There are 17 new players on the Rowdies roster. The overhaul was an intentional move following Tampa Bay’s missed playoff appearance in 2025.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018 last season. Going into the offseason, head coach Dominic Casciato knew he had to make changes to the roster.
“The main thing we were looking for [was] guys that [were] a little bit younger. Guys that were hungry. Guys that were open to doing things in a new way,” he said.
Casciato added 17 new players to the roster. Only five players return from the 2025 team. With so many fresh faces, the Rowdies are on the pitch earlier than any other USL Championship club for preseason training. The hope is that the extra practice time leads to better results when the season begins.
“We have everything here. We’re in a great location. A lot of people want to come here and live here, but you can only do that if you have success on the field,” Casciato said.
On-field success is something Casciato is familiar with. He led Union Omaha to back-to-back Players’ Shields and a victory in the 2024 USL League One Final. A few players from those Omaha teams are now with the Rowdies.
Midfielder Pedro Dolabella is one of those players. He was named a USL League One All-League First Team player last year. He is eager to continue winning under Casciato.
“There’s this light at the end of the season. There’s a chance of us winning the trophy,” he said.
Despite all the changes, Leo Fernandes remains a familiar face as a new member of the technical staff.
“He bleeds green and yellow, and for us, he’s absolutely amazing to have around. We’re fortunate to have him,” Casciato said.
The Rowdies begin the season on March 7 against Birmingham Legion FC.