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VSI Tampa Bay Falls to Rowdies

May 22, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release


Tampa, Fla - VSI Tampa Bay FC fell at home to North American Soccer League's Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second round of the US Open Cup. After a quick afternoon shower the sun shone brightly on Plant City Stadium as Tampa Bay's two professional soccer teams faced off for their first-ever meeting.

It seemed as if VSI Tampa Bay FC would pull ahead early as VSI's Tony Donatelli drew a foul in the box. The penalty kick just missed the outreached arms of Rowdies' keeper Diego Restrepo to bounce off the post and be cleared by Rowdies' defense. Moment's later VSI defender Kyle Hoffer tackled Rowdies' forward Georgi Hristov to gain a penalty kick for the Rowdies. Hristov paused before crushing it into the corner past VSI keeper Alex Horwath. Shortly after the Rowdies goal, VSI built from the back to create a beautiful opportunity for VSI midfielder Joseph "JT" Noone. Delivering a one-touch finish from a back heel flick by fellow midfielder Shawn Chin, JT Noone tied up the match with his first goal of the season flying into the back left corner of the net past Restrepo.

The next goal developed moments before half as Rowdies' Girogi Hristov's individual performance solidified the Rowdies' victory over VSI. Late in the second half midfielder Jarod Stigall made his debut as a professional creating opportunities late in the match. However, Hristov's goal remained the game winner securing the Rowdies place in the third round of the US Open Cup.

To view highlights of the match visit VSI Tampa Bay FC's facebook page at www.facebook.com/vsitampabayfc later today. The Rowdies now move on to face the Seattle Sounders and VSI moves on to regular season matches again and focus on the Wilmington Hammerheads next at Plant City Stadium on Sunday, May 26th at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Sunday evening's match will be streamed live at www.uslnation.com. The 3v3 Live soccer tournament originally planned for May 26th will now be held on June 1st in Plant City Stadium. For more information on the tournament please visit www.3v3live.com. All of VSI Tampa Bay FC's 2013 USL PRO home matches will be played out of VSI's Plant City Stadium, which is located at 1810 East Park Road, Plant City, Florida 33563. Tickets to the match are available at the gate and online at www.vsi-fc.com.

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