Tampa Bay Rowdies (1975–1993)
![]() | |||
Full name | Tampa Bay Rowdies | ||
---|---|---|---|
Nickname(s) | Rowdies | ||
Founded | June 19, 1974 | ||
Dissolved | January 31, 1994 | ||
Stadium | Outdoor: Tampa Stadium (71,000) USF Soccer Stadium (4,000) Indoor: Bayfront Center (6,410) Expo Hall (9,200)[1] Lakeland Civic Center (8,178) | ||
Owner | George W. Strawbridge, Jr. (1974–1983) Stella Thayer, Bob Blanchard & Dick Corbett (1983–1986) Cornelia Corbett (1986–1994) | ||
Chairman | Beau Rogers, IV Chas Serednesky, Jr | ||
Coach | Eddie Firmani (1975–1977) John Boyle (1977) Gordon Jago (1978–1982) Al Miller (1982–83) Rodney Marsh (1984) | ||
League | North American Soccer League (1975–1984) American Indoor Soccer Association (1986–1987) American Soccer League (1988–1989) American Professional Soccer League (1990–1993) | ||
|
The Tampa Bay Rowdies were an American professional soccer team based in Tampa, Florida, that competed in the original North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1975 to 1984. They enjoyed broad popular support in the Tampa Bay area until the NASL folded in 1984, after which the team played in various minor indoor and outdoor leagues before finally folding on January 31, 1994.[2] The Rowdies played nearly all[3] of their outdoor home games at Tampa Stadium and nearly all[4] of their indoor games at the Bayfront Center Arena in nearby St. Petersburg, Florida. Although San Diego played indoors until 1996, the Rowdies were the last surviving NASL franchise that played outdoor soccer on a regular basis.
NASL: 1975–1984
[edit]On June 19, 1974[5] George Strawbridge and Beau Rogers, IV purchased an expansion franchise in North American Soccer League for the sum of $25,000 and by July 24 they named Eddie Firmani their coach.[6] In October 1974, Alex Pringle becomes the first player to sign with the team. On November 21, 1974, the Tampa Bay Professional Soccer Club[7] announced that they would henceforth be known as the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Rowdies played ten seasons at Tampa Stadium and won their only Soccer Bowl championship in their 1975 inaugural season, defeating the Portland Timbers 2–0 on August 24. The Rowdies also finished as runners-up in 1978 and 1979. The team showcased international stars such as midfielder, and team captain Rodney Marsh (England), 1979 league scoring leader Óscar Fabbiani (Chile), swift and forward Steve Wegerle (South Africa), rock-solid defenseman Arsene Auguste (Haiti), 1976 NASL goal scoring champion Derek Smethurst (South Africa), who was also the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer with 57 tallies in 65 games, as well as forward Clyde Best (Bermuda). Coached along the way by Firmani, John Boyle, Gordon Jago, Al Miller, and Marsh after his retirement, their catch phrase and marketing slogan was "The Rowdies arrrre...a kick in the grass!"
While no NASL team ever captured a treble, in 1975–76 Tampa Bay came the closest by winning the three different NASL titles available at the time (Soccer Bowl '75, 1976 Indoor Title, 1976 Regular Season title) in succession within twelve months. On and off the pitch, the Rowdies would prove to be one of the league's most recognizable brands. At one three-year point in their history, the team regularly drew crowds of well over 25,000 a night. In 1979 three different matches were attended by over 40,000 people, and the following year two more surpassed the 50,000 mark. The Rowdies had long-standing rivalries with both the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and the New York Cosmos.
