ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today the return of defender Conner Antley on loan from Major League Soccer’s DC United. Per club policy, terms of the loan agreement were not disclosed.
“Conner is an aggressive and front footed defender that will add quality to our backline,” said Rowdies Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He is hungry to represent the Rowdies again, and I’m delighted to add him to the group and see how he can help push us forward as we look to continue to improve week-in, week-out.”
The loan marks Antley’s second stint with the Rowdies. Antley was a regular contributor for the Rowdies from 2021-2023, earning 102 appearances and notching 14 assists across all competitions during that stretch. The Georgia native played a pivotal role for the Rowdies in 2021, helping the club claim the USL Championship Players’ Shield with a club-record 71 points and 15 shutouts in the regular season before going on to capture the Eastern Conference title.
DC United acquired Antley from the Rowdies for an undisclosed fee ahead of the 2024 MLS season. Since then, the 31-year-old defender has appeared in 31 matches for the MLS side, recording one goal and two assists in league play.
Prior to his time in Tampa Bay, Antley made his professional debut in 2018 with South Georgia Tormenta FC, where he was teammates with Rowdies Midfielder Marco Micaletto. After earning USL League One Defender of the Year honors in his second season for Tormenta FC, Antley moved on to spend the 2020 USL Championship season with Indy Eleven.
Antley is available for selection for Tampa Bay’s clash with Western Conference leaders Orange County SC this Saturday, August 8 at 10 p.m. ET. The Rowdies head into the matchup aiming to extend their four-point lead over Orange County in the race for this season’s USL Championship Players’ Shield.
