Many thanks to Kenn Tomasch.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Rowdies Press Photos - Doug Wark
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Doug Wark shoots during the 1980 indoor season.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Rowdies Memorabilia - Kevin Keelan 1977-78 FKS Publishers Card
Kevin Keelan's 1977-78 FKS Publishers card, whilst he was at Norwich City.
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Alex Pringle 1975 - 1977; 1975 (id) - 1977 (id)
Alex Pringle was born November 8th, 1948 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Started his career with Glasgow United, before signing for Hibernian F.C. in 1968, where he would make 8 appearances, before moving to Dundee F.C. in 1972. During a two year spell, Alex would play 23 times.Was signed by the Rowdies in the winter of 1974-75, was the first player to be purchased by the new Rowdies franchise. "It was a Wednesday night and the Scottish League games were played in the winter," said Alex. "It was cold and rainy. After the game, Eddie Firmani showed me a brochure of Tampa Bay. There were palm trees, Clearwater Beach.
"I signed right away."
Alex made his Rowdies debut during the 1975 indoor Championships, but made his outdoor debut in the inaugural game against the Rochester Lancers at Tampa Stadium on April 26th, scoring the winning goal in overtime (his only ever outdoor goal for the Rowdies). Logged 1338:22 minutes, despite injuries. Would appear in 17 games, including Soccer Bowl '75. Was named the Exchange Bank's Player of the Week during '75.
Started the 1976 season, winning the indoor Championships, scoring one goal against the Washington Diplomats in a regional game. Went onto play 24 games during the outdoor season. His proudest moment came on June 6th, in a nationally televised game against the New York Cosmos, he was awarded Pele's jersey as a tribute to Alex's super game in marking the "black pearl".
Alex, was purchased by the Diplomats on April 9th, 1977. He played 77 minutes for the Diplomats, in the April 10th game against the Toronto Metros-Croatia, after playing the whole game for the Rowdies the night before in Dallas. Appeared in 17 games that year for the Dips.
In 1978, what was to be his last year in the NASL, he only appeared in 11 games for Washington.
After this I cannot find anyother information.
In the 1980's Alex helped form the Black Watch Soccer Club, in Tampa, Florida. A club that is still going strong today.
Was an owner of a cafe/bar, and a breeder of horses.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Rowdies Press Photos - Steve Wegerle and Peter Anderson
Steve Wegerle congratulates goalscorer Peter Anderson during the 1980 indoor season.
Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photo - Petar Baralic
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Petar Baralic and Ft. Lauderdale Strikers' Steve Ralbovsky battle for the ball, as it
bounces off the wall, during the 1979-80 indoor season.
Rowdies Snap Shots - Pedro DeBrito
Pedro DeBrito pictured with his friend Domingos Carlos at a party on December 19th.Many thanks to Ingrid Carlos.
Rowdies Press Photos - Wes McLeod
Wes McLeod celebrates scoring in front of the Rowdies' fans in 1982.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - Perry Van Der Beck
Perry Van Der Beck takes on Atlanta Chiefs' Louie Nanchoff in 1980.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh
Rodney Marsh in action at Spartan Stadium in 1977 against the San Jose Earthquakes.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - Winston DuBose
Winston DuBose bends over backwards to make a save in 1978 at Tampa Stadium.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Rowdies Snap Shots - Duncan MacEwan
Duncan MacEwan pictured with his parents, Duncan played with the Rowdies from 1986 to 1989.Many thanks to Duncan for this photo.
Rowdies Press Photos - Wes McLeod
Wes McLeod shields the ball from Toronto Blizzard's Peter Roe at Tampa Stadium in 1980.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Memorabilia - John Sissons 1968-69 FKS Publishers Card
John Sissons' 1968-69 FKS Publishers card, whilst he was at West Ham United.
Rowdies Snap Shots - Chris Charles
Chris Charles, who played for the Rowdies in 1992, pictured earlier this year on his wedding day August 19th with his bride Jessica.Many thanks to Chris and Jessica Charles.
Rowdies Press Photos - Soccer Bowl '78
Cosmos' Franz Beckenbauer attacks the Rowdies' defence, with Peter Anderson, Mick McGuire, Wes McLeod and Mike Connell, during Soccer Bowl '78 at Giants Stadium.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Marcelo Carrera 1991
Marcelo Carrera was born 1st October, 1962 in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Marcelo went to the US with his family at the age of ten months, and although he moved back to Argentina when he was six, he would return to Pittsburgh with his father ever year. His first taste of organized soccer came in Agentina, upon his return at age six, and blossomed when the left-footed midfielder earned a spot on Independiente's First Division side. He was a member of the Independiente team that defeated Liverpool 1-0, in the 1984 World Club Championship.In 1986, he moved to the US, and signed with the New York Express, an expansion team in Major Indoor Soccer League. The Express withdrew from the league after 26 games and folded during the season. He then moved to the Canton Invaders in the American Indoor Soccer Association. There he played two seasons with the Invaders.