Following the 1981 season the Dallas Tornado merged with Tampa Bay. At the time, Dallas principals Lamar Hunt and Bill McNutt retained a minority stake in the Rowdies.[8][9] Two years later after the 1983 season, Strawbidge, Hunt and McNutt sold the team outright to local investors Stella Thayer, Bob Blanchard and Dick Corbett.[10]
Year-by-year
[edit]Year | Record | Regular season finish | Playoffs | Leading goal scorers[11] | Avg. attend. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1975 | 16–6 | 1st, Eastern Division | NASL Champions (3-0) | Derek Smethurst-18, Stewart Scullion-7 | 10,728 |
1976 | 18–6 | 1st, Eastern Division, Atlantic Conference | Atlantic Conf. Championship (1-1) | Derek Smethurst-20, Rodney Marsh-11, Stewart Scullion-10 | 16,452 |
1977 | 14–12 | 3rd, Eastern Division, Atlantic Conference | Divisional Playoffs (0-1) | Derek Smethurst-19, Rodney Marsh-8, David Robb-8 | 19,491 |
1978 | 18–12 | 1st, Eastern Division, American Conference | Runners-up (4-3) | Rodney Marsh-18, David Robb-16, Steve Wegerle-7 | 18,123 |
1979 | 19–11 | 1st, Eastern Division, American Conference | Runners-up (6-2) | Óscar Fabbiani-25, Rodney Marsh-11, Petar Baralić-9 | 27,650 |
1980 | 19–13 | 1st, Eastern Division, American Conference | American Conf. Semifinals (3-2) | Oscar Fabbiani-13, Neill Roberts-10,[12] Steve Wegerle-9 | 28,345 |
1981 | 15–17 | 4th, Southern Division | Quarterfinals (3-2) | Frank Worthington-11, Luís Fernando-9, David Moss-9 | 22,299 |
1982 | 12–20 | 3rd, Southern Division | Did not qualify | Luís Fernando-16, Tatu-7 | 22,532 |
1983 | 7–23 | 3rd, Southern Division | Did not qualify | Tatu-12, Manny Rojas-8 | 18,507 |
1984 | 9–15 | 4th, Eastern Division | Did not qualify | Roy Wegerle-9, Neill Roberts-9, Wes McLeod-7 | 10,932 |
Home attendance records
[edit]Year | Attendance[13] | Opponent |
---|---|---|
1980 | 56,389 | California |
1980 | 54,247 | New York |
1981 | 48,355 | San Diego |
1979 | 45,888 | Rochester |
1977 | 45,288 | Cosmos |
1976 | 42,611 | New York |
1978 | 41,888 | Cosmos |
1977 | 41,680 | Zenit Leningrad |
1979 | 41,102 | Ft. Lauderdale |
1979 | 40,701 | New York |
1980 | 40,368 | Ft. Lauderdale |
1982 | 40,098 | Jacksonville |
1979 | 38,766 | San Diego* |
1978 | 37,249 | Ft. Lauderdale* |
*playoff game
NASL Indoor Soccer
[edit]In the winter of 1975, the NASL ran a two-tiered, 16 team indoor tournament with four regional winners meeting in a "final-four" style championship. The Rowdies defeated the New York Cosmos 13–5 in the semi-final, before losing 8–5 to the host San Jose Earthquakes in the finals on March 16 at the Cow Palace. The Rowdies again reached the final-four in 1976, but that year were the host team. This time Tampa Bay would not be denied, as they followed up a 6–2 semi-final win over Dallas with a 6–4 finals triumph over the Rochester Lancers on March 27 in the Bayfront Center. Over the next few years, the Rowdies (and a handful of other NASL teams) played indoor friendlies and invitationals[14] as preparation for the start of the outdoor season.[15] The NASL did not sanction a full indoor season until 1979–80, when the Rowdies won the championship by defeating the Memphis Rogues 2 games to 1. The 1980–81 campaign marked the first time Tampa Bay had ever missed the playoffs, indoor or outdoor. In the 1981–82 season they lost the finals to the San Diego Sockers 2 games to 0. Once again the NASL chose not to sanction a full indoor season in 1982–83, but (in addition to a few friendlies) Tampa Bay and three other teams participated in the Grand Prix of Indoor Soccer.[16] The Rowdies finished second in the round-robin stage and subsequently went on to defeat Montreal for the championship in a double overtime thriller at the Montreal Forum; 5–4.[17] The final NASL indoor season took place in 1983–84 and the Rowdies finished last out of the seven teams. Due to scheduling issues that season, the Rowdies played five games at the Bayfront Center, eight at the State Fairgrounds' Expo Hall in Tampa, and three in the Lakeland Civic Center.[4] Tampa Bay regularly drew home crowds of over five thousand "fannies" to the Bayfront Center, despite the arena's limited seating capacity and relatively remote location.[18]
Indoor year | Record | Regular season finish | Playoffs | Leading goal scorers[11] | Avg. attend. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1975 | 3–1 | 1st, Region 3 (2–0) | Runners-up (1–1) | Doug Wark-10, Cantillo-5, Hartze-4 | 4,235 |
1976 | 5–0 | 1st, Eastern Region (2–0) | NASL Champions (2–0) | Clyde Best-11, Scullion-6, Smethurst-4, Marsh-4 | 5,458 |
1977 | 1–1 | (friendlies only) | none | Derek Smethurst-5, Marsh-4, S. Wegerle-3 [19][20] | 5,685 |
