NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Rowdies vs. Scorpions - Match Preview

Published on June 14, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


Records (W-T-L) Tampa Bay: 3-3-3, 12 points, 4th place San Antonio: 2-2-4, 8 points, 7th place

Series History Tampa Bay trails in the all-time series, 2-0-3 (W-T-L), with the Rowdies defeating the Scorpions in the only match they have played this year. The other win came in dramatic fashion after a late goal for Tampa Bay, giving the reigning NASL Champions a 3-2 win on June 23, 2012 at home.

Last Meeting: Tampa Bay won the last meeting 2-0 and spoiled San Antonio's home opener on April 13th, earning their first win of the 2013 Spring Season at Toyota Field. Forwards Amani Walker and Georgi Hristov guided the reigning NASL Champions to their first franchise win at San Antonio since the Scorpions entered the NASL in 2012.

Rowdies Notes: Tampa Bay returns to NASL action after dropping their fourth round U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers. A 2-0 defeat at JELD-WEN Field halted the Rowdies aspirations to reach the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup. One goal each half by the Timbers was enough to advance Portland on to the next round despite the Rowdies being able to control possession throughout different moments of the match.

In their last NASL match, the Rowdies suffered their first road loss this season after the Carolina RailHawks scored two goals in stoppage time to steal the three points in a 2-1 win at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. A goal in the 87th minute by forward Devin Del Do seemed to give the Rowdies the win, but the RailHawks came from behind with two unanswered goals. Tampa Bay played a man down for over 50 minutes, as a red card was issued to defender Andres Arango for taking down midfielder Ty Shipalane.

Midfielder Keith Savage was named to the NASL Team of the Week for his contributions in the midfield in last Saturday's match. Forward Georgi Hristov leads the team with seven goals, while tied with midfielder Luke Mulholland for the team-lead with three assists. Mulholland is currently second on the team with four goals in all competitions.

Scouting San Antonio: The Scorpions are winless in seven out of their nine matches this season. They are currently in last place in the NASL Standings, while getting knocked out in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup by FC Tucson. San Antonio is coming of a bye week, but previously they stunned Minnesota United FC at Toyota Field on June 1. A convincing 2-0 victory gave last years regular season champions their second win of the season. The Scorpions are winless on the road this year, but they face a Rowdies team that has yet to earn a win at home in league play.

Forward Hans Denissen leads the club with two goals on the season, with six players tied for second with one goal each. Mexican midfielder Javier Saavedra has two assists to lead the club, while Walter Ramirez is second with one. Goalkeeper Pat Hannigan is third in the league with 23 saves this season.

Quotable: Rowdies Head Coach Ricky Hill
 "Even though we were eliminated from the cup this week, it showed the players that no matter what division you play in, it is 11 against 11 on the field. We had a good match in Portland and I felt we controlled possession at parts of the match. This test against San Antonio will possibly define our chances to win the spring season, and I let the players know the importance of the match. We must bounce back from these last two defeats and demonstrate why we are the reigning champions."

Up Next: 
 With two matches left in the NASL Spring Season, the Rowdies will first travel to Atlanta to face the Silverbacks on Saturday, June 22, while enjoying a bye the following weekend. The final match of the season is the traditional Fourth of July matchup against league rivals Ft. Lauderdale. The Strikers and Rowdies will face off on Thursday, July 4 at 6:30 p.m. ET at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 14, 2013


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