The beloved Tampa Bay Rowdies will take the field March 8th for their 2025 regular season in Las Vegas against Las Vegas Lights FC. Crowds and fans are excited to see the green and gold back in action and hopefully win a title. However, this season brings many new faces to the roster. With all of these exciting and new changes, what can fans expect this year, and what can they look forward to?

This season in particular is special, because many of the previous players’ contracts expired. Some were re-signed, such as Forrest Lasso, Leo Fernandes and Lewis Hilton-three exceptional players who were key to the Rowdies victories in earlier seasons. While Rowdies player’s Cal Jennings, Jordan Doherty, Damian Rivera, and Freddy Kleemann signed with other clubs, it opened up new opportunities, especially for younger players. Christian Ortiz, a 17-year-old striker, played at Florida Premier FC, a local club in Tampa. On top of being the first Academy player in club history to sign a professional contract, he also was called up to the Dominican Republic U20 national team. Another young superstar the Rowdies acquired was Nate Worth, who recently turned 18 years old. At 17, Worth played at FC Tulsa, before signing with the Rowdies. He was also called up to the USA National U15, U16 and U19 teams. On top of all of this, Worth won the Select Sport America’s Goal of the year, scoring a banger on a free kick last season. 

These young sensations have brought a lot of younger Fans into Al Lang, especially from Christian Ortiz’s club, Florida Premier. The inspiration also carried over into St. Petersburg High school. Caitlin Williams, a sophomore says “it is really cool to see players who aren’t much older than us playing professionally”. They are walking proof that hard work pays off, and they both will hopefully help lead the Rowdies to victory in their upcoming season. 

Phil Breno, one of the Rowdies goalies from their previous season, announced his retirement from professional soccer in November 2024 and Jordan Farr, also another goalie, signed with D.C. United, an MLS team. The club left fans on the edge of their seats waiting for the announcement of a new goalie, but it was well worth that wait. Nicolas Campisi recently signed with the Rowdies in February, but before that spent his professional career in Paraguay and Argentina. He played for multiple different clubs, most recently he played for Union de Santa Fe in Argentina’s Primera Division, recording seven shutouts in fourteen appearances. The Rowdies also acquired Ethan Bandre, who played in thirteen matches for Colorado in MLS Next Pro. Before his season in Colorado, Bandre played for Sporting Kansas City II for two seasons. Fans are extremely rowdy and excited to see what our new goalkeeper unit will do for the green and gold. 

There were many new signings in defense this year that will strengthen the team’s dynamic. To start off, many have heard of Laurence Wyke, a defender returning to the Rowdies, previously playing for the club in 2021. Thomas Vancaeyezeele and Robert Castellanos are also returning defenders, adding depth and experience to the backline. Castellanos played for the Rowdies in 2022, and Vancaeyezeele also played in the 2022 season, on loan from Nashville SC. With the help of these defender’s prior experience, it is expected they enhance the team’s defensive stability in the upcoming season. 

There were also multiple signings in midfield, some of which including Ollie Bassett and Cammy MacPherson. Bassett is a dynamic midfielder who was the former Canadian Premier League Player of the Year in 2022 while playing for Atletico Ottawa. During his time playing for Atletico Ottawa, Bassett scored eight goals, and two assists. On top of all of that, he was recognized by different players in the Canadian Premier League and won the inaugural Players’ Player of the Year award that same year. This award recognized Bassett as the CPL league’s top performer of the 2022 season. Shifting gears, Cammy MacPherson is a Scottish midfielder, who is joining the green and gold on loan from St. Johnstone, expected to make a significant impact on the team. MacPherson is able to play defense in addition to midfield, aiming to bring skill and experience to the USL Championship. His blend of midfield creativity and defensive solidity is expected to have a great impact on the Rowdies, as they get ready to dive into the 2025 season. 

There are many exciting changes for this upcoming season, and the fans can’t wait to see the players walk out in their dazzling green and gold uniforms. The 2025 season also marks the 50th anniversary of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. There will be many special theme nights, giveaways and promotions throughout the season to commemorate this milestone. With all of this promising new talent, the Rowdies are poised to have a thrilling and competitive 2025 season. Fans can expect unforgettable memories and action-packed matches as the team strives for championship glory.