1978 | 6–2 | (friendlies only) | none | Smethurst-14, Fink-10 Marsh-9, McLeod-8[21][22] | 5,901 |
1979 | 3–2 | 2nd, Budweiser Invitational[14] (2–0) | Invitational Runners-up | Mirandinha-5, S. Wegerle-5, Marsh-4 [23][24][25][26][27] | 6,181 |
1979–80 | 8–4 | 2nd, Eastern Division | NASL Champions (5–1) | Peter Baralić-21, McLeod-13, P. Anderson-7 | 5,712 |
1980–81 | 9–9 | 2nd, Eastern Division | did not qualify | Óscar Fabbiani-31, S. Wegerle-25, McLeod-21 | 5,175 |
1981–82 | 11–7 | 2nd, Cent. Division, American Conf. | Runners-up (4–4) | Tatu-21, Zequinha-19, McLeod-15, Pesa-15 | 5,372 |
1983[28] | 10–2 | 2nd, in Grand Prix preliminaries (4–2) | Grand Prix Champions (2–0) | Hugo Pérez-12, Tatu-12, Karpun-11, McLeod-8[29] | 4,771 |
1983–84 | 9–23 | 7th | did not qualify | Tatu-49, Peter Roe-22, Van der Beck-18 | 2,334 |
Indoor home attendance records
[edit]Year | Attendance[13] | Opponent |
---|---|---|
1978 | 6,410 | Washington[30] |
1978 | 6,410 | Minnesota |
1978 | 6,399 | Dallas |
1978 | 6,384 | Tulsa |
1977 | 6,354 | Zenit Leningrad |
1979 | 6,342 | Fort Lauderdale |
1979 | 6,338 | Tulsa |
1982 | 6,325 | San Diego* |
1980 | 6,243 | Fort Lauderdale |
1980 | 6,200 | New England |
1980 | 6,145 | Detroit |
1980 | 6,141 | Atlanta* |
1979 | 6,040 | Dynamo Moscow |
1979 | 6,002 | Houston |
*playoff game
Players, coaches, and honors – NASL era
[edit]Honors
[edit]NASL championships (1)
NASL Indoor championships (3) Regular Season Premiership (1) Division titles (6)
Conference Titles (3) Regional Titles (2) League scoring champion
League goal scoring champion
Indoor Grand Prix Assists Leader
Finals MVP
Regionals MVP
Coach of the Year
Rookie of the Year
North American Player of the Year FIFA World Cup players
|
NASL All-time Leaders
All-Star first team selections
All-Star second team selections
All-Star honorable mentions
Indoor All-Stars[15]
U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame members
Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame members
Indoor Soccer Hall of Fame members
Other National Halls of Fame
|
Head coaches
[edit]Coach | Tenure | League | Cup^ | Indoor | Indoor Cup^ | Totals* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
1977–1984 | 41–15 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 51–17 |
![]() |
1977 | 0–1 | – | – | – | 0–1 |
![]() |
1977 | 7–8 | 0–1 | – | – | 7–9 |
![]() |
1978–1982 | 81–56 | 17–9 | 28–20 | 11–5 | 137–90 |
![]() |
1982 | 0–1 | – | – | – | 0–1 |
![]() |
1982–1983 | 9–30 | 0–0 | 4–2 | 2–0 | 15–32 |
![]() |
1983–1984 | 9–15 | – | 9–23 | – | 18–38 |
*Excludes friendlies. ^Cup includes playoff games and mini-games.[41][42]
Team captains
[edit]Captain | Outdoor seasons | Indoor seasons |
---|---|---|
![]() |
1975 | 1975 |
![]() |
- | 1976 |
![]() |
1976, 1978, 1979 | 1978, 1979 |
![]() |
1976 | - |
![]() |
- | 1977 |
![]() |
1977 | - |
![]() |
1978, 1981 | 1979–80, 1980–81 |
![]() |
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 | 1981–82, 1983–84 |
![]() |
- | *1983 |
*due to Connell injury
Most appearances in club history
[edit]*Excludes friendlies and indoor matches. ^Includes playoff games.[41][42]
Player | Total Apps* | League | Cup^ | Tenure | Leagues |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
277 | 252 | 25 | 1975, 1977–1984 | NASL |
![]() |
211 | 188 | 23 | 1977–1984 | NASL |
![]() |
210 | 188 | 22 | 1977–1981, 1984, 1988–1990 | NASL, ASL, APSL |
![]() |
190 | 171 | 19 | 1978–1982, 1984, 1989–1993 | NASL, ASL, APSL |
![]() |
165 | 147 | 18 | 1977–1982, 1988–1991 | NASL, ASL, APSL |
![]() |
134 | 125 | 9 | 1980–1984 | NASL |
![]() |
128 | 111 | 17 | 1979–1982 | NASL |
![]() |
110 | 94 | 16 | 1976–1979 | NASL |
![]() |
100 | 90 | 10 | 1988–1993 | ASL, APSL |
![]() |
94 | 84 | 10 | 1979–1981, 1983 | NASL |
Retired numbers
[edit]In a ceremony held before the final home game of the 1989 regular season, Steve Wegerle became the first Tampa Bay Rowdies player to have his number retired by the team.[43] That night he assisted on all three Rowdies' goals in a 3–0 victory over arch-rival Fort Lauderdale.[44] He went on to appear in several home matches during the 1990 season as well.[45]
While Mike Connell's and Perry Van der Beck's numbers have since been retired by the current franchise, Wegerle's #7 continues to be reissued each season.[46]
No. | Player | Position | Nation | Tenure | Date Retired | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | Mike Connell | Defender | ![]() |
1975–1984 | August 10, 2013 | [47] |
7 | Steve Wegerle [note 1] | Forward | ![]() |
1977–1981, 1984, 1988–1990 | July 22, 1989 | [48] |
12 | Perry Van der Beck | Midfielder | ![]() |
1978–82, 1984, 1991–93 | October 1, 2010 | [46][49] |
- Notes
- ^ Number reissued by the current Rowdies franchise, which did not acknowledge the retirement.
