ST. PETERSBURG – For the first time in the modern era the Tampa Bay Rowdies have managed a perfect 4-0 start to the season after defeating Miami FC 2-1 at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night.
The hosts opened the scoring after 12 minutes when Lewis Hilton found a wide-open Steevan Dos Santos allowing him to flick the ball with a glancing header past the keeper. That gave Dos Santos his third goal on the season, lifting him up the golden boot standings.
That sparked Miami into action and in the 38th minute, the derby was on level terms thanks to Billy Forbes. The Turks and Caicos international made a run down the right-wing and then shot from the edge of the box, taking a slight deflection off Aaron Guillen, and going in off the underside of the crossbar.
It took some time, but the Rowdies got the winner in the 78th minute. The goal had been coming as Tampa Bay pressured and again Dos Santos was involved, sending a ball into the box which came off Sean McFarlane’s arm. That allowed Sebastian Guenzatti to step up and hit it from the spot to seal the three points.
Miami could have pulled a goal back in the 25th minute when Forbes stole possession before Ariel Martinez sent the ball in for Lamar walker who shot just wide. Moments later Martinez had a chance of his own that was well saved by Evan Louro.
If not for Callum Chapman the Rowdies could have started the second half perfectly, he was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the line on Lewis Hilton’s shot.
The visitors worked hard to try and find a late equalizer but the Tampa Bay defense held firm, despite losing Dos Santos late in the match due to injury. The extent of that injury is yet to be revealed but the Rowdies will be hoping for a short absence.
Photo courtesy Tampa Bay Rowdies
Florida Soccer Report 