ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Go see a Rowdies game at Al Lang Stadium. The team is pretty good.

And so are their fans, known as Ralph’s Mob.

One of their game-day leaders is a bearded fellow named Mitchell Lauster. Mitchell stands on his perch overlooking the fans and the field, while his buddy Aron Retkes pounds away on a drum.

It all seems so fun and simple: just show up and get loud. But this is a process that begins long before the game starts.

Mitchell gets into Al Lang right as the gates open and then does something close to his heart.

“I normally walk around and say thank you to all the folks working the game,” said Lauster. “Just to say thank you to the concessions and security because we would be able to do everything.”

Then it’s down to the stands to prep for the game.

Athletes have their Gatorade. Ralph’s Mob has its Bud Light.

“This is what we have to do what we do,” laughed Lauster.

Other Mob members show up to hang banners and prep the flags, like longtime fan Nancy Bataille, who treats everyone like family.

“We all just always, if you haven’t seen someone in months, you’re like best friends all over again. We’re all here, we cheer on the Rowdies, we share everything,” said Bataille.

Final preparations for the game begin on the field as well, as players take their warm-ups on the pitch. At the same time, Mitchell makes his way up the stairs and on to his platform to oversee his paradise. That’s also when Aron enters like a true rock star, ready to hype up the home team.

“We like being the twelfth man,” said Retkes. “A lot of times here at home it does help. Sometimes on away trips, it does too. But it means a lot.”

After a quick stretch, it's time to bang the drum for the Rowdies’ entrance. Head coach Neill Collins loves Ralph’s Mob.

“We’re just so lucky to have such an intense and passionate group,” said Collins. “They really support this team and when we look back on the special nights, they are only special because they’re there.”

“It really gives us the push that we need in tough games and crucial games,” said midfielder Leo Fernandes. “It really is like a European style and I think it’s great for us.”

Then it’s game time. From the first touch, Mitchell and Aron are nonstop.

Even when things aren’t going well, like the other team scoring, the Mob plays on, hoping to will the lads on a comeback.

On this night, the Rowdies would indeed win, 3-1. Ralph’s Mob is a big reason why.

By night’s end, it's exhaustion and joy for all the hard work.

“I’m pretty fatigued. It takes a lot out of me,” said a drained Lauster. “I’m pretty tired right now.”

“We do what we can,” said an exhausted Retkes. “We try to bring the energy regardless of how many people are in here.”

And Ralph’s Mob wants more people so they can have more energy in their crew this summer. Whether you love soccer or know nothing about it, come on out to Al Lang. You’ll fit right in.

“We’re inclusive to everybody,” said Lauster. “We want more people here. That is what we are looking for. Everybody that comes is a voice that can be heard and if you watch the games, you hear us chanting. The louder we can be, the better we can be.”

Come for the soccer. Stay for this crazy family. You might lose your voice, but you’ll be glad you did.