Club culture
[edit]As part of a name-the-team contest, on November 21, 1974, the franchise announced that the name Tampa Bay Rowdies had been selected. Out of nearly 12,500 entries it was Clearwater attorney, Bill Wilhelm's suggestion that won. That suggestion earned Wilhelm a vacation to Acapulco for his efforts, along with a lifetime pass to all home games.[7][50] The Rowdies' fans were known as "Fannies". Advertisements for the club declared that "Soccer is a kick in the grass" and encouraged their supporters to "Get up, get out, and get Rowdy!" and to "make a fanny of yourself!". The calls were answered by fans who threw confetti, drank beer, chanted during games, and generally "let the guys know we're behind them."[51] One memorable fan named Bob Rogers won a "Rowdiest Fan" contest by donning a giant soccer head and throwing himself into the Tampa Stadium goal. The club gave "Soccer Head" complimentary tickets to future games so that he could continue his antics for the crowd, even bringing him along when the Rowdies played in Soccer Bowl '79.[52]
While anyone who supported the club could call themselves a Fanny, members of the official Rowdies Fan Club particularly claimed the moniker as their own. The fan club held regular meetings and social events and published a newsletter.[51]
The "Wowdies" were the Rowdies' cheerleaders. The team also had a pep band known as the "Loudies" that sat in the south endzone and attended local pep rallies.[53][54]
Post-NASL: 1985–1993
[edit]The NASL folded in 1984, but the Rowdies continued to play for several more years. Tampa Stadium continued to be used as their home ground for outdoor games except during the 1991 and 1992 seasons in the APSL. Those two years were spent at the USF Soccer Stadium,[3][55] before returning to Tampa Stadium in 1993 for the team's final season in existence.
Independent: 1985–1987
[edit]With Rodney Marsh staying on as coach (through 1987), the Rowdies operated as an independent team for two years before joining the American Indoor Soccer Association for one season (1986–87). Cornelia Corbett, Dick Corbett's wife and a businesswoman in her own right, became sole owner of the team in 1986. As a footnote, in 2011 the University of South Florida opened the new Corbett Soccer Stadium for their NCAA Division I men's and women's teams, after the Corbetts had made a $1.5 million donation to the project.[56] The stadium features several display cases that highlight the history of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Since 2005, the USF Bulls and the crosstown rival University of Tampa Spartans men's squads have competed annually for the preseason Rowdies Cup, which celebrates the city's rich soccer history. To date the NCAA Division II Spartans have only captured the trophy once, back in 2012.[57]
1985 Outdoor
[edit]As an independent club, the Rowdies played only one match in 1985. It was against the U.S. Men's team on the Fourth of July in front of 30,038 fans.
