TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies are on pace for one of the best seasons in franchise history, and midfielder Lewis Hilton has quietly written his name into the record books along the way.
Hilton has appeared in 175 games in a Rowdies uniform — the second most in franchise history.
"Growing up, it was a dream to play professionally," Hilton said before practice. "To do this as my job and play for an amazing club like this, with such a big history. I feel very honored and privileged to be here as long as I have been."
On a roster that was completely overhauled from last season, having a veteran like Hilton has been a key piece for first-year head coach Dominic Casciato.
"Lewis is a great player. He's got a lot of technical quality," Casciato explained. "Really hard worker, great trainer. Just a consummate professional. He's been amazing for us."
In his seven seasons with Tampa Bay, Hilton said one of the keys to his consistency is that he never stops learning.
"The more experiences you have, the more games you play, the better player you become," Hilton added. "Being here in the heat, playing at Al Lang [Stadium], you kinda get used to knowing how to deal with that. It's just been an honor to be here."
Casciato said Hilton's influence extends beyond his own performance.
"Lewis is an Older Head now. He's guided the rest of the group really well. He sets the standard every day with the way that he practices."
Hilton said the atmosphere at Al Lang Stadium has been a highlight of his time with the club.
"We've had so many good nights at Al Lang over the years I've been here," he grinned. "The fans that are at Al Lang week in, week out make the atmosphere so electric."
The Rowdies are steamrolling through the regular season, and Casciato said the formula is straightforward — everyone contributes on both sides of the ball, and the team stays locked in one game at a time.
"I think that's the reason why we're in first place and why we have a big gap right now," Casciato said, bluntly. "The longer we continue to buy into that message, and the stronger that message becomes through evidence in our games — the harder we're going to be to beat."
Tampa Bay is a league-best 13-2-5 this season. Their 44 points put them 11 ahead of Charleston for first in the eastern conference. Orange County leads the west with 34.
The Rowdies hit the road Saturday for match-up with Detroit City FC. Kickoff is set for 7pm.
Share Your Story with Kevin
Tampa Bay 28 Sports Anchor Kevin Lewis knows what happens on the field ties us together. From parents coaching kids to young athletes achieving life-long dreams, Kevin shares stories we can all celebrate. Reach out to him below.
.
Challenges over Florida's school bus and school speed zone camera face setbacks as legal battles continue
Cameras catching drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses or speed through school zones are generating millions of citations across Florida — and a growing wave of legal challenges.
