Tampa Bay Rowdies Unveil New Era with 17 New Players on Roster

The Tampa Bay Rowdies launched preseason training this week. Seventeen fresh faces joined the squad. Only five players returned from last year's roster. Head coach Dominic Casciato spent months reconstructing his team after they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

"I think it was kind of needed, the overhaul," Casciato said, according to FOX 13. "Now, we're really fortunate to have guys that want to be here and will give everything for the shirt and give us a team we can be proud of."

Casciato retained former midfielder-turned-coach Yann Ekra and goalie coach Stuart Dobson despite gutting the roster. Club legend and former USL MVP Leo Fernandes also transitioned into coaching this season.

"Having people that understand that responsibility is vital because they can pass it on to guys that are new here and just trying to figure things out," said Casciato.

These newcomers trained together for the first time as they attempt to develop chemistry from the ground up, which won't be easy considering how few familiar faces remain on the pitch. Forward MD Myers brings the most excitement — he netted 36 goals across two seasons with Charleston Battery.

"Hopefully I'm going to score a lot of goals on this field," said MD Myers, per Tampa Bay 28. "I can't wait to celebrate in front of these fans."

MD Myers said the club's history drew him to St. Petersburg. "This is a club that my dad talked about watching," he noted.

Attacker Russ Cicerone said the revamped roster creates fierce competition. No spots are guaranteed. "It's a fresh hunger, hungry faces that want to prove themselves," he said.

Casciato stressed that bonds between players will determine success or failure this season, arguing that talent alone doesn't win championships in a league where parity reigns. "Everybody has good players. But what differentiates those teams that win, and those teams that don't? To me, it's how connected the players are," Casciato said.

The squad faces a nearly two-month training camp before their opener. Fans can watch an open session Saturday at Al Lang Stadium from 10-11 a.m. Players will stick around afterward for autographs and photos.

The season opener will be March 7 at Birmingham Legion FC.