1986 Outdoor
[edit]In the summer of 1986 the Rowdies staged a four-game series at Tampa Stadium called the Coca-Cola Classic International Soccer Series, which culminated with a Fourth of July match, and also included a post-game fireworks display and laser light show. Since Tampa Bay had only a handful of players under contract at the time, their roster was composed mostly of guest players from Queens Park Rangers F.C.[58][59] The only NASL-era Rowdies on this roster were Roy Wegerle, Steve Wegerle, Dave Power, and the head coach, Rodney Marsh. Four former Rowdies played in the final game of this series for the opposing NASL All-Stars. These included Mike Connell, Winston DuBose, Wes McLeod and Tatu.[60]
They also played a pair of friendlies against the newly established Orlando Lions on February 22 and July 2 at Lake Brantley High School, using their regular players. Tampa Bay won the matches by scores of 1–0 and 2–1(SO) respectively.[61][62]
1987 Outdoor
[edit]In 1987 Tampa Bay played twice against the Orlando Lions, on May 16 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, and then again on May 23 at Pepin-Rood Stadium. The Rowdies lost the first encounter, 2–0, with the teams tying, 2–2, in the return leg.[63][64]
1985–87 Outdoor results
[edit]Date | Opponent | Venue | Result | Attendance | Goal Scorers | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
July 4, 1985 | USMNT | Tampa Stadium | 1–2 | 30,038 | Hoddle | [65] |
February 22, 1986 | @Orlando Lions | Lake Brantley High School | 0–1 | 4,200 | G. Wegerle | [66] |
June 7, 1986 | Glentoran F.C. ![]() |
Tampa Stadium | 1–0 | 6,900 | Chivers | [67] |
June 14, 1986 | Dundee F.C. ![]() |
Tampa Stadium | 2–1(SO, 4–3) | 2,787 | R Wegerle | [68][69] |
June 21, 1986 | Canada U-20 ![]() |
Tampa Stadium | 0–1 | 4,010 | [70] | |
July 2, 1986 | @Orlando Lions | Lake Brantley High School | 1–2(SO, 2–3) | White | [71] | |
July 4, 1986 | NASL All-Stars | Tampa Stadium | 3–4(SO, 5–6) | 29,755 | R Wegerle, James, Loram | [72] |
May 16, 1987 | @Orlando Lions | Florida Citrus Bowl | 2–0 | 2,060 | [63] | |
May 23, 1987 | Orlando Lions | Pepin-Rood Stadium | 2–2 | Marsh, Astigarraga | [64][73] |
AISA: 1986–1987
[edit]The Rowdies played one season of indoor soccer in the American Indoor Soccer Association, once again using the Bayfront Center as their home. After a strong start they finished third in their division and eventually lost in the first round of the playoffs. Steve Wegerle was selected as a starter in the AISA All-Star game and scored the game's first goal. Arnie Mausser, Rubén Astigarraga, and Glenn Ervine also made the Southern Division team. Ervine added a goal in the fourth quarter. Tim Walters was a late All-Star addition, because Astigarraga was unable play in the match.[74][75]
Year-by-year
[edit]Year | League | Games | Won | Lost | GF | GA | Regular Season | Playoffs | Attendance (21 games) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1986–87 | AISA[76] | 42 | 21 | 21 | 170 | 172 | 3rd, Southern | Quarterfinals | 43,015 (avg. 2,048) |
1986–1987 roster
[edit]
|
|
ASL/APSL: 1988–1993
[edit]In the summer of 1988, the Rowdies joined the third incarnation of the American Soccer League. They would stay in this league and its successor (the APSL) until the team folded after the 1993 season. During this six year stretch they achieved moderate success, winning one division title and making the playoffs four times. In 1992 they finished as runners-up to Colorado in the regular season, in the Professional Cup final, and in the APSL final as well.[81]
Year-by-year
[edit]Year | League | Won | Lost | Points | Regular Season | Playoffs | U.S. Open Cup |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | ASL | 10 | 10 | 30 | 3rd, Southern | did not qualify | did not enter |
1989 | ASL | 12 | 8 | 35 | 1st, Southern | Semifinals | did not enter |
1990 | APSL | 10 | 10 | 29 | 2nd, ASL South | ASL Semifinals | did not enter |
1991 | APSL | 8 | 13 | 69 | 3rd, American | did not qualify | did not enter |
1992 | APSL | 10 | 6 | 87 | 2nd | Runners-up | did not enter |
1993 | APSL | 12 | 12 | 118 | 3rd | Semifinals | did not enter |
Players, coaches, and honors – post-NASL era
[edit]Honors – post-NASL
[edit]
Championships
Division titles Leading Scorer
Top Goalkeeper
Assists Leader
Coach of the Year
FIFA World Cup players
|
First Team All Star
Second Team All Star
Honorable Mention
AISA All-Star Game selections
U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame members
Other National Halls of Fame
|
Coaches – post-NASL
[edit]Rodney Marsh: 1984–1987
Wim Suurbier: 1986–87
Ken Fogarty: 1989–1992
Steve Wegerle: 1991–1992
Ricky Hill: 1992
Ken Fogarty: 1993
Team captains – post-NASL
[edit]Dave Power: 1986–1989
Derek Backman: 1990
David Byrne: 1991
Ricky Hill: 1992
Terry Rowe: 1993
Legacy
[edit]Tampa Bay Mutiny: 1996–2001
[edit]Due in large part to the Rowdies' historical success on and off the pitch, in 1994 MLS selected the Tampa Bay Mutiny as one of its original ten teams. The Mutiny won the first ever Supporters' Shield and qualified for the playoffs in four of their six seasons. Several former Rowdies, including Perry Van der Beck, Farrukh Quraishi, Roy Wegerle and Steve Trittschuh among others, were involved with the Mutiny as players, coaches, or front office staff. They also played for three seasons on the Rowdies' home pitch, Tampa Stadium. While the Mutiny have no connection to either Rowdies franchise, the team often paid tribute to the former Rowdies by wearing jerseys of their colors, and even wearing the logo of both the Tampa Bay Mutiny and Rowdies on the same shirt.[86]
MLS initially operated the team with the hope of selling to a private local owner.[87] That became difficult after Malcolm Glazer bought the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League in 1995 and demanded that the community build a new stadium. Raymond James Stadium was completed in 1998 and Tampa Stadium was demolished soon thereafter, forcing the Mutiny to move to the new facility.
