Fernandes Scores in Rowdies' 4-0 Win Over USF
February 24, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
TAMPA, Fla - The Tampa Bay Rowdies notched their third win of the preseason on Saturday night, defeating the University of South Florida 4-0 at the club's training facility. Midfielder Danny Crisostomo and longtime Rowdies player Leo Fernandes both recorded their first goals of the preseason in the victory.
Rowdies newcomer continued his fast start in Tampa Bay with his second tally in as many games in the preseason. In the 7th minute, Rivera found space at the top of the box to line up a right-footed strike into the back of the net. Tampa Bay kept the Bulls under pressure for most of the first half, resulting in second goal in the 31st minute. A long throw in from the right flank took a couple hops in the box before finding its way to Crisostomo, who buried the chance at the far post.
Crisostomo exited at the halftime break. The former LAFC midfielder joined Rowdies preseason late due to the birth of his son but has seemingly not missed a beat. Crisostomo also notched an assist in Tampa Bay's 4-1 win over CF Montreal last week.
"I feel good," said Crisostomo. "Obviously I need to make up for that time I was back home. The team has helped, the staff has really helped to bring me into the philosophy of what they want to do. They give me the all the support I need to get better. It's just going day by day, and I'm really happy with how everything is going so far."
The Rowdies made several changes at the hour mark, most notably bringing on Fernandes for the first time this year. With just his first touch of the match, Fernandes connected on a cross from Rivera with a strike on the outside of his boot to direct the ball into the bottom left corner. It's the first goal in a competitive match for Fernandes since rupturing his Achilles last year during the preseason.
"Watching the ball hit the back of the net felt great, I wont lie," said Fernandes. "It was definitely a great moment. Hopefully I can keep doing it the next games. For me, honestly just to get out there, get some minutes, and get my confidence up again is huge. I'm loving the way we're playing going forward, the fluidity. We can rotate with the wingbacks and the other strikers, so it's been good to watch and finally get to play and do it myself."
Just a few minutes after Fernandes' strike, a Rowdies trialist put the match to bed with a header on the back post off of a set piece delivery.
The Rowdies have now posted three wins and one loss in their preseason contests so far, scoring four goals in each of the victories. Next up for the Rowdies a trip IMG Academy this Friday, March 1 to face MLS Next Pro's Huntsville City FC.
Tampa Bay opens the regular season against San Antonio FC on Saturday, March 16 at Al Lang Stadium. Tickets for the match and every Rowdies match are available to purchase at rowdiessoccer.com/tickets. Fans can also secure the best seats Al Lang for the best value by becoming a season ticket member at rowdiessoccer.com/seasontickets.
Scoring Summary
TBR - Rivera, 7 ¬Â²
TBR - Crisostomo, 31 ¬Â²
TBR - Fernandes, 61 ¬Â²
TBR - Rowdies Trialist, 64 ¬Â²
Rowdies Starting XI: Breno (Farr, 61 ¬Â²), Doherty, Lasso (Trialist, 61 ¬Â²), Kleemann, Trialist, Hilton, Crisostomo (Trialist, 46 ¬Â²), Bodily (Trialist, 68 ¬Â²), Arteaga (Perez, 61 ¬Â²), Rivera, Jennings (Fernandes, 61 ¬Â²)
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