NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies Players Anticipate Match vs. Sounders

Published on May 22, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - With Tampa Bay's win last night, the reigning NASL Champions advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup where they will host Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg.

It was almost a year ago when the Rowdies were defeated in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they faced the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer at Al Lang Stadium. At the time, the Rowdies were 3-3-3 (W-T-L) in the NASL Regular Season and had not found their groove, which they would go on to find weeks later. Like last year, the Rowdies will also host Minnesota at home prior to their third round U.S. Open Cup matchup, but they hope to get a winning result in both matches. This season, Tampa Bay holds a record of 3-2-1 and is looking to continue their run both in the NASL Spring Season and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

"This game is a test to see how far we have come along as a team since we first played MLS teams in preseason," said defender Andres Arango. "We did not get the results we expected, but I feel we have improved immensely and have a great opportunity ahead of us. Being able to host the Sounders in our stadium and in front of our fans is a headline waiting to be written."

This time around, the opponent will be three-time U.S. Open Cup Champions, Seattle Sounders FC. Forward Amani Walker joined the Rowdies this season, but last year with Minnesota he was part of a team that upset Real Salt Lake in the third round of the Cup.

"Cup games are important because if you lose, you go home, but if you win, you go on," said Walker. "It adds a different dynamic to the game. The opportunity to play against a MLS team gives us the chance to show how good our league is. It gives us the chance to upset a powerful team like Seattle and I believe we are up for it."

Midfielder Keith Savage is no stranger to the Sounders, as he spent the 2009-2010 season playing for rival club, Portland Timbers. Savage mentioned his last encounter with Seattle in U.S. Open Cup play.

"I am excited to get the chance to play against one of the biggest rivals I used to have playing for Portland. We lost to Seattle in penalty kicks in Open Cup when I was there. When playing a MLS team the pressure is really on them to come away with a win. We have nothing to lose and can just go out and try to play the style we want to play. It's a great opportunity for the players, the organization, and all of our fans to be a part of this U.S. Open Cup experience."

Tied for most goals on the team, midfielder Luke Mulholland explained why he thinks home field advantage will be key for this match.

"It's always enjoyable playing at home, as the fans can really help the team push on and grind out a result. It will be a great experience to play against the Sounders because you know you'll be up against quality players. In turn you've really got to be consistent in your play and concentrate the entire game."

Before taking on Seattle, the Rowdies will host Minnesota on Saturday, May 25 at Al Lang Stadium. For information contact the front office at 813-287-1539 or tickets@rowdiessoccer.com. Don't forget this Saturday's match against United FC is Military Appreciation Night, where any fan with a Valid Military I.D. will receive a free ticket to the match. (Limited availability and one (1) ticket per I.D.)

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 22, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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