TAMPA – It was a rare trip to the other side of the bay for the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday and it resulted in a successful finish to preseason as they defeated the University of Tampa 3-1 at Pepin Stadium.
The Spartans held out well for the opening moments of the match but in the 21st minute the defense finally cracked. A cross from Dayonn Harris found Leo Fernandes who headed it home past the keeper for the opening goal thanks to a perfect ball to his head.
Fernandes turned provider 10 minutes later as he cut inside from the left of the box and squared the ball for Sebastian Guenzatti to finish at the near post and double the lead.
Four minutes later the University of Tampa pulled one back to keep the match interesting thanks to a slight defensive break down. The UT offense made a strong run through the middle of the park and slot past the keeper, just out of reach to the bottom right, making it 2-1 at half-time.
Seven minutes in to the second half the Rowdies found their third from a corner with a perfectly delivered set piece. Conner Antley did well to earn the corner which allowed Lewis Hilton to find Forrest Lasso whose shot took a deflection before hitting the back of the net.
That result kept the Rowdies perfect record against lower division teams this preseason, despite struggling against MLS opposition. The season will open the season at home against Charlotte Independence on Saturday night.
Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Florida Soccer Report 
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