Uniondale, N.Y. - Last week, the Long Island Rough Riders announced Adelphi University assistant men's soccer coach Tom Bowen as men's head coach for the upcoming 2021 USL League Two season.

From 2018-20, Bowen assisted Stephen Roche, the newly appointed Sporting Director, as the franchise's assistant men's coach.

"Tom was my clear choice for my replacement," said Roche, the club's newly-appointed Sporting Director. "During my tenure as head coach, Tom was instrumental in the team's on-field success. I am confident that he will successfully transition into the new head coach position."

A native of Aberdovey, Wales in the United Kingdom, Bowen graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, with a bachelor's degree in Sport and Exercise Science, before earning his MBA from LIU Post in 2016.

"I am excited to take the next step in my coaching career," said Bowen. "The USL is considered one of the top leagues in the country and although it will be a difficult challenge, especially during a pandemic, I am confident that the Rough Riders will continue to prevail knowing the efforts of the club and the people within it."

Bowen has served as Gary Book's lead assistant coach at Adelphi since 2019.

In his inaugural year with the Panthers, Bowen was influential in helping lead the team to a 15-game unbeaten run to open the season, which turned into the University's first-ever No. 1 national ranking and No. 1 overall seed in Super Region I in the NCAA Tournament. At the season's conclusion, Bowen was recognized, along with his fellow Adelphi men's soccer coaches, as the United Soccer Coaches East Region Staff of the Year.

Prior to Adelphi, Bowen was the assistant coach at Seton Hall University, after spending two years at LIU Post in 2016 and 2017.

"I am delighted with the appointment of Tom Bowen as the USL-2 Head Coach," said Peter Zaratin, Rough Riders President. "Tom brings with him a wealth of coaching knowledge, experience, and leadership. He understands and projects the values of the franchise having been previously a part of the coaching staff."