There might have been no better example of the highs and lows of a postseason than the Tampa Bay Rowdies last fall, with their comeback victory against Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Final one of the greatest games in league history, and the defeat to Orange County SC after an early penalty kick by Sebastian Guenzatti was denied before a packed house at Al Lang Stadium leaving the hosts without the title they coveted.

After setting club records for victories and points to earn the best record in the USL Championship last campaign, though, the Rowdies will be back to defend their Eastern Conference crown with almost all their key players back. The two significant departures are that of 2021 Championship Goalkeeper of the Year Evan Louro and Defender of the Year Forrest Lasso, but much of the squad that played a key role in the club’s success return. Leading the way is Guenzatti, whose 22 goals across the regular season and playoffs set a career high. He’s joined by three other forwards who have also recorded 50 goals in the Championship in returning forwards Steevan Dos Santos and Lucky Mkosana and newcomer Kyle Greig.

Elsewhere, returning goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena and veteran CJ Cochran will battle for the starting position in net, while new arrival Timmy Mehl could slot in centrally alongside the returning center back duo of Aaron Guillen and Jordan Scarlett. In midfield, the duo of Lewis Hilton and Laurence Wyke are both back while Leo Fernandes will likely add to his legacy as one of the Rowdies’ top modern-era players either at wingback or an attacking midfield role with Conner Antley, Dayonn Harris and Sebastian Dalgaard also likely to feature regularly. After back-to-back Eastern Conference titles, the Rowdies should certainly be among the top contenders for the title again this year.

C.J. Cochran – Veteran goalkeeper joins on season-long loan from OKC Energy FC

Jake Areman – Wide midfielder should be good fit for Rowdies system after success in Charlotte

Jake LaCava – Young forward joins on season-long loan after signing with New York Red Bulls

Kyle Greig – Veteran striker adds to experienced group in Rowdies’ forward line

Forrest Lasso – Three-time Championship Defender of the Year headed to Europe as free agent

Evan Louro – 2021 Championship Goalkeeper of the Year departed after standout two seasons

Jordan Doherty – Young Irish midfielder returned to home country to sign with Bohemians

Zach Steinberger – Experienced midfielder called time on career with retirement