Signing him was a major priority for Tampa Bay.
“I have tracked MD since he was a standout collegiate forward at Rutgers University, so I am delighted to finally get the chance to work with him here in Tampa Bay,” said Rowdies coach Dominic Casciato. “He has proven himself to be a top forward in this league over the past couple of years, so I am excited to see what he can bring to our group in 2026 and beyond.
“There was a lot of competition to sign MD throughout the league, but he chose us because of his belief in our project, how we will play, and what we are building here. Our fans will love his ability to find the back of the net and willingness to work tirelessly for the team.”
Myers already has a pair of goals in four matches for the Rowdies.
Akpunonu knows that the Battery defense will have their collective work cut out for them when facing Myers and the Rowdies’ potent attack.
“MD does everything you’d want a striker to do,” Akpunonu said. “He is really good at finding the goal. He’s good in transition, he’s strong on the ball, he works hard and he finds a way to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Having practiced against him for a full season gives Akpunonu an insight that few defenders around the league share.
“There will be some mental mind games going on out there,” Akpunonu said. “I know what his tendencies are, and he knows mine. You can’t overthink things. Sometimes when you do that, you can get caught out of position.
“I think when stopping a forward as good as MD, you have to play more instinctually and just put your best foot forward.”
Akpunonu’s coach has every confidence that his central defender will be up to the task.
“Look, Joey is one of the best center backs in the league,” said Battery coach Ben Pirmann. “Joey can do it all, but he won’t be doing it by himself. It’s going to take all 11 players to slow down what is probably the best attack in the league so far.”