In 1988 played the summer outdoor season with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the American Soccer League. He played three seasons with the Strikers; the 1990 season in the American Professional Soccer League. He helped them to the National Championship.
He signed with the Dallas Sidekicks of the MISL, in the fall of 1990. Marcelo played only one season with the Sidekicks, appearing in 43 games and scoring 12 goals.
In 1991, he moved to the Rowdies in the APSL. He appeared in 14 games and scored 3 goals with 1 assist, earning him 7 points.
In 1992, he signed with the Chicago Power in the National Professional Soccer League, where he appeared in 37 games and scoring 20 goals.
He moved to the Canton Invaders in 1993 and remained with the team until traded to the Buffalo Blizzard at the end of the 1995-1996 season, he had played a total of 109 games and scored 120 goals for the Invaders. He would appear in 7 games for the Blizzard and scored 3 goals.
In addition to playing the indoor winter seasons in the NPSL, Marcelo returned to outdoor soccer with the New York Centaurs in the A-League in 1995, playing in 17 games and scoring 3 goals.
In February 1996, the Columbus Crew selected him in the 10th round (91st overall) in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft. On November 12th, 1997, he signed on loan with the Cleveland Crunch, playing 19 games, and scored 18 goals. He eventually returned to the Crew, he would finish his stint with Columbus with totals of 70 appearances and 8 goals.
He also played the 1999-2000 indoor season with the St. Louis Ambush, playing in 35 games and scored 22 goals. In 1999, he became an assistant coach with Boban High School in Akron, Ohio. He held that position until 2000. In 2000, he returned to the Crew as an assistant coach for one season. From 2000 to 2008, he was a staff coach with Boca United S.C. in Canton, Ohio. In 2006, he was named as a coach of the Canton Crusaders of the American Indoor Soccer League. However, the Crusaders never played a game. Today, he is coaching at IMG Academies, more info can be found at : http://www.imgacademies.com/soccer-academy/
Rowdies Press Photos - Mike Connell
Mike Connell against the Strikers' David Irving in 1979.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - Steve Wegerle
Steve Wegerle makes one of his runs at the Cosmos' defence in 1979.Many thanks to Jan Reinertsen.
Rowdies Press Photos - Derek Smethurst
Derek Smethurst vs Cosmos at Tampa Stadium in 1976.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Video - NASL 1979 Playoffs: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Philadelphia Fury
Many thanks to Kenn Tomasch.
Rowdies Snap Shots - Rodney Marsh
Rodney Marsh arriving at Tampa International Airport, before the 1977 NASL season.
Many thanks to Dan Perez.
Rowdies Press Photos - 1977 Rowdies Roster
Rowdies' mug shots from 1977.Many thanks to Andy Northern.
Rowdies Press Photos - Wes McLeod
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Wes McLeod clears a Strikers' attack, during the 1980 indoor season.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - David Byrne
David Byrne holds off a Penn-Jersey Spirit defender, at Tampa Stadium in 1990.
Rowdies Press Photos - Mark Lindsay
Mark Lindsay walks away dejected after the Cosmos celebrate a goal, with Arnie Mausser and flat out Tommy Smith in 1976.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Peter Chandler 1978; 1981 (id)
Peter Chandler was born April 9th, 1953 in Duxbury, Massachusetts. He attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts where he played as a forward on the men’s soccer team during the early 1970s. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He later attended the University of South Florida where he earned a master’s degree in physical education.The expansion Hartford Bicentennials, signed Peter for the 1975 season, after he walked into their tryout camp unannounced. While he was a forward in college, the Bicentennials moved him to defense. He made his NASL debut on April 25th, coming on as a substitute against the Miami Toros away. He would appear in 14 games that season.
