ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (January 21, 2020) -- The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed goalkeeper Evan Louro to a one-year contract ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season, pending federation approval. Per club policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

Louro, 24, is a familiar foe for the Rowdies, having served as starting goalkeeper for New York Red Bulls II since 2017. In three years with the Red Bulls, Louro made 79 starts and played more than 7,000 minutes, making him one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the Championship, despite having only turned 24 this past Sunday. 

“Evan is a goalkeeper that has always been a bit of a thorn in our side,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins said. “As we’ve seen in our games against him through the years, he’s a great shot stopper and he’s he organizes his back line well. We’re excited to have him on our side now because we feel he’ll fit well within our system.”

Louro is a New Jersey native that came up through the Red Bulls system. He joined the academy in 2008, helping the U16s to an undefeated record and U.S. Soccer Development Academy championship in 2012. While attending the University of Michigan, Louro played for the Red Bulls U23s in USL League Two before signing an MLS contract with the Red Bulls as a Homegrown player in 2017.

“I’m super grateful to be here,” Louro said. “I’ve had the privilege to play against the Rowdies many times and it was always my favorite trip of the year. The fans are second to none, the stadium being right next to the water is second to none. Neill really made me feel wanted and welcomed and all the guys have been welcoming so I’m just really excited to get started.”

Louro is the second goalkeeper on Tampa Bay’s roster for 2020, joining Macklin Robinson. The Rowdies roster now stands at 18 players.

Goalkeepers (2): Evan Louro, Macklin Robinson
Defenders (5): Mustapha Dumbuya, Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso, Louis Lomas, Jordan Scarlett
Midfielders (7): Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Lewis Hilton, Malik Johnson, Kevin Mendoza, Dom Oduro, Zach Steinberger
Forwards (4): Sebastian Guenzatti, Lucky Mkosana, Kyle Murphy, Juan Tejada