ST. PETERSBURG, FL – On Saturday, The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced that the club has acquired midfielder Laurence Wyke via loan from Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC. Wyke will be available for selection for Tampa Bay’s match versus Sacramento Republic FC at Al Lang Stadium. Terms of the loan agreement were not disclosed.
Wyke is no stranger to the Rowdies, having spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Tampa Bay. The Englishman originally joined the Rowdies as a trialist during the 2021 preseason but soon signed full-time after impressing Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins and staff. During his two-year stint with the Rowdies, Wyke made 66 appearances and bagged four goals for the club in all competitions.
“We’re so appreciative of Nashville in their willingness to offer us Laurence on loan,” said Collins. “It’s great when you can get a player on loan that’s been such an integral part of this club the past two years and really represents our values well on the field. We’re delighted to have him in a time of need, particularly in that position. We’re so pleased to have him available to play on Saturday.”
Wyke has made three appearances for Nashville so far in 2023, starting and playing every minute of the MLS side’s three U.S. Open Cup matches. The 26-year-old also made one appearance for Nashville’s MLS Next Pro outfit, Huntsville City.
“I have many good memories of the last two years, so I’m excited to come down,” said Wyke. “I want to give everything, bring intensity in the games, try to support the team as much as possible, and get three points every weekend. I’m looking forward to the challenge and it’s nice to be back with familiar faces.”
The Rowdies are set to put their five-match winning streak up against the current frontrunners in the USL Championship on Saturday when Sacramento comes to Al Lang. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here or at the stadium box office starting at 4 p.m. on matchday.