Peter played three games with the U.S. national team. All three came in the August 1974 Mexico City Cup. His first game was a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica on August 19th, 1975. The team then lost to Argentina two days later and finished with a 2-0 loss to Mexico on August 24th.In 1976, he continued in defense, this time making 17 appearances. In addition to his regular teams, Peter was part of an NASL All Star team, called Team America, which competed with the national teams of Italy, Brazil and England in the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial Cup. After the 1976 season, the Bicentennials moved to New Haven, Connecticut and adopted the name, the Connecticut Bicentennials. Peter played 9 games of the 1977 season with Connecticut. The team moved again at the end of the season, this time to Oakland, California. However, Peter did not remain with the team, but signed with the Rowdies for the 1978 season as a free agent. After finishing teaching obligations, joined the team in June. Made his Rowdies debut at home to the Rochester Lancers on June 25th, coming on as a substitute. Broke his right tibia only four games into his Rowdies' career in the July 4th game away to the Lancers. After an entire year spent in rehabilitation he was given the green light for training at the end of July 1979.
On the very first day out, he fractured the same break and and spent the ensuing months in a second period of rehabilitation. It wouldn't be until the 1980-81 indoor season, that Peter finally pulled the Rowdies jersey on again, he would go on to make 13 appearances. 
Peter seen second from the left, entered the educational career field, after retiring from playing professional soccer. He has served as a high school physical education teacher, athletic director and soccer, basketball and baseball coach. He is currently the head coach of the boys’ soccer team and an assistant with the girls’ soccer team at Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, Colorado. In 2005, he took his boys’ team to the 2005 Colorado Class 3A State championship.
In 1989, Peter and his wife Jeri, had quintuplets. All four of those were girls who now play on the Peak to Peak Charter School soccer team. Here is a photo of Peter's family which was taken in the Saturday Night Live (Green Room). His family was a contestant on "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader" which aired October 2008. L to R: Peter, Heidi, Joshua, Amanda, Meagan, Emily (Quintuplets), Zach (oldest) and his wife Jeri.
Thanks to Peter Chandler for the photos.
Derek Backman 1988 - 1993
Derek "Dicky" Backman was born January 6th, 1966 in South Africa. Received his U.S. citizenship in 1995 after coming over from South Africa in 1983. A member of the College of Boca Raton National Championship team in 1987. He was Chosen to the World Collegiate select team in 1987. An NAIA All-American for two seasons and a four-time All-Conference performer. He scored 9 goals and added 8 assists in Boca Raton's 23-1-1 collegiate season.Captained the South African Youth National team.
Professionally, the Rowdies weren't the first team interested in Derek, while playing for the Arcadia Shepherds in South Africa, the 16 year old was spotted by former England International Terry Paine, and earned a tryout with Southampton in England. A broken right leg, three months prior to his scheduled departure ended that dream.
Made his debut for the Rowdies in 1988, scored 4 goals and 1 assist to finish the season as the Rowdies number 2 scorer. After the 1988 season, former Rowdies player/Assistant Coach Wim Suurbier, arranged tryouts in Holland and Scotland, but Derek didn't want to chance losing his U.S. Visa.
Played the first part of the 1989 season with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, appeared in 5 games for the Rowdies and scored 1 goal. He missed most of the season with a broken leg.
1990, would see Derek progress to 14 appearances and scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists. Third highest scorer on the team.
He would appear in 19 games during the 1991 season for the Rowdies, scoring 4 goals, was the team's MVP. He was the only Rowdie to play every minute of every match in 1992, counting regular games, exhibitions, Professional Cup and the APSL Championship series. Played 2,204 minutes, had 3 assists.
In 1993, Derek missed most of the opening season with a stress fracture of his left ankle, incurred in an April 7th pre-season game against Florida Southern. He thought he would make the season opener on May 1st, but re-injured the ankle. But he fought back and appeared in 14 games and scored 5 goals in what was to be the last year of the Rowdies franchise.
Was obtained by the Tampa Mutiny in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft. He would appear in 30 games during the 1996 MLS season, helping them to the playoffs. In 1997, he would only appear in 3 games. He announced his retirement from soccer in 1998 and is currently coaching youth soccer in Florida.
He often turns out for the Rowdies Reunions.
Derek was Inducted into the Fighting Knights' Hall of Fame.
He often turns out for the Rowdies Reunions.
Derek was Inducted into the Fighting Knights' Hall of Fame.Rowdies Press Photos - Tom Maurer
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Tom Maurer races to get to the ball first, during a game against the Strikers from the 1980 indoor season.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh
Rodney Marsh takes on Cosmos' Keith Eddy and Bobby Smith at Tampa Stadium in 1976, with Clyde Best keeping up with the action.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.
Rowdies Press Photos - Doug Wark
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Doug Wark takes on two Strikers' defenders, whilst Peter Anderson watches on from the sideline.Many thanks to Dave Morrison.