Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Austrian Goalkeeper Michael Langer
Published on February 1, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed Austrian goalkeeper Michael Langer ahead of the 2016 North American Soccer League season, the club announced Tuesday. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.
Langer, 31, is the third goalkeeper under contract for the season ahead, joining Matt Pickens and Chris Glodack in a deep and talented goalkeeping corps under the direction of Assistant Coach Stuart Dobson.
"It's always important to have competition for places in your squad," Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. "The competition between Michael, Matt and Chris will be a fun one to watch throughout the season. We now have three excellent goalkeepers on our team and that will benefit us every single day in training."
Langer has played the majority of his career in the German system, joining VfB Stuttgart's academy in 2003, before graduating on to VfB Stuttgart II in 2004 and eventually VfB Stuttgart's first team in 2006. Langer made two Bundesliga appearances for the first team before moving on to SC Freiburg in the 2.Bundesliga.
From Freiburg, Langer secured a transfer to FSV Frankfurt in the 2.Bundesliga in 2010, where he remained for two seasons before joining SV Sandhausen, again in the German second division, for two years beginning in 2012.
Langer moved to Norwegian side VÃ¥lerengens IF in 2014, making 42 appearances for the Oslo-based club before joining the Rowdies.
"Michael brings a lot of valuable experience to our club," Dobson said. "Playing at the top levels in Germany and Norway is an achievement and he's now ready to try a new challenge. We now have three great goalkeepers that can push each other during every training session."
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have a slate of preseason matches lined up for February, starting with a match against Major League Soccer's D.C. United on Saturday, February 13 at Al Lang Stadium.
From February 17-27, some of the biggest soccer stars in North America are coming to Tampa Bay in February to participate in the Tampa Bay Rowdies Suncoast Invitational. Tickets will be complimentary for 2016 Tampa Bay Rowdies season ticket holders for all matches
For non-season ticket members, tickets in the Midfielder's Section are $20, while tickets in the stadium bowl are $15 for adults and $10 for youth. To purchase or for more information, call (727) 222-2000.
North American Soccer League Stories from February 1, 2016
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Austrian Goalkeeper Michael Langer - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Minnesota United Lock Down Ndjock and Vicentini - Minnesota United FC
- Miami FC Welcomes the Rezende Twins and Roberto Alterio - Miami FC
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