TAMPA, Fla – After helping FK Jerv earn promotion to Norway’s first division last season, Felix Schröter hopes to use his European play style to make a positive impact for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The German forward made his American debut this past Saturday and believes playing in Tampa is a big opportunity for him, especially with the possibility that the organization becomes a Major League Soccer franchise very soon.
Now that his first North American campaign is underway, Schröter is ready to accomplish the goals he set for himself this year.
“Personally, at least 10 goals or assists,” Schröter said, after practice at the club’s facility. “Helping the team as much as I can and being impactful with my qualities from Europe.”
It’s without question that European football is far more skilled than the North American style, but the transition is slowly coming together for Tampa’s new number 10.
“Europe is more tactical, and it’s not easy to score goals,” Schröter noted. “Here, it’s a little wilder. You have to use your body because it’s more intense.”
Rowdies head coach Neill Collins is excited to see the forward’s potential with the club now that he’s recovered from a thigh strain.
“We felt Felix checked all the boxes,” Collins told reporters after practice. “He’s had a slightly slow start due to a couple (of) injuries, but I believe he’s going to bring a lot of quality, a lot of experience to the group, and once he’s on the field and starts playing games, that’s where we’ll see the true Felix Schröter.”
Since he began his Rowdies tenure, the Ulm native has been very impressed with the organization from top to bottom.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect the team to be this professional,” the striker said. “In terms of recovery and restitution, they have everything compared to Europe. I was a little bit surprised.”
A Rowdies member since January, Schröter feels that he has found his way into the group already. The squad gave him a warm welcome upon his arrival, and now that he’s adjusted to the new setting, it’s all about doing what he can to help the team win.