The Tampa Bay Rowdies made the first new addition to the squad for 2023 with the announcement that midfielder Zachary Herivaux has signed for the upcoming USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Herivaux joins the Rowdies having spent the previous two seasons with Eastern Conference foe Birmingham Legion FC.
“Zach’s a player that I think has really developed well over the last few seasons,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “Every year he’s played more and more of an integral part for Birmingham, up until this past year when I thought he was a key piece of their midfield.”
Born in Osaka, Japan, Herivaux grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, and developed as part of the New England Revolution’s youth system. He eventually signed a professional contract with the Major League Soccer club as a Homegrown Player in May of 2019 at 19 years old and then made his professional debut a month later in the U.S. Open Cup.
After a loan spell with San Antonio FC in 2017, New England loaned Herivaux to Birmingham for the club’s inaugural campaign in 2019. That season, Herivaux picked up consistent playing time for the first time in his career as he made 23 total appearances. In 2020, Herivaux signed with San Antonio as a free agent before moving to Birmingham at the start of the 2021 season. The 26-year-old now departs the Magic City with 79 total appearances under his belt for Birmingham.
“These past two seasons allowed me to adapt to the league a lot more,” said Herivaux. “Tampa Bay has always been a big name in this league and they have a lot of history behind them. It’s a decorated club and anyone that plays in this league knows Tampa Bay is a difficult team to play against. It’s always one of those games you mark on your calendar. When Coach Neill gave me that call I was very, very honored to feel that interest. The interest was certainly mutual. I want to win trophies and I think Tampa Bay is a great place to do that.”
Herivaux offers an asset the Rowdies have come to value highly during Collins’ tenure in charge – versatility.
“Zach brings a lot of the values we like,” noted Collins. “He’s a real competitor. He brings a great intensity, but he also brings a lot of quality with his play. He’s played a lot in midfield, but he’s also played in the back. I’m looking forward to seeing him in a couple of different roles in our system to see if we can get even more out of him.”
Tampa Bay’s newest midfielder has also experience on the international stage with the Haitian national team. Herivaux first represented Haiti at the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship before making his senior team debut in 2017. Since then, Herivaux has bagged two assists in 17 appearances for Haiti.
“I can’t wait for preseason to begin,” said Herivaux. “I’m ready for the season to start honestly. I’m excited to play in front of the fans, meet everybody in the locker room, and meet my new family. I’m just excited to get to work and extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
The schedule for the 2023 USL Championship season is expected to be unveiled in the new year. In the meantime, fans can secure season tickets by visiting rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets. Fans may also contact the ticket office by emailing tickets@rowdiessoccer.com or calling 727-222-2000 during regular business hours. Holiday Packs, which include two tickets for the Rowdies 2023 home opener are also available for purchase at rowdiessoccer.com/holiday-pack.
Current 2023 Rowdies Roster:
Goalkeepers: Raiko Arozarena
Defenders: Aaron Guillen, Conner Antley
Midfielders: Jake Areman, Sebastian Dalgaard, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Dayonn Harris, Zach Herivaux, Lewis Hilton, Nicky Law
Forwards: Jordan Adebayo-Smith, Sebastian Guenzatti
