Miami FC to Host FC Tampa Bay Rowdies in Second Round of U.S. Open Cup
June 21, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, June 21, 2010- Miami FC will take on the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup in a high-stakes match that will take the renewed in-state rivalry to new heights on Tuesday, June 22. The match is set for a 7:30 p.m. start time at Lockhart Stadium. Fans will be able to take advantage of a 2-for-1 ticket deal for admission.
It will be the first matchup between the two clubs outside of the league play and the second overall matchup between the two clubs. In the first meeting between the two teams early this season, the Blues and Rowdies fought to a 1-1 draw at Lockhart Stadium on May 1.
After Tuesday's match, the Blues will face off against the Austin Aztex at home on June 26.
SCOUTING TAMPA BAY
In the first round of the U.S. Open Cup, the Rowdies traveled to Dallas to take on Legends FC and defeated the amateur side in a decisive 3-0 victory powered by goals from Chad Burt, Kwame "JJ" Adjeman-Pambow and former Miami FC striker Aaron King.
The Rowdies jumped out to a quick lead when Burt scored in the second minute of the game and then added an insurance goal in the 38th minute when Adjeman-Pamboe put the ball into the back of the net to give FC Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead heading into the half.
Late into the second half, King added the third goal for the Rowdies in the 85th minute to put the game out of reach for Legends FC and to set FC Tampa Bay up for a second round matchup against Miami FC.
Tampa Bay is one of the better offensive units in the league, ranking second in goals scored as a team with 18 so far during the regular season. On the defensive end of the ball, the Rowdies have surrendered a total of 14 goals to opponents throughout the season, the fifth highest total in the USSF D-2 Pro League.
Aaron King and Aaron Wheeler lead the team with four goals each, both tied for seventh in goals scored in the league.
LAST TIME OUT
The Blues burst through late in their first round U.S. Open Cup match against the Central Florida Kraze of the PDL in a 5-1 victory thanks in large part to four goals scored by Paulo Jr. in the last 10 minutes of the added time period.
After the Blues quickly got on the board after a free kick by Christian Gomez from the left flank not far from the box was deflected past the Kraze goalkeeper by JP Rodrigues to give Miami FC an early 1-0 lead.
The Kraze picked up the equalizer in the 65th minute and the game remained tied headed into the added time period when Paulo Jr. exploded for his four goals to give the Blues a decisive victory and the to move into the second round of the competition.
DYNAMIC DUO
The Blues have been able to rely on two players to deliver on the offensive side of the ball with midfielder Christian Gomez and forward Paulo Jr. as the two continue to make their presence known throughout the league.
Gomez has four goals on the season, tied with teammate Paulo Jr. for a team-high in league play. Both are tied for seventh in the league in goals scored as they continue to prove that they are one of the top dual-threats in the league.
The midfielder is now tied for fourth in the league in points with 11 while tied for second place in assists with three. He only trails Martin Nash of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who has four.
Paulo Jr. has 10 points and is in tied for seventh place in that category.
Paulo Jr. has tallied two assists each on the year and is tied for sixth in the league in that category.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 21, 2010
- Austin Extends Lead at Top of USSF D-2 Pro League Standings to Seven Points in Week 11 - USSF D-2
- Miami FC to Host FC Tampa Bay Rowdies in Second Round of U.S. Open Cup - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Travel to Charleston for Second Round of US Open Cup - North Carolina FC
- Stars Face AV St. Louis in Second-Round Cup Action - Minnesota United FC
- Timbers Face Kitsap in U.S. Open Cup Tuesday - Portland Timbers
- Aztex Face Arizona Sahuaros In Open Cup Second Round - Austin Aztex
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