The Bucs' lease agreement in their new home allowed them to keep most non-ticket revenues from all events at the facility, including Mutiny matches, severely damaging the financial viability of the soccer club.[88][89] As financial losses mounted (up to $2 million a year), MLS desperately courted Glazer to buy the Mutiny. Glazer declined, so the league opted to fold the Mutiny, along with other Florida-based MLS team of that era, the Miami Fusion, in early 2002.[90][91]
New Rowdies: 2010–present
[edit]In 2008, it was announced that a new incarnation of the Tampa Bay Rowdies would play in a new second division NASL. They wore striped green and gold kits similar to the old Rowdies, and a star reflecting the 1975 championship. After several changes to the league, Tampa Bay finally kicked off in the summer of 2010, but they took the pitch as "FC Tampa Bay" due to a licensing dispute over the Rowdies name and trademarks.[92][93] Beginning in 2012, the team reached an agreement to officially use the Rowdies name along with logos and other intellectual property of the original team, and won Soccer Bowl 2012.
To date, the new Rowdies have honored both Mike Connell's and Perry Van der Beck's significant contribution to soccer, both on and off the field in the community at large, by retiring their jerseys. The Rowdies won the 2012 NASL Championship. As of 2017 they are currently members of the second division, United Soccer League, and have announced their intention to gain entry into MLS's next wave of expansion.
Rowdies Cup
[edit]The South Florida Bulls annually face their crosstown rivals, the Tampa Spartans, in an NCAA men's preseason soccer match which celebrates the Tampa Bay Area's rich soccer history. In addition to holding the Rowdies Cup trophy for the next 12 months, the winning side also get to hoist the actual Soccer Bowl trophy that was won originally by the Rowdies in 1975. The trophy is currently housed at Corbett Soccer Stadium on the USF campus. Formerly called the Mayor's Cup from 1979 until 2005, as of the 2019 edition, USF holds a 24–10–3 edge in the all-time series, which dates back to 1972.[94][95][96][97]
Tampa Bay Terror & Florida Tropics SC
[edit]Indoor soccer by the Rowdies had officially ended when the team played in the American Indoor Soccer Association for one season (1986–87). For two seasons, another Tampa Bay area team played in the same league, from 1995 to 1997, called the Tampa Bay Terror; however, the team did not last more than two seasons, despite having some members of the Rowdies on the roster. It was not until 2016 that a stable indoor soccer team played in the region. Another unrelated indoor soccer team called the Florida Tropics SC have played in the Major Arena Soccer League since 2016. The team eventually began outdoor competition, also competing in the developmental United Premier Soccer League. Despite being unrelated to the Rowdies, these two teams succeed the Tampa Bay region in indoor soccer since the original Rowdies had folded.
References
[edit]- ^ Bunch, Ken (November 8, 1983). "Arena possible site for Rowdies". Milwaukee Sentinel. pp. 1–2. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ^ "Rowdies decide to fold sales falls through". St. Petersburg Times. February 1, 1994. p. 1C. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ a b "Strikers Look Bad, But Still Sneak By Rowdies 1-0". Archived from the original on February 23, 2014.
- ^ a b "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Lakeland Ledger - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ a b Chick, Bob (November 22, 1974). "Airborne: Coach High On Talent For Tampa Bay Rowdies". Evening Independent. p. 1-C. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
- ^ MacCambridge, Michael (October 2, 2012). Lamar Hunt: A Life in Sports. Andrews McMeel Publishing. ISBN 9781449423391. Archived from the original on May 14, 2018 – via Google Books.
- ^ Beard, Randy (September 17, 1981). "Rowdies Take On A Western Flavor". Evening Independent. p. 4-C. Retrieved May 5, 2017 – via Google News Archive search.
