ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rowdies secured the return of two standout young talents with the announcement that the club has signed Tate Johnson and Santiago Castaneda to new USL Academy contracts for the 2023 season.
Johnson and Castaneda, both listed as defenders on Tampa Bay’s roster, made their professional debuts with the Rowdies last year, entering as substitutes in the club’s victory over The Villages SC in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup. The 17-year-olds then went on to earn minutes for the Rowdies in the USL Championship regular season.
“Last year, both Tate and Santi came in to supplement training and to see how they fit in at the level and both of them showed great progression throughout the season,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “This preseason, they’re really fighting for their place on the team just like every other player on our squad. The fact that they’re on an academy contract doesn’t really change things when it comes to team selection. The best players will play, and both these players are pushing to be part of the squad on the field.”
Under a USL Academy contract, Johnson and Castaneda are eligible to play in professional matches for the Rowdies while maintaining their college eligibility. Johnson, a member of Tampa Bay United’s youth system, has committed to play his college soccer at the University of North Carolina. Castaneda, a player with Florida Premier FC, has committed to play for the University of Michigan.
“I’m glad I was able to get the opportunity from Coach Collins and the coaching staff,” said Castaneda. “I loved last season and the way the group of guys brought me in as one of them and the way they treated me. I learned so much, so I’m just excited to enter this season and continue pushing through and get with the new group of guys that’s coming in and just fight for a chance to play.”
Johnson impressed Collins and the coaching staff enough last year to earn a starting nod in Tampa Bay’s win over Loudoun United FC in the penultimate match of the regular season. A month later, Johnson was a pivotal contributor as Tampa Bay United claimed victory in the USL Academy Playoffs Final. Johnson was also voted to the All-Tournament Team for his standout performances throughout the competition.
“I’m super excited to be able to sign this contract and just really excited to get to work here,” said Johnson. “I feel like this year I’m coming in more hungry, ready to fight for a position, put in the hard work in preseason, and come away with more minutes than last year.”
The Rowdies kick off their 34-match 2023 USL Championship campaign at home on Saturday, March 11 versus Eastern Conference foe Indy Eleven. Season, group and premium tickets, and single game tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Rowdies season. Visit rowdiessoccer.com/tickets for or call the Rowdies sales office at 727-222-2000 during normal business hours for more info.
Current 2023 Rowdies Roster
Goalkeepers: Raiko Arozarena, Phil Breno, Connor Sparrow
Defenders: Conner Antley, Aaron Guillen, Freddy Kleemann, Forrest Lasso, Tate Johnson, Santiago Castaneda
Midfielders: Jake Areman, Sebastian Dalgaard, Charlie Dennis, Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Dayonn Harris, Zach Herivaux, Lewis Hilton
Forwards: Cal Jennings, Ariel Martinez, Lucky Mkosana, Felix Schröter, JJ Williams
