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USL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies Ready for Miami Rematch

July 16, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


The Tampa Bay Rowdies return to South Florida just one week after falling in a 2-1 result to in-state rival Miami FC. In the interim, the Rowdies lost another bout at home against Hartford Athletic while Miami drubbed last-place Loudoun United FC 4-1 on the road. Miami is now unbeaten in their last four outings (3 wins, 1 draw) and will undoubtedly be seeking to close the current 4-point gap the Rowdies hold them in the USL Championship's Atlantic Division standings. Tampa Bay still has a match in hand on Miami, but as this is the third of four regular season meetings between the two sides, each will be motivated to take advantage of this head-to-head clash.

Looking For Goals

Tuesday's loss to Hartford was just the second time this year the Rowdies have been shutout. This shutout was a bit different from the previous one in June, when the Rowdies struggled to create any scoring chances at all against the Charlotte Independence and lost. Against Hartford, the Rowdies fired off 21 shots as the visitors packed bodies in the box. A number of those shots were blocked or deflected away, but Hartford's keeper Jeff Caldwell also made 5 key saves to keep the Rowdies off the scoresheet.

As frustrating as Tuesday was, the Rowdies will try to take encouragement from the fact that they were able to create so many opportunities and hope that the floodgates will open the next time one goes in.

Staying Solid in the Back

Despite back-to-back losses, the Rowdies still hold one of the best defensive records in the league. The club is tied for most clean sheets (5) and is tied for second fewest goals allowed (9). What makes the last two losses, and even the loss to Pittsburgh a few weeks back, so disappointing is the fact that the Rowdies hardly gave up any scoring chances. On those nights, the opposition just made the most with what the Rowdies did give up. On average, keeper Evan Louro is only being asked to make 3 saves a match through the first 12 contests.

Injury Update

With both midfielders Laurence Wyke and Yann Ekra earning spots on the bench for the Hartford match, the Rowdies were finally able to field a full gameday roster of 18. Wyke ended up making his first appearance since mid-June on Tuesday, entering off the bench in the second half. However, Yann Ekra was held back. Neill Collins and the staff have been wary of rushing Wyke and Ekra back too quickly after their recent knocks. However, both remain fit and available for selection if called upon.

Forwards Lucky Mkosana and Juan Tejada, as well as attacking midfielder Luiz Fernando are all continuing their path to recovery and have begun integrating back into training with their teammates. Forward Steevan Dos Santos, who broke a bone in his foot against Miami on May 22, is slightly farther off from a return.

Traveling Support

Saturday will be the first time Miami has opened its stadium to supporters since it entered the league last year. This means that Rowdies supporters will finally have the opportunity to travel for an away match against an in-state rival. Their last road trip against a Florida side was in 2017 when Orlando City B was still in the USL Championship. Members of both Rowdies supporters groups Ralph's Mob and the Skyway Casuals are expected to make the trip to Miami this weekend.

Gameday Info

Tampa Bay Rowdies at Miami FC

Saturday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.

FIU Stadium, Miami, FL

Watch: The match can be viewed on ESPN+ here.

Follow Along: Live updates for the match will be posted on Twitter at @RowdiesGameday. Score Updates will also be posted on the Rowdies' Instagram and Facebook accounts.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 16, 2021


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.

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