English Striker added by Swope Park Rangers

Former Sacramento Republic and Arizona United (Phoenix Rising) striker Tyler Blackwood as joined the Swope Park Rangers. The 26-year-old Blackwood is originally from England but attended college in the United States. The team announced the signing on Friday.

Blackwood attended college first at the University of Tampa before completing his Senior season at the University of South Florida. Over his collegiate career he scored 28 goals.

Before spending the last two seasons in the United Soccer League (USL) Blackwood saw limited action for both the Queens Park Rangers and Newport County. In 2016 he joined Arizona United (now known as Phoenix Rising FC) and scored eight times across 26 appearances. In 2017 he played for the Sacramento Republic and added another six goals.

Tyler Blackwood becomes the 12th player to officially join the Swope Park Rangers for the 2018 season. As is common in the USL, roster turnover is heavy. While there are only 12 players under contract, many members of Sporting Kansas City are likely to be loaned to the Rangers including Gianluca Busio, Jaylin Lindsey and more. Plus the team has plenty of players on trial and another 11 players from the SKC Academy joining for preseason.

Blackwood didn’t play in this past Saturday’s preseason friendly against the Tulsa Roughnecks but could make an appearance next weekend when SPR hosts Creighton University at Swope Soccer Village.

Other members of SPR are currently in preseason camp with Sporting KC in Arizona, including Kuzain and Felipe Hernandez. The full roster is below.