Preview: Rowdies at Louisville
June 6, 2025 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
For the first time in quite a while, the Tampa Bay Rowdies head into their next matchup with a bit of momentum after picking up their first win since March 22 in a 2-1 comeback victory over South Georgia Tormenta FC in Round 2 of the USL Jägermeister Cup last weekend. They'll look to take the confidence from that three-point result into their second regular season meeting with Louisville City FC on the road this Saturday.
"One result maybe changes the mood in the squad a bit, but it doesn't change our process and how we go about our work during the week," said Rowdies Interim Head Coach Steve Coleman. "Last week's result just gives us a clearer outlook, because we got an outcome from a game that we deserved and the hard work that we put in."
The Rowdies looked poised to pick up a result in their first bout with Louisville this year at Al Lang Stadium back on April 19. However, their 1-0 evaporated late in the match as Louisville bagged two goals in five minutes to hand the Rowdies a 2-1 defeat. It's been a similar reframe for the Rowdies over the club's rough stretch the last few months - perform well in patches but fade in crucial moments and come away with nothing.
Tampa Bay's last two outings may show the club is trending in the right direction when it comes to closing out matches, though. After falling behind 1-0 in the first half on the road in Lexington two weeks ago and at home against Tormenta FC last week, the Rowdies battled back to earn results in both matches.
"We've put a big emphasis on making sure we're competing across a 90-minute game," said Coleman. "I've spoken a lot the last few weeks about making sure we put in 90-minute performances. Last weekend, we scored in the 79th minute and stoppage time and finished as the stronger team coming off the field. For us, that's a big positive and shows the work we've been trying to do over the last month or so."
Series History
Historically, the home side has the advantage in the Rowdies all-time series with Louisville. In nine previous trips to Louisville, the Rowdies have only come home with two wins and one draw. Their last win at Lynn Family Stadium was in the 2023 regular season finale. The Rowdies are aiming to push history aside and snap Louisville's ten-match unbeaten run to start the season.
"Louisville are a team that put you under pressure and pin you back in your own half," noted Coleman. "They ask you difficult questions about how well you can defend and clear the ball. That will be an important part of the game for us in dealing with the kind of play Louisville does so well."
Midfield Depth
The Rowdies remain limited in their options available in the middle of the field. Midfielder Cammy MacPherson, who had been sidelined by injury since April 26, has returned Scotland after the conclusion of his loan this past weekend. Nate Worth is away with the U.S. U-18 Men's national team for the UEFA Friendship cup through June 11. The youngster started in the squad's 2-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday. Longtime Rowdies midfielder Lewis Hilton is nearing his return from injury that has kept him out since early April, but it's still unclear when his first minutes might come. Danny Crisostomo and Thomas Vancaeyezeele have done admirably as Tampa Bay's central midfield duo, and they'll likely be asked to continue to carry the load for the time being.
Rowdies Availability Report
OUT: Niyongabire
QUESTIONABLE: Hilton
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Worth (U.S. U-18s)
USL Championship Matchday 11
Tampa Bay Rowdies at Louisville City FC
Saturday, June 7, 8 p.m. ET
Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY
2025 League Records:
Rowdies: 1W-7L-2D, 5 pts, 12th East (1-3-1 on the road)
Louisville: 6W-0L-4D, 22 pts, 2nd East (3-0-1 at home)
Tune In: Tampa Bay 44, ESPN+
Watch Party: Join the official Rowdies watch party at Colony Grill in Downtown St. Petersburg. Fans wearing Rowdies gear receive discounts on food and drinks.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 6, 2025
- Late Goal Downs Short-Handed Hartford Against North Carolina - Hartford Athletic
- Dolabella's late goal gives NCFC fourth straight win - North Carolina FC
- Monterey Bay Hosts Lexington SC in a Return USL Championship Play - Monterey Bay FC
- FC Tulsa Announce Addition of Midfielder Eliot Goldthorp to the Club - FC Tulsa
- Game Information and Match Notes - SAFC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC 6/7/25 - San Antonio FC
- FC Tulsa Head to California to Open Month Four of the Season - FC Tulsa
- Detroit City FC Looking for First USL Championship Regular Season Win at Highmark Stadium against Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday - Detroit City FC
- Romario Williams Called up for World Cup Qualifiers - Indy Eleven
- What to Watch for as LouCity Hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies - Louisville City FC
- El Paso Locomotive FC Begin California Slate against Oakland Roots SC - El Paso Locomotive FC
- Everything You Need to Know Before Orange County SC Heads into the Desert to Face Phoenix Rising FC - Orange County SC
- Rowdies Acquire Midfielder Luis Alvarez - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Preview: Rowdies at Louisville - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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.
