Nicky Law Goes to Rowdies in Return for Panamanian Striker
Indy Eleven today announced a trade that saw Indiana’s Team acquire Panamanian forward Juan Tejada from the Tampa Bay Rowdies in return for midfielder Nicky Law.
The acquisition, which will be official pending league and federation approval, has been finalized in time for Tejada to be eligible for selection by Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry when the Boys in Blue return to USL Championship action this Saturday, July 23, against Memphis 901 FC.
“I look forward to meeting my teammates and working hard alongside them to achieve the objectives I know we can reach,” said Tejada. “I am excited for the opportunity to play for the Eleven organization and in front of their incredible supporters.”
Tejada joins Indy Eleven after three-and-a-half seasons with Tampa Bay, where he tallied 13 goals and 5 assists in 68 USL Championship regular season appearances and also played in five postseason contests. The 25-year-old forward shot out of the gates during his rookie season in 2019, finishing tied for second on the Rowdies’ high-flying offense with 10 goals. Tejada stood out in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 win over Indy Eleven back on March 19 of this season, scoring in the first minute and assisting on a 51st minute insurance tally to pace the Rowdies in a 2-0 victory at Al Lang Stadium.
“Juan Tejada is a decisive and exciting forward who can provide an added dimension to our attack immediately,” said Lowry. “We believe he possesses the skillset and drive to be a high-level contributor right away and look forward to the spark he can provide our squad.”
Tejada has represented his native Panama on one occasion in senior play, suiting up against the United States in an international friendly on Nov. 16, 2020. Tejada was a known quantity in Floridian soccer circles prior to turning pro, as he came to the United States to attend the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton in 2014 before playing four seasons collegiately at Eckard College in St. Petersburg from 2015-18.
Law departs the Circle City after a season in a half with the Boys in Blue, having scored four goals and notched five assists in 49 appearances since signing with the Eleven last January following a 15-year career in various leagues across England and Scotland.
“Unfortunately, in trades like this you have to give up quality to gain some,” said Lowry. “Nicky has been nothing but a top professional for us, and we wish he and his family all the best in Tampa.”
Indiana’s Team returns home this weekend for the first of three consecutive Saturday contests at IUPUI Carroll Stadium, starting against a surging Memphis 901 FC side. Fans can secure tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on “International Night at The Mike” starting at just $15 online at indyeleven.com/tickets or over the phone at 317-685-1100; more details on the Eleven’s promotional nights through the rest of the season can be found at indyeleven.com/promotions. Fans who cannot make the match can follow live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com, and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.
