ST. PETERSBURG – After a tight first half the Tampa Bay Rowdies opened up in the second, scoring three goals to claim a 3-0 win over Charlotte Independence at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night.
In the 58th minute the Rowdies hit the lead thanks to a penalty, Sebastian Guenzatti scoring the first goal of the season from the spot. The chance came after heavy contact on the box when the ball was cut back to Laurence Wyke who got hit by a late boot.
With 13 minutes to play the lead doubled, effectively wrapping up the match. Lewis Hilton swung the ball into the box from a free kick, which he headed on to a waiting Forrest Lasso who headed it to Guenzatti to get his brace.
Two minutes later he turned provider, setting up Leo Fernandes at the top of the box, allowing Fernandes to poke it past the keeper to wrap up the big win.
“You can end up being a little flat. It took a little bit of the anxiety away to get that first goal and Charlotte had to change their game plan. First game – win, lose or draw you know you’re going to come away thinking there’s lots to work on. I’m just glad we got the result. We move on and we learn the same lessons without having dropped 3 points.”
Neill Collins, Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach
The first half was a different story, a golden opportunity came in the 19th minute from Laurence Wyke whose shot was well saved by Brandon Miller. The move started all because of a great Jordan Scarlett long ball down to the corner which had the Charlotte defense scrambling.
Just after the half hour Charlotte had its best chance of the opening half. Christian Dean and Irwin Parra linked up well on the edge of the box to create space for an opportunity but Parra’s shot from distance was too easily cleared by the Rowdies.
Photo: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Florida Soccer Report 
One thought on “Guenzatti brace sees Rowdies win season opener”