- ^ "Lakeland Ledger - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ a b "NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies Rosters". Archived from the original on August 15, 2010.
- ^ "NASL-Neill Roberts". Archived from the original on May 6, 2014.
- ^ a b "TAMPA BAY ROWDIES APPRECIATION BLOG". Archived from the original on October 24, 2013.
- ^ a b Beard, Randy (January 29, 1979). "Rowdies Had To Do More". The Evening Independent. p. 1-C. Retrieved December 6, 2020 – via Google News Archive Search.
- ^ a b "History of Indoor Soccer in the USA". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
- ^ "Lakeland Ledger - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Lakeland Ledger - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "TAMPA BAY ROWDIES APPRECIATION BLOG". Archived from the original on May 17, 2013.
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search". Archived from the original on May 12, 2016.
- ^ "NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies Rosters". Archived from the original on August 15, 2010.
- ^ "Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Lakeland Ledger - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ a b "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies Rosters". Archived from the original on August 15, 2010.
- ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=af4sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qswFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4321,2439347&dq=mausser+player+of+year&hl=en [dead link]
- ^ "The Montreal Gazette - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ Henderson, Jim (April 21, 1981). "For Keith Bailey, The Long Wait Is Finally Over". The Tampa Tribune. p. 5-C. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
- ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fYBXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tjsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6819,8303699&dq=rowdies+indoor+all+star&hl=en [dead link]
- ^ Mudry, Richard (April 1, 1982). "Rowdies an unfamiliar bunch to fans". The Tampa Times. p. 5C. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Kasey Keller, Sigi Schmid and Glenn "Mooch" Myernick Elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on July 11, 2015.
- ^ a b Jose, Colin (2003). North American Soccer League Encyclopedia. Haworth, New Jersey: St. Johann Press.
- ^ a b http://www.nasljerseys.com Archived May 25, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Landman, Brian (July 22, 1989). "Great playmaker bows out tonight". St. Petersburg Times. p. 4T. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ Landman, Brian (July 23, 1989). "Rowdies win 3-0, vault atop division". St. Petersburg Times. p. 11C. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ Waldman, Cary (March 21, 1990). "Rowdies sign Wegerle to home-only deal". Tampa Tribune. p. 3-C. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ a b Perry Van Der Beck Has His #12 Jersey Retired
- ^ Tampa Bay Rowdies Legend Mike Connell to be Honored with Jersey Retirement by Kartik Krishnaiyer, July 19, 2013
- ^ Landman, Brian (July 22, 1989). "Great playmaker bows out tonight". St. Petersburg Times. p. 4T. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ Perry Van Der Beck’s number to be retired by FC Tampa Bay Rowdies
- ^ Martz, Ron (November 22, 1974). "Rowdies ...Tampa soccer team named". St. Petersburg Times. p. 1-C. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
- ^ a b Barbosa, Susan (June 29, 1986). "Rowdies fans are loyal all the way". Lakeland Ledger. p. 1C. Retrieved December 6, 2020 – via Google News Archive search.
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "St. Petersburg Times - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "The Evening Independent - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "APSL 1992 Season". Archived from the original on July 23, 2011.
- ^ "New soccer stadium named". Archived from the original on November 1, 2013.
- ^ chuckycrater (August 20, 2012). "USF Soccer Recap: Women Split At Home, Men Lose Rowdies Cup For First Time". Archived from the original on January 5, 2017.
- ^ "The Tampa Bay Rowdies needed a nine-round shootout Saturday..." upi.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017.
- ^ "Canada defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 Saturday, the..." upi.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017.
