Before the Buccaneers, before the Lightning, Tampa Bay’s first pro sports champions weren’t on the gridiron or the ice—they were on the soccer pitch. In their inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Rowdies shocked the sports world by winning the 1975 NASL title, introducing Florida to pro soccer with a mix of skill, personality, and wild fan support. From their catchy slogan—"Soccer Is a Kick in the Grass!"—to their electric home games at Tampa Stadium, the Rowdies became an instant sensation, proving that soccer could thrive in the Sunshine State.

As a brand-new expansion team, the Rowdies came out swinging. With international talent like Derek Smethurst, Clyde Best, and captain John Boyle, they played with both grit and flair, finishing the regular season 16-6. But it was their playoff run that turned them into legends. They didn’t allow a single goal in the postseason, defeating Toronto, Miami, and finally the Portland Timbers 2-0 in Soccer Bowl ‘75. Haitian defender Arsène Auguste scored the opening goal, while Best sealed the deal, bringing Tampa its first-ever major pro championship.

The fans, known as "Fannies," played just as big a role in the team’s success. Rowdies games weren’t just sporting events—they were full-blown parties. Confetti flew after goals, chants echoed through the stadium, and supporters embraced the team’s playful, over-the-top marketing. The team had their own pep squad (the “Wowdies”), a marching band (the “Loudies”), and a lovable goofball named Soccer Head, who made diving into the goal net his signature move. Whether or not people understood the rules, they showed up in record numbers, creating one of the best soccer atmospheres in the country.

Though the original NASL folded in 1984, the Rowdies' impact lasted far beyond their championship year. They helped fuel soccer’s growth in Florida, inspiring youth programs and regional rivalries. Their legacy lives on with Tampa Bay’s modern soccer club, which proudly wears two championship stars—one of them forever honoring that magical 1975 season. Nearly 50 years later, the Rowdies remain a beloved piece of Tampa sports history, a team that turned skeptics into believers and proved that soccer truly is a kick in the grass.



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Sources:

• North American Soccer League Archives

• Tampa Bay Rowdies Historical Society

• Newspaper archives from The Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times

• Player interviews and team records