Rowdies Add Midfielder Sebastian Cruz for 2026
Published on December 12, 2025 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today the addition of midfielder Sebastian Cruz for the upcoming 2026 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
A native of California, Cruz spent the 2025 season in USL League One with AV Alta FC, where he tallied three goals and six assists across all competitions.
"Sebastian is a quality player that I've tracked since he was at Kansas City," said Rowdies Head Coach Dominic Casciato. "He was very close to being part of the first team there. He's a tenacious player who's very good with the ball, and he hunts it down like it's the last one on earth when he doesn't have it. I think he's got the mentality that we're looking for; hungry to prove himself and to win at this level. He's going to work and sacrifice to do everything he can to help the team win. I'm excited to see what he can do here in Tampa Bay."
Cruz developed in the Sporting Kansas Academy before signing a USL Academy contract with Sporting Kansas City II in 2018. After making nine appearances for Kansas City, he returned to the west coast to play college soccer at California State University, Fullerton. He finished his college career with 13 goals and 17 assists over 56 total appearances for the Titans.
In 2023, Cruz signed a full-time professional contract with Sporting Kansas City II. That year, he also made one appearance for Kansas City's MLS side in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Through two seasons with Kansas City II, the 25-year-old midfielder notched ten goals and seven assists in 49 appearances.
"I'm very thankful to Coach Casciato for this great opportunity," said Cruz. "I'm very honored and grateful to represent this club and all of its fans. This a very passionate fanbase and club that has a desire to win trophies, and I can't wait to bring my own passion and desire to Tampa Bay to help us achieve that together."
Fans can lock in their seats for every match at Al Lang Stadium in 2026 by becoming a season ticket member today. Season ticket members enjoy the best savings on tickets and exclusive discounts on merchandise and concessions, as well as other benefits. Visit rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets or call 727-222-2000 to learn more.
Tampa Bay Rowdies Roster as of December 12, 2025
Goalkeepers: Jahmali Waite
Defenders: Leland Archer, Robert Castellanos, Laurence Wyke
Midfielders: Luis Alvarez, Sebastian Cruz, Pedro Dolabella, Lewis Hilton, Alex Mendez, Marco Micaletto, Max Schneider
Forwards: Russell Cicerone, Evan Conway, Karsen Henderlong, Endri Mustali
United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 12, 2025
- MBFC Adds Defender Stuart Ritchie - Monterey Bay FC
- Tom Brewitt Returns to Orange County SC for 2026 - Orange County SC
- Miami FC Signs Curaçao National Team Goalkeeper Eloy Room - Miami FC
- Hounds Re-Sign Sample on Multiyear Deal - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- New Mexico United Re-Signs Goalkeeper Kris Shakes for the 2026 Season - New Mexico United
- Oakland Roots Sports Club Provides Updates on Technical Restructuring, Announces New General Manager - Oakland Roots
- Rowdies Add Midfielder Sebastian Cruz for 2026 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- LouCity Brings in Dynamic Forward Akale on Multi-Year Contract - Louisville City FC
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