Rowdies Best Miami to Lock up East's Top Seed
October 20, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST PETERSBURG, FLa - Sebastian Guenzatti recorded his fifth brace of the season and raised his season goal tally to 21 as the Tampa Bay Rowdies knocked off Miami FC 3-0 at Al Lang Stadium on Wednesday night. With the win, the Rowdies clinched the top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, guaranteeing a home match in the conference final should they advance that far.
Last week against New York Red Bulls II, the Rowdies rued several missed chances early in the match. Against Miami, though, the Rowdies came out full throttle to grab a lead in the 2nd minute. Leo Fernandes initiated the scoring sequence by stripping the ball off a Miami defender and then charging forward into the box. He then slipped a pass to an unmarked Guenzatti in the center of the box to open up the scoring.
Fernandes had his own chance to double the lead in the 12th minute when he broke through Miam's back line again. He drove down into the final third with just keeper Connor Sparrow to beat but then lifted his shot over the goal.
Guenzatti's early strike was all the Rowdies could produce in the first half. Miami was able to gain more possession but struggle dot break through Tampa Bay's back line.
"Miami probably had their best spell five minutes before the first half ended," said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. "I thought if we didn't go into the break ahead after this first half performance it'll be disappointing. But we did. Credit to the players for taking it home. Lots to be pleased with and the fans should be proud of the players, which I'm sure they are."
Tampa Bay stood strong defensively throughout the match. Rowdies keeper Raiko Arozarena went without facing a single shot on goal in his first start of the season.
Arozarena getting the start over regular Evan Louro was one of several changes to the usual Rowdies lineup. Midfielder Lewis Hilton got the night off, with Jordan Doherty filling in central midfield. Max Lachowecki got a starting nod on the left wing and Dayonn Harris started out on the right. Regular center back Jordan Scarlett also got a reprieve, as Connery Antley filled in on the back line until Scarlett was brought off the bench in the 56th minute.
The Rowdies did not look any lesser with all the changes. As the match wore on, the hosts continued to hold Miami at bay and eventually seal the result in the later stages.
"The team played well collectively and then you look individually at the players that came in did, supported by guys that have maybe played more minutes. Total team performance. You've gotta be happy with so many aspects of the game."
Guenzatti's second goal of the night came in the 71st minute, with Antley feeding the Rowdies captain with a perfect cross to head home into the bottom right corner. With two goals tonight, Guenzatti has now set a new club single-season scoring record of 21 goals, surpassing his own record of 19 goals.
Just five minutes later, Guenzatti became the set-up man for substitute Steevan Dos Santos. Midfielder Laurence Wyke penetrated the final third to start the sequence, eventually lifting a cross in for Guenzatti to head down into the path of Dos Santos, who blasted his first touch into the back of the net.
The Rowdies will hit the field again soon as the travel to face Loudoun United FC on Saturday. If the Rowdies can win their last two regular season fixtures, they will lock up the top overall seed in the USL Championship postseason.
Scoring Summary
TBR - Sebastian Guenzatti (Leo Fernandes) 3'
TBR - Sebastian Guenzatti (Conner Antley) 71'
TBR - Steevan Dos Santos (Sebastian Guenzatti) 76'
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