Rowdies Rebound from Slow Start to Remain Undefeated

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rowdies overcame the weather and a quick start from the winless Miami FC to earn a draw and remain undefeated.

Miami’s early start came in the 7th minute on a counterattack as Prince Saydee held off multiple defenders to send the ball to Sebastian Velasquez, who made a quick cut back and rifled a shot past a diving Evan Louro.

The Rowdies struggled to mount any kind of attack throughout the first half; however, halftime adjustments seemed to right the ship. Quicker ball movement and the counterattack appeared to come alive as the
Rowdies started to mount scoring opportunities.

Lucky Mkosana’s header off a service by Malik Johnson evened the match in the 59th minute. Despite several opportunities by the Rowdies in the second half, Miami’s keeper, Bryant Gammiero, came up with big
saves to preserve the tie. The Rowdies finished with an 11-4 edge in
shots.

Unlike the first half, play intensified on both sides in the second half as Miami FC ended with 4-yellow cards verses 1-yellow for the home team.

Tampa Bay (5-0-3, 18 points) continues to lead Group H with a seven-point cushion over Charleston. The top two in each group qualify for the postseason.
** Next up for Tampa Bay is Atlanta United 2 on Saturday 08/22/2020.