Juan
Tejada

#17 | Forward

Indy Eleven brought in some attacking firepower for the second half of its 2022 USL Championship season with a July 21st trade that brought Panamanian forward Juan Tejada to Indiana’s Team from the Tampa Bay Rowdies in return for midfielder Nicky Law. Tejada made his debut just two days later, going the full 90 minutes in the Eleven’s 1-1 draw with Memphis 901 FC at Carroll Stadium.

“I look forward to meeting my teammates and working hard alongside them to achieve the objectives I know we can reach,” said Tejada at the time of the deal. “I am excited for the opportunity to play for the Eleven organization and in front of their incredible supporters.”

Tejada joined 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 51^st minute insurance tally to pace the Rowdies in a 2-0 victory at Al Lang Stadium.

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.

“Juan Tejada is a decisive and exciting forward who can provide an added dimension to our attack immediately,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach 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.”