It feels good to be back in the playoffs. That is the atmosphere around St. Pete ahead of the Rowdies' first playoff match since 2012. And the team knows they have an opportunity to show the USL what this team has been building towards all season long.
"I feel like this game has taken an eternity to get here," said head coach Stuart Campbell. His team last played on Thursday, October 12th in a win over Orlando City B. "We have had a few extra days of rest but we all want to get out there and get this going."
"We know that we are very strong at home and everyone is talking about that," said midfielder Sebastian Guenzatti. "I think if we come out and give 100 percent then I am very confident we are going to win and move on."
What makes this run even more special is the fact that the now 3-seed Rowdies are in their first season in the USL. And they have managed 11 wins at home this season, which is tied for the most in the Eastern Conference with number one seed Louisville City FC.
"We have an amazing fanbase," said defender Neill Collins. "We love playing for them and we love this field. The fans have made this so great for us and are why we have such a great home record. Let's keep it going."
"I have been here for six years and the fans have never been better," said Campbell. "They are phenoemenal. We have seen this thing building throughout the years. We have had our fans carry us across the finish line on some nights and because of them we have gotten all these wins at home. They make the difference. I know I sound like a broken record saying it: Our fans have made us so good at home this year."
This is the first trip to the playoffs for the Rowdies under current owner Bill Edwards who is making a push to have his franchise join MLS. Winning a title could help in that cause.
The last time the Rowdies were in the postseason back in 2012 they won the NASL Cup.
Tampa Bay opens up the USL playoffs on Saturday night against FC Cincinnati - a strong contender not only for the Cup, but for MLS as well.