ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today that the club has acquired forward Manuel Arteaga via transfer from Phoenix Rising FC, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the transfer agreement were not disclosed.
“We are delighted to bring Manuel to Tampa Bay,” said Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson. “He’s a highly regarded goal scorer who will bring a dynamic dimension to our attacking play. Having recently won the USL Championship title in Phoenix, Manuel also brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the group.”
In his lone season in Phoenix, Arteaga helped lead the club to its first-ever league title. The Venezuelan attacker finished the year as Phoenix’s second-leading scorer with 15 goals while also bagging seven assists. Arteaga also converted the crucial penalty in the shootout to secure victory over the Charleston Battery in the USL Championship Final.
“I am very happy to be with the Rowdies and I thank God for this beautiful opportunity,” said Arteaga. “For me, coming to Tampa Bay is a great opportunity that will allow me to measure myself at a great club in this league and fight to achieve a key goal in my professional career. I feel that in life and in football the only constant thing is change and you never know where the next opportunity will take you, and I’m excited to join Tampa Bay. With work and commitment, we can achieve great things here. My commitment to the team is to give my best from the first moment, returning the trust they have placed in me with respect for the shirt and the fans.”
Before joining Phoenix, Arteaga spent two seasons with Indy Eleven. He led Indy’s attack with 10 tallies in his first season in 2021 and followed that up the next year with five more goals and three assists.
Arteaga’s professional career began at the age of 16 when he signed for Zulia FC, where he recorded 38 goals in 79 appearances over five seasons. Following Zulia, Arteaga moved to Europe to sign with Italian side Palermo before being sent on loan to Hajduk Split in Croatia and Club the Strongest in Bolivia. He returned to Venezuela’s top tier in 2017, netting 27 goals in 62 matches during spells for Deportivo La Guaira and Zamora.
The Rowdies are set to announce more new signings throughout the week as the club continues to gear up for it’s eighth season in the USL Championship. Yesterday, the league revealed the full 34-match schedule for the 2024 season, with the Rowdies set to kick off the year at home versus San Antonio FC on Saturday, March 16.
Fans can guarantee their spot at Al Lang now for this year’s home opener by securing a season ticket package today. Season ticket members receive an exclusive gift, discounts on merchandise, priority playoff seating, and additional perks. Visit rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets or call 727-222-2000 for more info.
Rowdies 2024 Roster as of December 19, 2023
Goalkeepers: Phil Breno
Defenders: Conner Antley, Jordan Doherty, Freddy Kleemann, Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso
Midfielders: Charlie Dennis, Leo Fernandes, Dayonn Harris, Lewis Hilton, Zach Herivaux, Joshua Perez
Forwards: Manuel Arteaga, Cal Jennings
