FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tampa Bay Rowdies Strengthens Goalkeeping Unit
Signing Cody Mizell
Stone Sports Management, LLC (Columbus, Ohio) – January 5, 2018
Stone Sports Management ("SSM") announces the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ signing of Goalkeeper Cody Mizell to a 1-year contract for the 2018 season with a 1-year option. The 26-year-old American returns to the Rowdies coming off his best professional season backstopping the Charlotte Independence, as the the USL honored him as a 2017 Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist.
“I am thrilled to be returning to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, one of the most historic US soccer clubs and a top-class organization with great ambitions,” says Mizell. “I am honored to be able to call this place my home again after developing further on and off the field, which is parallel to how the organization has developed since I had left so I am excited to play in front of Ralph's Mob and all the Rowdies' fans.”
“Cody has really matured into a great goalkeeper since we had him previously,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “His stats in Charlotte speak for themselves and he understands what the Rowdies mean to the Tampa Bay area. We’re going to have competition in training every day.”
Mizell’s development after his first Rowdies stint between 2014-15 is evident in his 63 games played as a starting Goalkeeper as well as his play leading to a loan stint with MLS’ Colorado Rapids in early 2017. Mizell appeared on the bench replacing an injured Tim Howard one match before Charlotte recalled their #1 Goalkeeper. In 2017, Mizell recorded 90 saves and 5 clean sheets in 32 League and Playoff appearances, won or nominated for USL Save of the Week seven times and earned Team of the Week twice and a June USL Player of the Month Finalist (17 saves, 0.79 GAA and a perfect 18-18 on GK Interception over 5 games).
Mizell replaces Rowdies’ legend Matt Pickens who played over 100 games and whom Mizell backed up during his initial Tampa Bay stint where Mizell used a European Release clause to sign abroad with Iceland club Knattspyrnufelagid Fram. He emerged as Fram’s starter and earned the league’s Best XI Award. Mizell would return to the States to sign with the Charlotte Independence where he showcased his skillsets: acrobatic, world-class saves, overall positive attitude and positioning while controlling the game with his feet out of the back.
“Cody and I agreed to work together shortly after his stellar 2017 USL campaign and there was no shortage of options for him within North America,” reflected SSM’s President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. “The Rowdies Goalkeeper opening was one of the more sought roster spots, and I look forward to Cody wearing green and yellow again and to help the club build upon its inaugural USL campaign. I wish him and the club success in 2018 and beyond.”
“We set a modern-era club record in 2017, posting 14 clean sheets, but we know we can’t rest on what we accomplished. Cody will be a great addition to this club as we look to build on 2017’s success,” said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards.
“A special thanks to Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards, Vice President Lee Cohen, Head Coach Stuart Campbell and Goalkeeper Coach Stuart Dobson for their trust bringing me into the organization. I look forward to working with them, my new teammates and staff to earn their respect, continued Mizell.” “St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area has had a special place in my heart, and I will do all I can to help bring the club, its fans and community championships they deserve.”
Watch below Cody Mizell’s 2017 Charlotte Independence Highlights. Congratulations to Cody and be tuned for the Rowdies schedule once posted. Follow Cody on Twitter: @CodyMizell1
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About Stone Sports Management, LLC
From developmental to Designated Players, Stone Sports Management, LLC is a Columbus, Ohio based boutique agency representing football/soccer players domestically and internationally. Led by President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone, SSM has established itself as a leading North American agency since its 2008 inception by taking a cooperative approach to athlete representation, which provides increased opportunities for its clients. After gaining trust from clients representing over 75 different nationalities, Mr. Stone has negotiated more than 150 contracts for his clients with clubs based in Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States, including more than 20 international clients to MLS/NASL/USL.
Follow Stone Sports Management on Twitter @StoneSportsMgmt