TAMPA, Fla. - When Juan Tejada arrived in the United States five years ago, there were cultural barriers that most immigrants have to adjust to when moving to a new country. 

For the Tampa Bay Rowdies forward, soccer -- or futbol as Tejada calls it -- was the one area of his life that has always remained a constant. 

Tejada, now 22, arrived at IMG Academy in Florida when he moved from his native Panama back in 2014. After spending one year at the elite development program designed for athletes, Tejada moved onto Eckerd College, located at the tip of St. Petersburg, Florida -- just miles away from where he'd end up in the future with the Rowdies.

In between his time at the collegiate and professional ranks, Tejada spent two seasons with USL League Two side Lakeland Tropics, and it was during that period that really earned him the recognition he needed to turn pro.

Over his two seasons with the Tropics, the Panama City native scored 12 goals in 24 matches and helped guide the team to back-to-back winning seasons.

USLLeagueTwo.com spent some time recently with the new Rowdies striker, and discussed a variety of topics including his move to the U.S., his time in League Two and how life at the Rowdies is transpiring.

USLLeagueTwo.com: Even though you've been in the greater-Tampa area for a few years now, what has your transition been like so far as a professional?

USLLeagueTwo.com: What has been the most exciting aspect of being part of the Rowdies so far?

USLLeagueTwo.com: How did your time with the Tropics and in League Two help prepare you for this next challenge at the USL Championship level?

USLLeagueTwo.com: What are some of the biggest things you're trying to accomplish in your first season here with the Rowdies?