NEW YORK (November 15, 2012) – A former Japanese National Team player, and current Tampa Bay Rowdies defender Takuya Yamada lead the team to win the 2012 North American Soccer League (NASL) Champion, and has also been named to the league's Best XI Team of 2012. 

Takuya Yamada, born in Tokyo, is an iconic Japanese player known as one of the best utility players produced by his country. Takuya began his professional soccer career in the J. League with Tokyo Verdy (formerly Verdy Kawasaki) in 1997 making 235 appearances scoring 22 goals over eight years. He served as team captain for three years and helped lead Tokyo Verdy to win the 2005 J. League Xerox Super Cup. Takuya also has four caps with the Japanese National Team between 2003 and 2004, including the 2004 Asian Cup in Beijing.

Yamada is currently the longest tenured Rowdies player having signed with the club prior to the inaugural 2010 season.