ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Today, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced the addition of left wingback Ryan Spaulding to the squad for the remainder of the USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Spaulding arrives in Tampa Bay via loan from Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution.
After a full week of training with his new teammates, Spaulding will be available for selection starting with this Sunday’s road match against San Diego Loyal SC at 6 p.m. ET.
“Bringing in Ryan on loan is a huge addition for us,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “We’ve been missing on that left side. Since preseason, it’s been an area we’ve been looking to add, especially with a couple of injuries we’ve picked up. He’ll definitely come in and bring a balance to the team, and most importantly competition. I think competition is vital. Everyone has to earn the right to wear the jersey. Ryan will certainly come in and add to that competition.”
The Cary, NC native signed for New England in February of last year after impressing in two seasons with the MLS club’s developmental team, New England Revolution II in USL League One. In 2021, Spaulding appeared in every match for New England Revolution II, tallying three goals and one assist while earning All-USL League One First Team honors.
Spaulding played two years of collegiate soccer close to home at UNC-Charlotte. During college, Spaulding also spent time with North Carolina FC’s U23s squad and led the team in scoring with five goals in 2017. Following his sophomore year at UNC-Charlotte, Spaulding signed his first professional contract with French third-division side Stade Briochin, where he made nine appearances.
In 2019, Spaulding returned home to join North Carolina FC’s senior team for a brief stint before eventually moving on to New England. Last year, the 24-year-old appeared in seven MLS fixtures and two U.S. Open matches for New England.
“The guys here have made the transition pretty easy,” said Spaulding. “They’re all super great guys who are easy to get along with. We’re all gonna push each other and get the best out of everyone. Coach Collins has made me feel welcome since the minute I came down here. He was reassuring me that I’m here to make an impact on this team and hopefully help us win some games.”
