(Left to Right: Assistant Coach Stuart Campbell, Head Coach Thomas Rongen, Goalkeeper Coach Stuart Dobson)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (January 15, 2015) — Stuart Dobson has been hired as the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ goalkeeper coach, effectively immediately, the club announced Thursday.
Dobson has spent the last three seasons in the same role at the University of Akron, an NCAA soccer powerhouse.
“Stuart brings a wealth of experience to the Rowdies from his days as a professional player and coach,” Rowdies coach Thomas Rongen said. “He has been instrumental in developing some of the best goalkeepers who have transitioned from the collegiate ranks to MLS. We expect him to have an immediate impact on the way our goalkeepers train and play.”
The Zips won the Mid-American Conference regular season and conference titles in each of Dobson’s seasons, qualifying for the NCAA tournament each year. Dobson worked closely with Akron goalkeeper David Meves, who became the all-time NCAA leader in shutouts with 54 in 2013, and Evan Bush of Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact.
Dobson’s first season with Akron was under the direction of head coach Caleb Porter, currently the head coach of the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer.
Prior to Akron, Dobson served as goalkeeper coach at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He has also worked with current MLS goalkeepers Dan Kennedy and Kyle Reynish.
Dobson also served as goalkeeper coach of the United States Under-23 Women’s National Team from 2010 to 2011, where he developed the United States’ best up-and-coming goalkeepers and helped them move up to the senior national team.
The Rowdies will open the 2015 season with a match up against the San Antonio Scorpions, the 2014 Soccer Bowl Champions, in San Antonio April 4. The home opener follows on April 11 against Minnesota United FC, the team with the best overall 2014 record and the defending Spring champion.
Fans will enjoy all the action at the newly-renovated Al Lang Stadium, complete with larger pitch, new seating, improved concessions and more. 2015 season tickets are available now. Call (877) ROWDIES today!
