News

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (January 28, 2021)– Tampa Bay Rowdies youth initiatives such as the Rowdies Youth Network, Rowdies Soccer Foundation, Rowdies Gaming, Little Rowdies and after school youth programs will continue this season. The USL Academy will not be suspended; however, will operate at a limited capacity in 2021.

Due to the many uncertainties surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Rowdies have made the difficult decision to suspend the USL2 and the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) programs for the 2021 season. The Rowdies plan to reevaluate these programs for 2022.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced on Thursday following the league’s Board of Governors meeting that the 2021 regular season will begin on or about May 1, see the teams split in to four divisions, and will contain a 32-game slate running across 27 weeks through the end of October with playoffs scheduled for November.

In voting for a flexible start date, the Governors have approved for clubs to begin play anywhere between April 24th and May 15th. Further announcements on scheduling, divisional alignment and playoff structure will be made in the coming months and the league will continue to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 crises in the event that alterations to the format need to be made. 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2021) –The Tampa Bay Rowdies have re-signed midfielder Zach Steinberger to a one-year deal.

Steinberger, 28, was a fan favorite during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. During his career with the Rowdies, Steinberger has made 35 appearances, 25 as starts, with five goals and six assists.

On the field in 2020, Steinberger made only one goal, but that goal came in the Eastern Conference Final and was essential in securing a win.

“Zach has been an integral part of moving the club forward the past two years, and I am delighted he will be able to continue building on all his hard work to date,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “Zach’s hard work was rewarded with excellent performances in the playoffs and, of course, who can forget his fantastic goal in the Eastern Conference Final. I hope to see more like that in 2021.”

Steinberger played his college career at Butler University, while also appearing for the Michigan Bucks in the Premier Development League at the same time. After college, he broke into professional soccer when he was drafted eighth overall with the Houston Dynamo in 2015.

“We’re building something special here in Tampa Bay, and I am very grateful to be a part of such a great organization representing an even greater fan base,” Steinberger said.

More new and returning players will be announced in the coming weeks. The Rowdies roster now stands at (19) players.

2021 Roster Information:

Goalkeeper(s): Ian Mcgrane, Evan Louro

Defender(s): Jordan Scarlett, Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Max Lachowecki, Conner Antley

Midfielder(s): Sebastian Dalgaard, Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Luiz Fernando, Dayonn Harris, Zach Steinberger

Forward(s): Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti, Lucky Mkosana, Steeven Dos Santos

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Dec. 31, 2020) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed 23-year-old forward Dayonn Harris to a two-year deal.  

Harris played the 2020 season with Real Monarchs SLC. He was selected as the 20th pick overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. Prior to the draft, Harris played two full seasons with the University of Connecticut.  

“I first saw Dayonn play for UConn against the University of South Florida and have followed his progress since then,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “I believe Dayonn is a perfect fit for our club. First off, he has all the physical and technical attributes to play wide in our side, but even more importantly, he has the appetite to improve and succeed. As we have shown with players like Jordan Doherty and Juan Tejada, we are committed to finding young talent and giving them the platform to perform.” 

In 2020 with the Real Monarchs, Harris appeared in 14 games, starting 11 of them.  

I am blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to join an incredible club such as the Tampa Bay Rowdies.” Harris said. “I am beyond excited to have the ability to continue my career and development as a footballer; surrounded by top players, coaching staff and a fan base that is unmatched. I can’t wait to start working with the team this coming season and to assist in bringing home another championship.” 

More new and returning players will be announced in the coming weeks. The Rowdies roster now stands at (17) players.

2021 Roster Information:

Goalkeeper(s): Ian Mcgrane

Defender(s): Jordan Scarlett, Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Max Lachowecki, Conner Antley

Midfielder(s): Sebastian Dalgaard, Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Luiz Fernando, Dayonn Harris

Forward(s): Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti, Lucky Mkosana, Steeven Dos Santos

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Dec. 30, 2020) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed midfielder Luiz Fernando to a one-year deal with a club option for 2022. 

