A new team, a new league, a load of new players. Not exactly the easiest situation, but Gordon Kljestan has made the most of his opportunity with FC Tampa Bay.
Kljestan currently is second on the team with 2 goals. He has appeared in 8 games (6 starts) and logged 490 minutes.
He is one of the reasons for Tampa’s early success in the USSF Division II Pro League. FC Tampa Bay now sits at second place in the USL Conference with a 5-3-3 record.
The system and tactics of Head Coach Paul Dalglish is perfect for Kljestan’s style of play. This has allowed him to provide a veteran presence to younger players and be a vocal leader on and off the field.
Many believe Gordon will be making a return to MLS by the end of the season, perhaps with one of his former clubs.
We have no doubts about his level of talent; Kljestan is a legitimate MLS player who can be a difference maker. Unfortunately, he is one of many players in the U.S. who are competing at a level below where they should be. Some analysts call this situation “a football recession”.
