Preview: Rowdies vs Las Vegas
May 23, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
MATCHDAY 11 INFO:
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Las Vegas Light FC
Saturday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. ET
Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, FL
Purchase Tickets
Fireworks Night: Following the final whistle versus Las Vegas, fans will be invited on to the field to view a postmatch fireworks show.
Clyde Best Signing: Be sure to arrive early on Saturday for an autograph signing with Rowdies 1975 Soccer Bowl champion Clyde Best. The Rowdies legend will be signing autographs in the Midfield Courtyard from 6:30 to 7:15 on Saturday.
2024 League Records:
Rowdies: 4W-2L-4D, 16 pts, 5th East (3-1-2 at home)
Las Vegas: 3W-6L-2D, 11 pts, 9th West (1-3-1 on the road)
Tune in: Saturday's match will be broadcast locally on Tampa Bay 44 and available to stream on ESPN+
The Tampa Bay Rowdies are back in league action this Saturday at Al Lang Stadium for a matchup with Western Conference side Las Vegas Lights FC. In their last league outing, the Rowdies trounced FC Tulsa 5-0 at Al Lang. In Open Cup action, though, the Rowdies put in a sterling performance against MLS' FC Dallas only to fall 2-1.
Saturday will be the last match for the Rowdies in May, and also their final match in what has been a busy homestand this month. The Rowdies opened the month in Memphis, but since then they've played four straight at home. This weekend's match against Las Vegas offers the Rowdies one more chance to pick up three points at home before heading out west for aways days in Sacramento and Oakland over the next two weeks.
Club Connections
Two players on Tampa Bay's roster have connections to Las Vegas. Both forward Cal Jennings and midfielder Danny Crisostomo spent considerable time with Las Vegas while on loan from their MLS club LAFC in 2021 and 2022. In his two stints with Vegas, Jennings bagged 22 goals for the club. Additionally, a former member of Tampa Bay's roster is currently with Las Vegas. Former Rowdies keeper Raiko Arozarena joined Las Vegas in the offseason. So far, Arozarena has made seven starts for Las Vegas, recording three shutouts.
Scouting Las Vegas
Las Vegas found early success this season under first-year head coach Dennis Sanchez, winning three of their first five matches. However, Vegas's form has fallen off since then. Heading into Tampa Bay this weekend, Las Vegas are winless in six straight. Las Vegas did push one of the league's top contenders, Louisville City FC, to the limit last week, though. They held a 2-1 lead at home for most of the night before conceding an equalizer in the 70th minute.
Despite having recorded shutouts in three of their 11 matches this year, Las Vegas is tied with Miami FC for most goals allowed so far in 2024 with 21 concessions. For comparison, the Rowdies also have posted three shutouts this season while only conceding 12 goals overall.
Availability Report:
OUT: Zane Bubb (Knee), Forrest Lasso (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE: Leo Fernandes (Calf), Zach Herivaux (Knee)
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 23, 2024
- Soul Score Three Second Half Goals in 3-1 Victory at Home Versus Marin FC Siren - Oakland Roots
- Preview: Rowdies vs Las Vegas - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Russell Cicerone Medical Update - Sacramento Republic FC
- The Promise of a Smile - Rhode Island FC
- Preview: Rising vs. Indy Eleven, Saturday at 4 PM - Phoenix Rising FC
- Republic FC to Host Seattle Sounders in U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals at Heart Health - Sacramento Republic FC
- FC Tulsa Takes on Oakland Roots SC on Dollar Beer Section and Military Appreciation Night - FC Tulsa
- Wilmer Cabrera to Lead El Paso Locomotive FC in First Match at Charleston Battery - El Paso Locomotive FC
- Hartford Back at Home to Face Monterey Bay FC - Hartford Athletic
- Preview: Hounds at Memphis 901 FC - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals to Stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV - Indy Eleven
- Monterey Bay Visits Eastern Conference Side Hartford Athletic - Monterey Bay FC
- Registration Open for Hanger Clinic's 'Louisville Moves' Workshop - Louisville City FC
- Memphis 901 FC Prepares for Strength vs. Strength Matchup against Pittsburgh - Memphis 901 FC
- Match Preview: Republic FC v Birmingham Legion FC - Sacramento Republic FC
- Brett Luy Takes on Role as Special Advisor with Fortuitous Partners - Rhode Island FC
- Rising's Cup Run Ends in Seattle - Phoenix Rising FC
- Rising Falls, 2-1, in Seattle to Sounders FC - Phoenix Rising FC
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.