The São Paulo, Brazil native previously played for Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, and played for the club’s USL Championship team Atlanta United 2 before that.  

“Luiz is another player that I have not only coached against, but also played against,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “Luiz will get the fans off their seats with his direct attacking style and ability to create opportunities. While he is most at home on the left wing, expect to see Luiz anywhere on the line this year with his versatility.” 

Fernando, 23, made 27 starts and notched two goals and four assists in his first year with Atlanta United 2. Prior to that, Fernando played three seasons with the Richmond Kickers.  

“I am so excited to join the Rowdies family,” Fernando said. “I have been following the organization for a few years and can’t wait to play in front of the amazing fans and hopefully help the team on the field to achieve all of our goals.” 

More new and returning players will be announced in the coming weeks. The Rowdies roster now stands at (16) players.

2021 Roster Information:

Goalkeeper(s): Ian Mcgrane

Defender(s): Jordan Scarlett, Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Max Lachowecki, Conner Antley

Midfielder(s): Sebastian Dalgaard, Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes, Luiz Fernando

Forward(s): Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti, Lucky Mkosana, Steeven Dos Santos

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Dec. 29, 2020) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed defender Conner Antley to a two-year contract.  

“Our defenders from 2020 were absolute warriors with their willingness to keep the ball out the net,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “The biggest compliment I can pay Conner is that he will add even more skill to this group. He is a true competitor with fantastic physical attributes that will make him a perfect fit for our team. Conner showed a great desire to join the Rowdies, and we were just as keen to make him part of our 2021 team.” 

Antley, 25, was named the USL League One Defender of the Year in 2019 while playing for Tormenta FC. During that season, Antley started 26 games and scored six goals in addition to being a huge defensive asset to the club. 

“When I heard Tampa became an option, it was an easy decision for me,” Antley said. “Going to a club where I will grow as a player and compete for a championship every year is exciting for me. A big thanks to Neil Collins and Lee Cohen down in Tampa for believing in me. I look forward to meeting the team and the fans, and to winning a championship in 2021.” 

More new and returning players will be announced in the coming weeks. The Rowdies roster now stands at (15) players.

2021 Roster Information:

Goalkeeper(s): Ian Mcgrane

Defender(s): Jordan Scarlett, Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Max Lachowecki, Conner Antley

Midfielder(s): Sebastian Dalgaard, Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes

Forward(s): Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti, Lucky Mkosana, Steeven Dos Santos

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Dec. 24, 2020) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have signed forward Steevan Dos Santos to a one-year deal with a club option for 2022. 

With the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2020, Dos Santos had 10 starts with 5 goals and one assist.  

  “Steevan is a player that I have played and coached against, and I am pleased that he is now on our side,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “He was a key member of Pittsburgh’s attack for the past two years and was one of our fiercest opponents. I think Steevan will add something to our team that we have not had before, his ability to multitask.” 

Dos Santos, 31, is a Cape Verde native who played for the country’s national team in 2013. 

“For me, it would be an honor and a privilege to represent an organization of the caliber and quality such as Tampa Bay Rowdies,” Dos Santos said. “First off, I’d like to thank Neil and Lee for the opportunity to continue to play in the USL Championship while representing the Rowdies. I promise the organization and the Rowdies’ fans that I will work hard and give it my best. I look forward to helping bring the USL Championship home to Tampa, alongside my teammates.”  

More new and returning players will be announced in the coming weeks. The Rowdies roster now stands at (13) players.

2021 Roster Information:

Goalkeeper(s): None

Defender(s): Jordan Scarlett, Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Max Lachowecki

Midfielder(s): Sebastian Dalgaard, Lewis Hilton, Jordan Doherty, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes

Forward(s): Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti, Lucky Mkosana, Steeven Dos Santos