being a club option.

"Christophe will be a tremendous addition to the club next season," stated club owner Bill Edwards. "He has been a fan favorite in Sweden for the past few years and I have no doubt he will become the same in St. Petersburg."

Lallet (5-11, 163) recently spent two seasons with Swedish club Hammarby IF, where he played 54 matches and scored 12 goals. Lallet is known for his ability to score goals, where he was the top scorer for Hammarby in 2012.

"We have technically sound players in the midfield, but needed to add dynamic, attacking speed," said Rowdies President & General Manager Andrew Nestor. "We believe Christophe can be a difference maker for us as he enters the prime of his career."

Prior to joining Hammarby, the Swedish midfielder enjoyed four seasons with Degerfors IF where he showed his attacking prowess by scoring 24 goals in over 80 matches.

Thompson (6-1, 200) is originally from Kingston, Jamaica, where he began his professional career in 2003. During his time at Harbour View F.C., the goalkeeper made several appearances with the Jamaican National Team, at both a youth and senior level. In 2006, Thompson began his collegiate career at the University of Tampa, where he played until 2009. The 28-year-old made 57 appearances in goal and was an All-American during his time at UT.

After graduating from college, Thompson played for Portland Phoenix FC (USL PDL) in 2010. After just one season in Maine, the Jamaican keeper signed with Shamrock Rovers in December of 2010. In his two seasons with the Irish club, Thompson managed to become the first Jamaican player to ever play in the UEFA Champions League, while also making several appearances in the UEFA Europa League.

For more information or to order 2014 season tickets, including the new Midfielder's Premium Club Memberships, fans can e-mail tickets@rowdiessoccer.com or call (813) 287-1539.

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North American Soccer League Stories from January 7, 2014


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