ST. PETERSBURG – After a week with two road matches that saw the Tampa Bay Rowdies have their first loss of the season the Rowdies return to Al Lang Stadium on Friday to take on Loudoun United, who will have one advantage, rest, having not played since last Wednesday.
Loudoun also comes into the match off a loss, falling 3-2 to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at home. Most crucially the loss included an own goal, with Wahab Ackwei putting it past his own keeper, showing that some defensive frailty could be exposed.
Possession was one area that was definitely not an issue for Loudoun in its last match as the team managed 60.8 percent possession and actually won the duels. One weakness in that possession was in the air, they struggled to win those aerial battles, which will give the Rowdies strong opportunities to control possession.
Despite controlling possession Loudoun struggled to keep the ball, giving away 17 interceptions, worryingly most of those happened in their defensive half, including one on the edge of the area.
The crossing will likely be how Loudoun will attack, with a 30 percent accuracy on crosses much better than Pittsburgh’s 17.6 percent. The Rowdies should look to cut those out and send the ball back down the field.
Shooting accuracy of 33.3 percent was helped by the fact that Loudoun waited until the ball was in the box to shoot, a sign that they’re patient but the Rowdies could also avoid stressing about efforts from distance.
Tackling from both teams last week was poor, Loudoun fared better but not by much only managing 50 percent tackling accuracy which should allow the Rowdies plenty of chances.
While it’s not a certain victory for Tampa Bay they are certainly capable of winning but will need to play better than they did in their loss on Saturday.
Photo Loudoun United
Florida Soccer Report 