The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday that the club has signed forward Amani Walker to a two-year deal through the 2014 season.

At 6-foot-2, Walker (190 lbs.) is instantly recognized by his dreadlocks as well as by his fast-paced playing style. The California native adds an aerial threat for any defense. He joins the Rowdies after two successful years with the Minnesota Stars FC, leading the team last season with nine goalsand five assists. Many remember the forward for scoring the opening goal against the Rowdies in the first leg of the 2012 NASL Soccer Bowl Finals in Blaine, MN. 

“Amani will complement our squad well with his pace and size. He’s young but already has two impressive years as a pro under his belt,” said Rowdies CEO & General Manager Andrew Nestor. “I believe that Amani can flourish under Ricky’s leadership and also learn from his veteran teammates like Carl Cort.”

Walker arrived to the Stars for his 2011 rookie year after playing collegiately for the University of California-Irvine.  He scored 27 goals and had 11 assists in 85 collegiate appearances for the Anteaters and was named the 2010 Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 11 goals that season. He was a two-time all region player during his career with UC-Irvine.