Match Preview: #INDvTBR
April 30, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
The Basics
Indy Eleven vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m. ET
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Follow us for live updates on Twitter at @RowdiesGameday
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast online on ESPN+.
Records
Tampa Bay: 4-0-4 (W-L-T); 2-0-1 on road; 3rd place
Indy: 4-2-0 (W-L-T); 1-0-0 at home; 6th place
Rowdies Notes
The Tampa Bay Rowdies head to Indianapolis after a 1-1 draw at
home against the Charlotte Independence on Saturday night. The Rowdies fell behind in the 11th minute before Sebastian Guenzatti equalized with his team-high fifth goal of the season six minutes later. Neither side would score again. That result saw the Rowdies fall from first place in the East to third.
Despite being held to a draw against Charlotte, the Rowdies still posted one of their best statistical performances Saturday night. The Rowdies posted season-high totals in passes completed (547), passing accuracy (86.1 percent) and possession (65.6 percent). Their nine shots on target were one short of tying a season high. Independence goalkeeper Curtis Anderson made eight saves in the match.
The Rowdies are the last remaining unbeaten team in the East and lead the entire USL Championship with a goal difference of +10. This is the first time in 10 seasons on modern Rowdies history that the team has made it to the month of May without a loss.
Tampa Bay hasn't kept a clean sheet since April 6, conceding a goal in three consecutive matches. The Rowdies still have the best defensive record in the Championship though having conceded just four goals all year.
Flipping a trend from recent seasons on its head, Tampa Bay has actually been slightly better on the road than at home this season. In three road matches, the Rowdies have earned 2.33 points per game compared to 1.8 points per game from five home matches.
The Rowdies will once again be without a quartet of players due to injury. Forwards Malik Johnson and Jaime Siaj are yet to play this season due to lingering injuries. Defender Shawn Barry and midfielder Yann Ekra picked up ankle injuries on back-to-back days on the Rowdies bye weekend April 19 and 20, respectively. Both were key contributors prior to their injuries.
Injury Report
OUT: F Malik Johnson (separated shoulder)
OUT: F Jaime Siaj (quad strain)
DOUBTFUL: D Shawn Barry (ankle)
DOUBTFUL: M Yann Ekra (ankle)
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 30, 2019
- New Mexico's Frater Voted Championship Player of the Week - New Mexico United
- Memphis 901 FC Suffers Setback against Defending Champions Louisville City FC - Memphis 901 FC
- Tribbett Makes Team of the Week Bench After Goal, Assist - Nashville SC
- Anderson Earns USL Championship Team of the Week - Charlotte Independence
- Michael Salazar Earns Spot in USL Championship Team of the Week - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Aaron Guillen Earns USL Championship Team of the Week Honors - North Carolina FC
- Game Day Preview - Louisville City FC
- Fernandes Named to Championship Team of the Week - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Ryan James Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- New Mexico's Frater Voted Championship Player of the Week - USL
- San Antonio FC Midfielder Jack Barmby Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - San Antonio FC
- Match Preview: Legion FC at NYRBII - Birmingham Legion FC
- Nashville SC Remains in Top 10 of USL Championship Power Rankings - Nashville SC
- Three USL Championship Matches to Watch this Week: Week 9 - Nashville SC
- Rowdies Announce Free Admission to Upcoming Open Cup Match - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Match Preview: #INDvTBR - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Lights FC Gets First Point on the Road - Las Vegas Lights FC
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