NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies Travel to Edmonton for Crucial Matchup

Published on September 14, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


The Rowdies travel to FC Edmonton for the last meeting between both teams during the regular season. Tampa Bay played to a 1-1 draw against Atlanta last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. Silverback's forward Matt Horth opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but in the 42nd minute Rowdies defender Takuya Yamada was able to get the tying goal. Yamada's performance earned him the NASL Defensive Player of the Week award.

With three games remaining the Rowdies are six points behind first place San Antonio, but now stand alone in second place. The Rowdies look to clinch first or second place, in order to earn a first round bye.

Series History

Tampa Bay owns a 5-1-1 mark (W-T-L) against FC Edmonton over the last two seasons, including victories in five consecutive meetings. The teams have met three times in 2012, with the Rowdies posting a 1-0 victory in both home games at Al Lang Stadium on April 14 and July 28. Tampa Bay also defeated Edmonton 1-0 in the only visit to Clarke Stadium on Sunday, July 15.

Last Meeting

Rowdies forward Daniel Antoniuk scored the game-winning goal in the 44th minute, as Tampa Bay defeated FC Edmonton 1-0 on Saturday, July 28 at Al Lang Stadium.

Rowdies Notes

Defender Takuya Yamada picked up his third goal of the season, helping the Rowdies stay three points ahead in second place. Yamada earned his first ever NASL Defensive Player of the Week, as he was awarded this accolade on September 10th.

Forward Mike Ambersley leads the team with 18 points including a team-high eight assists, which is tied for most in the NASL. His five goals are tied for second on the team.

Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella leads the league with 104 saves, and is fourth in the NASL with a goals against average of 1.16. The Rowdies have scored 33 goals this season, tied for fourth most in the NASL. Tampa Bay has given up 29 goals, tied for second-fewest in the NASL.

Scouting FC Edmonton

Edmonton is currently 7th in the NASL with 24 points with an overall record of 5-9-12. They have posted a 3-5-4 record when playing at Clarke Stadium. FC Edmonton is coming off a 2-2 tie against Carolina on Wednesday, September 12 at Clarke Stadium. With this result, Edmonton was eliminated from playoff contention.

Midfielder Shaun Saiko leads the team with seven goals, tied for seventh in the NASL and with six assists, he is tied for third in the league. Goalkeeper Lance Parker has a goals against average of 1.27 and is sixth in the NASL.

Rowdies Head Coach Ricky Hill

"With three games remaining, we know how important it is to bring back the three points," said Hill. "We know Edmonton was eliminated from the playoff race this week, but they will play for their pride, especially with the game being in Edmonton. With that being said, we never underestimate our rivals and we play every team the same way week after week. I have asked the players to play with intensity, but to respect our style of play which is moving the ball and controlling the rhythm of the game."

Up Next

The Rowdies host their last regular season home match where they play Carolina on Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Al Lang Stadium.

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 14, 2012


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