ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday the club had signed defender Charlie Ostrem ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Ostrem joins Tampa Bay following a breakout season with Union Omaha which saw him win the USL League One Golden Playmaker award after recording a league-best 10 assists in 29 appearances during the 2025 regular season. The 26-year-old fullback was also voted to the USL League One All-League Second Team for his outstanding contributions for Los Buhos, which saw him rank third in the league with 54 chances created and record 33 tackles at an 84.6 percent success rate.

“Charlie is a tenacious left-footed fullback, with a great temperament and mentality to always look to get better,” said Rowdies Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He loves to get forward, and his production has been impressive in the final third with 10 assists this season in USL League One.

“He can put quality service into the opposition box from open play and dead ball situations and is a wonderful teammate who will push everyone to give their best day-in, day-out. Having worked with him in Omaha, I know he will be hungry to prove himself at this level while always doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful.”

A native of Richmond Beach, Wash., Ostrem played college soccer at the University of Washington. He was a standout player during his four-year career with the Huskies, earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in his junior season and selection to the Pac-12 All-Conference First Team in his senior season.

The Chicago Fire selected Ostrem in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft before he signed with Chicago Fire II in MLS NEXT Pro. Ostrem notched five goals and eight assists over two seasons in MLSNP before moving on in 2024 to sign with Western Suburbs FC in New Zeeland's second division, where he netted three goals in 14 appearances.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Rowdies and be part of a club with such a rich history,” said Ostrem. “The Rowdies have deep roots in the community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent a club that possesses a winning culture and passionate fan base. I’m ready to leave it all on the field and help bring success to the club.”