Por (TampaSoccerFan) on February 06, 2010 (Suggest removal)

So far, so great on the signings. I heard one podcast from the website SetPieceAnalysts.com and they were saying that the Rowdies roster right now looks like it could rival some MLS teams.

As for the goalkeepers, I think Ryan Thompson (University of Tampa) and Louis Crayton (DC United) are the way to go. That way we have a veteran keeper with a rookie to develop as well.

Por (roncollins) on February 07, 2010 (Suggest removal)

We’re looking forward to seeing the schedule, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.  Does anyone know if we get to play Miami, or not due to the fact that we’re in the USL division and not the NASL?

Ron Collins
Clearwater, FL

Por (brandonsoccerfan) on February 07, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Louis Crayton would be a great signing. I think the team is probably waiting to see how his trial goes in Kansas City before signing anyone. FC Dallas keeper Josh Lambo was on the combine list in Liverpool, which was a surprise to me. He played in a preseason game yesterday for the MLS team and gave up a goal against the University of Memphis. I’m not sure how we’d get him here, maybe on loan. Also, in response to Ron, we’ll get to play Miami since the two division will play each other. It’ll probably be like an AFC/NFC setup, no real separation and since there are so many games, we should be able to play everyone at least twice.

Por (rowdiedad) on February 07, 2010 (Suggest removal)

i would not be surprised to see them playing Miami on July 4th.so far the signings have been great and i really like the Academy idea. Nick your work has been a joy to read thanks.

rowdiedad
tampa

Por (RowdieRalphie) on February 08, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Nick, whats the chances that the Rowdies sign a big name player, for marketing/skill stand point?

Even a player like Steve Ralston would be cool.

Por (Nick Murray) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Ralph,

The impression I get is that the club wants to get players who are going to fit well together, rather than making any big splash like St. Louis made with the signing of Ralston.

The one thing that always puts backsides in seats is winning, and while they’d like to have players with local ties if they could, I think they’re more concerned with putting together a team that can make the playoffs than anything else.

Por (brandonsoccerfan) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)

I’m really excited for the US Open Cup and think that the squad they’ve assembled will allow them to make a good run. A lot of people probably don’t realize that winning the US Open Cup equals a CONCACAF Champions League birth and winning that competition means an entry to the FIFA Club World Cup. It’s a long shot, but it would be a much bigger deal than winning the league. I think they need a least one more good striker. Maybe Liverpool can loan us someone from their academy!

Por (RowdieRalphie) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Well I didn’t mean like get someone like Beckham (break the bank) or someone like Denilson who was basically on vacation.

I like the team that the Rowdies are putting together but it would be nice if at least on of the players was known to local fans who aren’t already avid soccer fans. Maybe that player doesn’t exist. Did ppl in the area know who Rodney Marsh was?

Por (brandonsoccerfan) on February 09, 2010 (Suggest removal)

Maybe forward Zak Boggs? The USF grad was just drafted by New England, but with the limited space on MLS rosters, he might not make the cut. Jordan Seabrook is another USF alum and was at the combines. Of course Jeff Cunningham or Bobby Boswell would bigger signings with area ties. Cunningham is 33 so it may be a possibility in the coming years.