Weak Second Half Costs Rowdies

Posted byChris HockmanPosted inTampa Bay Rowdies, USL ChampionshipTags:, , , ,

ST. PETERSBURG – Taking a 2-0 lead into the second half, it seemed the Tampa Bay Rowdies would cruise to a victory over North Carolina FC at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night. But the visitors stunned the 100 home fans in the stadium, coming back for a surprising 2-2 draw.

After a two-hour weather delay, the Rowdies started well, opening the scoring after just seven minutes. Yet again, Leo Fernandes was involved. He got space and was able to volley across the face of goal and found Sebastian Guenzatti, who had a simple finish.

In the 22nd minute, Fernandes became the scorer. With a free-kick just outside the box, Fernandes unleashed. He hit it through a sea of bodies and into the net for his third this season.

Tampa Bay continued to control proceedings for the first half. Still, after the break, it was a very different story as NCFC came out determined. That began with controlling possession. In the 56th minute, the possession told. After a Lucky Mkosana giveaway, Dre Fortune bounced, burying the goal to put his side in it.

Much like last week, where a defensive error against Atlanta saw the Rowdies redouble its defense, the defense took notice again. They were determined to hold out the visitors. That saw the lead, while halved, seemingly looking comfortable despite how much possession the former Railhawks had.

READ MORE: Late Fernandez Goal Sends Rowdies Past 10-Man Atlanta

All of North Carolina’s huffing and puffing finally blew the house down with seven minutes to play. Robert Kristo managed to head home the equalizer and break hearts in St. Petersburg.

For the Rowdies, the draw is the first points dropped of the season and still has them top of the group. Yet the result highlights what last-week may have papered over. Despite being July, it’s only the second game of this restarted season, Tampa Bay is still rusty, and it looked like it. The form that made for a playoff run last year showed glimpses, and with a shortened season, will need to come back quickly.

PHOTO: Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published by Chris Hockman

Chris is originally from Australia and moved to Texas in 2010. He has been a sports journalist and commentator for over 20 years. If it's a sport Chris has covered it and he's covered sports on every continent. Chris currently specializes in cricket, para sport and soccer but is always open to covering other. His notable work includes the NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer championships commentary and hosting for NCAA, every Paralympic Games since 2004 and FIFA Men's World Cup coverage for Fox Sports.

One thought on “Weak Second Half Costs Rowdies”

  1. Pingback: Tampa Bay Rowdies Come From Behind to Stay Undefeated – Florida Soccer Report

Leave a comment

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started