Match Preview: Rowdies at El Paso
June 16, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
Matchday 15 Info:
Tampa Bay Rowdies at El Paso Locomotive FC
Saturday, June 17, 9:30 p.m. ET
Southwest University Park, El Paso, TX
Watch: Stream the match on ESPN+.
For the second time in three weeks, the Tampa Bay Rowdies will face off against
the top team from the Western Conference. Last time it was Sacramento Republic, but this time it will be El Paso Locomotive FC, who now sit atop the west over Sacramento after a 2-1 win over Las Vegas Light FC on Wednesday night.
Unbeaten Run
The Rowdies head into Texas this weekend on a seven-match unbeaten run. The longest unbeaten run of the club's modern era is thirteen matches, which the Rowdies have managed to string together two before (2019 and 2022).
On the Road Again
After a three-match homestand the past few weeks, the Rowdies will leave the comforts of Al Lang behind for a three-week road swing starting this Saturday in El Paso. Tampa Bay enters the weekend with a road record of two wins, two draws, and one loss.
Williams, Antley Back in the Mix
While they still came away with all three points against New Mexico, the Rowdies will be glad to see the return of forward JJ Williams and defender Conner Antley from their red card suspension last week. As he was last year, Antley has remained a key cog for the Rowdies on both the right side of the back line and as a right wing back. Last week's match against New Mexico is the first match Antley has missed this season. Williams has played in fewer matches but has made a tremendous impact during the Rowdies recent unbeaten run. The Rowdies attacker has netted six goals in as many appearances over the last month and a half.
Wyke Returns to Nashville
Laurence Wyke's loan to the Rowdies has concluded and the Englisghman has return to Nashville SC in MLS. Wyke started two matches and played every minute during his two-week loan stint. Wyke recorded an assist on Tampa Bay's game-winning goal in last week's result over New Mexico.
Rowdies on Team of the Week
Tampa Bay's Charlie Dennis and Ryan Spaulding were both named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for their performances in the victory against New Mexico. Spaulding notched a brace for his first tallies since joining the Rowdies in late April. Dennis recorded an assist and a goal, bringing him level with JJ Williams for a club-leading six goals.
Milestone Tracker
Lucky Mkosana is two goals away from his 50th regular-season goal in the USL Championship.
JJ Williams is one appearances away from his 100th USL Championship regular-season appearance.
Injury Report
OUT: Leo Fernandes, Lewis Hilton, Zach Herivaux
QUEATIONABLE: Dayonn Harris, Felix Schröter
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