ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Monday the club had acquired midfielder Damian Rivera on loan from the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer for the upcoming USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Rivera arrived in camp with the Rowdies last week and had a full week of training with his new teammates before starting in Saturday’s 4-1 victory over CF Montréal at Al Lang Stadium. Rivera notched what proved to be Tampa Bay’s game-winning goal in the 37th minute when he dispossessed a defender in the box, poking the ball into the path of Manuel Arteaga, who played it back for Rivera to finish off.

“Damian is exactly what we were looking for in a player,” said Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson. “We want dynamic guys running forward, taking shots, and making dangerous crosses. He does exactly what we want. We knew he would, but he’s maybe settled in with the squad even quicker than expected.”

Born in Rhode Island, Rivera signed a Homegrown Player contract with New England a month before his 17th birthday. Since then, Rivera has split his time between the first team and New England Revolution II. The 21-year-old has recorded one goal in 25 appearances for the MLS side while also tallying 17 goals and five assists in 55 appearances for Revolution II.

“My teammates have been very welcoming here in Tampa Bay,” said Rivera. “It’s a great area and an excellent team from what I’ve seen. We’re building good chemistry. I want to take my game to the next level. Being here will help me gain confidence. I want to score a lot of goals, get a lot of assists, and get a lot of wins here. I’m excited about it.”

Analysis

Damian Rivera becomes the latest player to join a USL Championship club on loan from a side in Major League Soccer in advance of the new season and on Saturday’s showing seems like an ideal fit for the style new Head Coach Robbie Nielson wants to employ with the Rowdies. Rivera was one of the standout performers in Tampa Bay’s 4-1 preseason victory against CF Montreal, not only notching a goal but hitting the woodwork with another opportunity in the first half.

Rivera was also impressive in his defensive work at the top of the Rowdies’ press playing in the inside-left channel with Blake Bodily providing support on the flank. Becoming part of the Rowdies attacking rotation this season could provide the 21-year-old with the experience to allow his game to take the next step in the coming years.