Rowdies atop USL at 3-0

By Travis Failey on April 10, 2017

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

St. Petersburg, Fla. — The Rowdies moved to 3-0 with a win at Al Lang Stadium in Downtown Saint Petersburg against the Ottawa Fury FC. The Rowdies got off to a strong start once again with crisp passing and a dominant offensive performance for the first 25 minutes of the first half before Ottawa finally got their legs and started to press the Rowdies. The Fury were denied by the Rowdies and goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald, who made three beautiful point blank saves to keep the score 0-0 going into half time. In total, the Rowdies controlled possession 70 percent of the time in the first half.

“It was a great result again with another clean sheet,” Fitzgerald said. “The chances (Ottawa had) were from distance, things I’m expected to do well with. I’m glad I was able to help the guys out. The guys in front of me battled really hard. We knew it was going to be a tough game.”

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

Midfielder Joe Cole was once again outstanding leading the Rowdies with picture perfect passing to both sides of the pitch. The 35 year old formr EPL star is really making an impact and is a pleasure watching from the sidelines. He might not be scoring every game but he setting up his team mates for opportunities and pulling defenders to him which is opening up the field.

After the half time break, the Rowdies started strong again and were able to capitalize on a run down the left flank and a cross by Bodden got deflected by the Fury. Georgi Hristov then flicked the ball past Ottawa’s goaltender Callum Irving, who came out to challenge for the cross.

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

Ottawa pushed hard for the equalizer and had two more glorious opportunities, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The game was chip and tightly defended by both clubs and the yellow cards came out often in the second half with Cambell and Obasi receiving one each for Ottawa and King getting one for the Rowdies.

The fan base and Ralph’s Mob was out once again in full force at Al Lang Stadium and are making an impact.

Fury Head Coach, Paul Dalglish stated:

“We gave absolutely everything. This is probably the hardest place to play in the USL and we gave absolutely everything. We have to take positives from coming here and although they had most of the possession they didn’t really hurt us.”

The Rowdies after starting 3-0 at home now go on the road for their next two at Louisville City FC next Saturday and then FC Cincinnati on the following Wednesday. The Rowdies then return home versus the Charleston Battery on April 22^nd.

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

TRAVIS FAILEY PHOTO

photo by JORDAN RAIFF

Tampa Bay Rowdies
NO.	NAME
50Akira Fitzgerald
3Neill Collins
14Luke Boden
31Damion Lowe
2Darnell King 51′ YELLOW
10Georgi Hristov 47′ GOAL
4Marcel Schäfer
32Martin Vingaard
23Michael Nanchoff 85′7 Darwin Jones
26Joe Cole 90’+1′13 Justin Chavez
8Deshorn Brown
SUBSTITUTES
17Tamika Mkandawire
18Matt Pickens
90Kyle Porter
9Alex Morrell
15Zac Portillos

Ottawa Fury FC
NO.	NAME
1Callum Irving
3Edson Edward
14Onua Obasi 83′ YELLOW
4Ramon Martin Del Campo
10Gerardo Bruna
25Lance Rozeboom
12Andrae Campbell 50′ YELLOW
2Jonathan Barden 64′7 Ryan Williams
8Steevan dos Santos
22Jamar Dixon 78′24 Jimmy Jimmy Sanon
11Jose Seoane 59′18 Tucker Hume
SUBSTITUTES
59Aron Mkungilwa
23Andrew Macrae
26Thomas Meilleur Giguére
28Sergio Manesio