News

FC Tampa Bay announces the signing of Guyana National Team defender J.P. Rodrigues. Rodrigues, a Tampa native who went to Land O’ Lakes High School, most recently played for Miami FC from 2006-2010. Rodrigues’ contract with FCTB is a two-year deal with a club option for a third year.

Rodrigues was Miami’s first ever draft pick in 2006 in the former USL-1 Draft and has played more than 5,500 minutes in 76 matches.  In 2010, Rodrigues ranked third on Miami’s squad for most minutes played and tied for second for most games played. At the end of Miami’s 2010 season, he was on loan to Major League Soccer’s (MLS) D.C. United.

“We are pleased to welcome J.P. to our organization,” said Executive Vice President, Director of Player Development and Technical Director Perry Van Der Beck. “He is an experienced player who will bring depth to our squad and leadership into the locker room. With our recent new additions and the signings to come, we are continuing to build a strong foundation to be a contender for the Championship.”

“I’m extremely excited about this new opportunity,” said Rodrigues. “Tampa is my home and playing professionally here has been a life-long dream of mine. I can’t wait for the season to begin and to help the organization battle for a Championship.”

Rodrigues represented Guyana as part of the National Team from 2006–2010, earning 15 caps, including qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was also part of the squad that qualified for the final round of the 2010 Digicel Caribbean Cup.

Rodrigues began his soccer career playing for Belmont University from 2002-2005, earning the honor of Atlantic Sun Conference defender of the year in 2005.