ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Monday that the club has exercised the contract option for Freddy Kleemann, locking the center back in for a second season in Tampa Bay.
Kleemann was a regular fixture on Tampa Bay’s back line during the 2023 USL Championship season, earning 25 starts and making 32 total appearances in his first year with the club. It was a welcome return to action for the 24-year-old, who sat out most of 2022 due to an ACL injury early in the year.
Following a standout college career at the University of Washington, Kleemann was drafted 11th overall by Austin FC in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Kleemann made three appearances during a two-year stint in Austin and four appearances during two separate loan spells at Birmingham Legion FC.
Rowdies 2024 Roster as of December 4
Defenders: Conner Antley, Jordan Doherty, Freddy Kleemann, Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso
Midfielders: Charlie Dennis, Leo Fernandes, Dayonn Harris, Lewis Hilton, Zach Herivaux
Forwards: Cal Jennings, JJ Williams