- ^ Johnson, Mark (July 5, 1986). "All-Stars provide fireworks in 4-3 win". St. Petersburg Times. p. 3C. Retrieved December 6, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Perkins, Tom (February 23, 1986). "Newly formed Orlando Lions lose to Rowdies, 1–0, before 4,200". Orlando Sentinel. p. C-6. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
- ^ Babineau, Jeff (July 3, 1986). "Rowdies roar past Lions in shootout". Orlando Sentinel. p. C-7. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
- ^ a b Ryan, Dan (May 17, 1987). "Orlando Lions open second season successfully, beat Rowdies, 2–0". Orlando Sentinel. p. C-12. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
- ^ a b "Miscellaneous". Orlando Sentinel. May 24, 1987. p. C-2. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
- ^ Mudry, Richard (July 5, 1985). "Sharp helps U.S. Team down Rowdies". Tampa Tribune. p. 1-C. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ Perkins, Tom (February 23, 1986). "Orlando Lions lose to Rowdies, 1-0, before 4,200". Orlando Sentinel. p. C-6. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ Kaufman, Michelle (June 8, 1986). "Q.P. 'Rowdies' score a trick win". St. Petersburg Times. p. 8C. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ Kaufman, Michelle (June 15, 1986). "QP 'Rowdies' down Dundee in OT shootout". St. Petersburg Times. p. 6-C. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ Gordon, Bill (June 15, 1986). "Queens Park Rangers win in shootout". Tampa Tribune. p. 19D. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ Buckley, Steve (June 22, 1986). "Canada gives QP 'Rowdies' their first loss 1-0". St. Petersburg Times. p. 3C. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
- ^ Babineau, Jeff (July 3, 1986). "Rowdies roar past Lions in shootout". Orlando Sentinel. p. C-7. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ Henry, Jim (July 5, 1986). "NASL All-Stars top Rangers in a shootout". The Tampa Tribune. p. 6-C. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
- ^ "Soccer". Orlando Sentinel. May 24, 1987. p. C-14. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
- ^ Younkin, Lou (February 20, 1987). "Smaller arena may enliven All-Star Game action". The Courier Journal. p. D6. Retrieved June 14, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Younkin, Lou (February 22, 1987). "North team, Louisville Gardens are AISA all-star game winners". The Courier Journal. p. C1. Retrieved June 14, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "All-Time NPSL Standings - Stuff In My Head". Archived from the original on October 24, 2013.
- ^ CantonInvaders (January 5, 2012). "Canton Invaders vs Tampa Bay Rowdies 12.12.1986". Archived from the original on March 10, 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ CantonInvaders (January 5, 2012). "Canton Invaders vs Tampa Bay Rowdies 3.15.1987". Archived from the original on March 14, 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ CantonInvaders (December 31, 2011). "Canton Invaders vs Tampa Bay Rowdies 11.14.1986". Archived from the original on October 18, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Rowdie, Tb (September 20, 2008). "TAMPA BAY ROWDIES APPRECIATION BLOG: 1986/87 Rowdies Teamphoto". Archived from the original on March 5, 2016.
- ^ Pearce, Alan (September 27, 1992). "Colorado blanks Rowdies for league championship". St. Petersburg Times. p. 3C. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
- ^ "The Year in American Soccer - 1988". Archived from the original on July 13, 2013.
- ^ Lazzarino, Chris (June 16, 1988). "The Times Of Best Former Striker Known For Kicks As Well As Soccer". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 14, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
- ^ "The Year in American Soccer - 1989". Archived from the original on February 9, 2012.
- ^ "NPSL Post-Season Awards". October 11, 1999. Archived from the original on October 11, 1999.
- ^ "Carlos Valderrama, Tampa Bay Mutiny, 2000". Pintrest. 2000. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
- ^ Dure, Beau (2010). Long-Range Goals: The Success Story of Major League Soccer. Potomac Books. pp. 16, 130. ISBN 978-1597975094. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
- ^ Dure, Beau (2010). Long-Range Goals: The Success Story of Major League Soccer. Potomac Books. pp. 129–130. ISBN 978-1597975094. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
- ^ "Sports: Mutiny renews lease at RJS". Archived from the original on September 17, 2011.
- ^ "Sports: MLS folds Mutiny". Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
- ^ Dure, Beau (2010). Long-Range Goals: The Success Story of Major League Soccer. Potomac Books. p. 130. ISBN 978-1597975094. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
- ^ "Tampa To Get New Pro Soccer Team, Stadium". tbo.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008.
- ^ Encina, Eduardo A. (June 19, 2008). "Tampa Bay Rowdies to get new life in USL". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on June 28, 2008. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
- ^ "Bulls Looking to Bring Rowdies Cup Back to USF". August 23, 2013. Archived from the original on October 27, 2013.
- ^ "Bulls Down Spartans to Claim Rowdies Cup". gousfbulls.com. August 23, 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ "Bulls Retain Rowdies Cup". gousfbulls.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2017. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
- ^ "Rudderham Scores Hat Trick, Bulls Retain Rowdies Cup". gousfbulls.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Tribute website
- Rowdies history Archived January 31, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- "superfan" Ian Morris' site
- National Professional Soccer League (1984–2001)
- Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Defunct indoor soccer clubs in the United States
- Soccer clubs in Tampa, Florida
- Soccer clubs in Florida
- Defunct soccer clubs in Florida
- Association football clubs established in 1974
- Association football clubs disestablished in 1993
- American Soccer League (1988–89) teams
- National Professional Soccer League (1984–2001) teams
- North American Soccer League (1968–1984) teams
- American Professional Soccer League teams
- Sports in St. Petersburg, Florida
- 1974 establishments in Florida
- 1993 disestablishments in Florida