Tampa Bay is one of the best teams in the USL Championship, but Philadelphia Union II refused to back down, though they fell 2-0 in the end.
Brandan Craig returned as captain, paired with Ben Ofeimu in back, while Paxten Aaronson moved into a striker role alongside Patrick Bohui.
The Rowdies were on top early as a crossfield ball caught out Anthony Sorensen and Sebanstian Guenzatti slipped into the center to tap home the opener.
Union II were pinned deep but pressed energetically, keeping the Rowdies from clean looks at goal. Craig cleared one shot off the line and Mitchell Budler pawed another good effort away, and the visitors began to grow in confidence.