Midfielder Justin Chavez Returns to Rowdies for 2016 Season

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced the return of midfielder Justin Chavez on Thursday, bringing back another member of the 2015 roster on a one-year contract. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.

One of the hardest workers on the team, Chavez, 25, was one of the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ most versatile players in 2015. Naturally a midfielder, Chavez also played in each spot on the back line, often as a mid-match tactical switch. He made 15 appearances, including seven starts, logging 659 minutes.

”Day in and day out, he comes in and gives 100 percent,“ Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. ”He keeps his head down, there’s never any moaning or groaning about playing time, he just gives everything he has every single day. He had to wait very patiently last season to get his opportunity to play, but when he did, he did really well. His versatility is also huge for us. He deserves to be back with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.“

Despite only starting seven matches all year, Chavez was a key player for the Tampa Bay Rowdies toward the end of the season. He started each of the last five matches in 2015. In those five matches, the Tampa Bay Rowdies conceded less than one goal per match, well below their season average.

”I’m so excited to be continuing with the Tampa Bay Rowdies,“ Chavez said. ”I love Stuart Campbell and what he’s doing and I’m glad to be a part of this organization again. I’m trying to build on how I finished last season. I’m a versatile player and I’ll be wherever Stuart needs me.“

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