ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today that the club has signed midfielder Danny Crisostomo for the 2024 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
“We’re excited to get Danny on board with the Rowdies,” said Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson. “As an exciting, forward-thinking central midfielder with valuable experience in Major League Soccer and the USL Championship, Danny will bring a vital dimension to our midfield area.”
Crisostomo comes to Tampa Bay after spending 2023 with LAFC, appearing in six league matches for the MLS side and another six for the club’s affiliate LAFC 2 in MLS Next Pro. He also earned two starts for LAFC in this year’s U.S. Open Cup tournament.
“When the Rowdies reached out, it felt like a great opportunity for me personally to grow,” said Crisostomo. “I’m extremely excited to join such a talented group of players. It’s a team that deserves more trophies and I think that’s something we can all achieve together as a group. Tampa Bay has a philosophy and system where I can see myself helping my teammates and expressing myself and what I can bring to the table. That was a huge factor. It feels like a place where I can grow and develop as a player.”
The 26-year-old midfielder started his professional career in 2019 with Orange County SC, appearing in 45 matches over two seasons. In 2021, Crisostomo moved from one USL Championship Western Conference side to another, joining Las Vegas Lights FC. After impressing in 15 starts for Las Vegas, Crisostomo inked a deal with LAFC for the remainder of the MLS season. 2022 saw Crisostomo return to Las Vegas for his most productive year as a professional, as he notched 3 goals and a team-leading seven assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. Crisostomo also returned to LAFC for two separate loan spells in 2022.
A native of Southern California, Crisostomo was a standout in his collegiate career at UC Irvine, where he started in 54 of his 74 appearances between 2015-2018. He earned multiple awards during his four-year career, including 2018 Big West Midfielder of the Year and selection to the 2018 All-Big West First Team.
Crisostomo is the the second new addition of the offseason so far. On Tuesday, the Rowdies announced the club acquired forward Manuel Arteaga from this year’s USL Championship title winners Phoenix Rising FC.
This week, the league revealed the full 34-match schedule for the 2024 season, with the Rowdies set to kick off the year at home versus San Antonio FC on Saturday, March 16.
Fans can guarantee their spot at Al Lang now for this year’s home opener by securing a season ticket package today. Season ticket members receive an exclusive gift, discounts on merchandise, priority playoff seating, and additional perks. Visit rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets or call 727-222-2000 for more info.
Rowdies 2024 Roster as of December 20, 2023
Goalkeepers: Phil Breno
Defenders: Conner Antley, Jordan Doherty, Freddy Kleemann, Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso
Midfielders: Danny Crisostomo, Charlie Dennis, Leo Fernandes, Dayonn Harris, Lewis Hilton, Zach Herivaux, Joshua Perez
Forwards: Manuel Arteaga, Cal Jennings