ST. PETERSBURG – A strong first-half performance was enough to get the Tampa Bay Rowdies 2021 off to a perfect start as they beat South Georgia Tormenta 2-1 at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night.
Goals to Sebastian Guenzatti and Jordan Abedayo-Smith proved enough for Tampa Bay to get the win and hold off a late-charging Tormenta. The from Abedayo-Smith came only 15 days after his signing was announced, getting his career in green and gold off to a perfect start.
Genzatti scored the opener on the half-hour mark, after receiving a pass from Abedayo-Smith he got around his defender and shot it past the keeper.
Not even five minutes later the Rowdies lead was doubled as the new forward signing was able to run onto the ball and bury it with his first-touch, putting Tampa Bay firmly in charge of the match.
The torrent of goals continued in the 38th minute as South Georgia pulled one back. That goal came as the result of miscommunication in the box and Marco Micaletto capitalized to keep the Ibis’ in the match.
Goalkeeper Evan Louro was key for the green and gold throughout the match, just one minute before the opener he made a strong save before launching the counter. In the second-half he was on his toes to keep the lead intact.
Tormenta made eight changes late in the match which gave them an edge on fitness but it was the Rowdies who had better chances. Juan Tejada was especially dangerous in the final minutes, getting two chances late but couldn’t capitalize.
Despite the closeness of the final score the Rowdies always maintained some measure of control in the match and were good value for the win. Tampa Bay’s next match will come on Saturday the 27th against Inter Miami CF.
Photo: Lincoln City FC
Florida Soccer Report 