For last year’s Eastern Conference runner-up, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a new year means new beginnings. While last season may have ended in disappointing fashion for the Rowdy faithful with championship hopes, it could serve as a model for what Tampa Bay needs to do again in 2023.
The Rowdies did everything right in 2022. The club scored a league-leading 77 goals– netting 20-percent of their shots– while conceding only 35 on the back end. Tampa Bay played with discipline and was shown the fifth least yellow and red cards. The Rowdies also passed the ball more than any team in the league. One could argue they were the top team in the USL despite coming up short to the eventual runner-up, Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Offseason Additions
So, what is new in 2023? The squad underwent a major face-lift in the offseason, with new players coming in and several familiar footballers continuing their careers elsewhere.
Long-time team captain and fan favorite, Sebastian Guenzatti, along with star forward, Juan Tejada, found new homes in Indy. Standout centerback, and USL MVP, Leo Fernandes leaves big shoes to fill as well.
To fill the voids left behind, Tampa Bay reloaded the attacking front with several new faces including forwards Cal Jennings, JJ Williams, Ariel Martinez and Felix Schröter, as well as new starting goalkeeper, Phil Breno. Other new additions Charlie Dennis and Zach Herivaux will play big roles in a revamped midfield, as well.
Home Opener vs Indy Eleven
The Rowdies season opening draw with the Indy Eleven left Ralph’s Mob with a bittersweet taste in their mouths. Midfielder Jake Areman got the ball rolling with the first goal of the season for the Green and Gold early in the second half, burying a pass from JJ Williams in the back of the net. But in the final minute of stoppage time (90 mins +6), Indy was awarded a questionable penalty in the box and allowed Indy’s Aodhan Quinn to equalize, stealing a point before the final whistle.
Despite the offseason overhaul to the roster and a point in the books, Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins was not satisfied with his squad’s opening performance.
“Lot of work to do based on tonight.” said head coach, Neill Collins. “This is where we start learning about ourselves. Our willingness to do the things that we want to do was what really disappointed me.”
The Rowdies coach noticed several areas where he felt the team underperformed but believes there is still plenty of opportunity to learn from early season mistakes.
“For our home opener we wanted to provide a much better spectacle for our fans and that was our focus. Three points and a good performance. And we didn’t get either of those things tonight. But one thing we did is learn, you know. We learn and get a chance to try and go make it better.”
With a road battle against conference rival Orange County SC next on the schedule, Tampa Bay will look to add to their point total against an OCSC team that conceded three goals in their opening match against Louisville City.
By Jordan Ogren.
