Tom Heinemann leaving Ottawa Fury FC for Tampa Bay

Ottawa Fury FC's top-scoring striker Tom Heinemann is leaving the city to play for another North American Soccer League side, the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Both Heinemann's new teamand the league confirmed the news on their websites Monday. Heinemann made the announcement himself on Twitter.

According to the Rowdies, Heinemann has signed a two-year contractwith an option for the club to renew the deal in 2018. No other details of the contract have been disclosed.

Heinemann led the Fury in scoring in their 2015 season with 12 goals, including two in a memorable at-home semi-final match against Minnesota United FC, and another two in a championship final loss to the New York Cosmos.

Ottawa Fury FC's Tom Heinemann celebrates with fans after scoring two goals in the NASL semi-final at TD Place on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, sending his team to the Soccer Bowl.

9 years ago

Duration 0:15

Ottawa Fury FC's Tom Heinemann celebrates with fans after scoring two goals against Minnesota United FC in the NASL semi-final at TD Place on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, sending his team to the Soccer Bowl.

Ottawa's remarkable success in 2015 generated a lot of interest in the charismatic 28-year-old, six-feet-four-inch forwardfrom St. Louis, Mo. But some speculated if he was going anywhere, it would be a move back up to a Major League Soccer side instead of a lateral move to another NASL team.

Tampa Bay struggled last season, earning just 20 points in 20 games compared toOttawa's 45.

Before joining the Furyin 2014,Heinemann played three seasons in the MLS, with Columbus Crew in 2011-12and Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2013.

Heinemann isn't the only player parting ways with the Fury. In a roster update issued Monday afternoon, the club announcedDrew Beckie, Andrew Wiedeman, Ugur Albayrak, Oliver, Nicki Paterson and Aly Alberto Hassan won't be returning next season, either because their contracts have expired or theydidn'thave their options picked up.

In a statement Fury head coach Paul Dalglish said the organization is"excited about the way the roster is coming together for next season ...We took the necessary amount of time to evaluate our options for 2016 to ensure we took the best decisions that will help achieve our goal of winning an NASL Championship."