HARTFORD, Conn. – Sebastian Guenzatti scored a first-half goal to get the Tampa Bay Rowdies back in the winner’s circle with a 1-0 win over Hartford Athletic at Dillon Stadium on Saturday night.
The captain scored the lone goal of the match in the 33rd minute, cleaning up Leo Fernandes’ rebound. Sebastian Dalgaard had sent the ball in for Fernandes who hit an impressive volley that only found the post, the Athletic defense couldn’t deal with it and Guenzatti popped up to stab it home.
Things could have been different if Hartford took advantage of its early chances. 11 minutes in Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. was given space but denied by a good save from Evan Louro. That continued a worrying trend recently for the Rowdies where the defense has struggled early.
A back pass nearly put the hosts in front as Forrest Lasso misjudged his ball back to Louro forcing his keeper to rush back to clear the ball off the line.
Zach Steinberger thought he gave his side the lead just moments before the actual winner. He headed home Lewis Hilton’s cross but got the space and height by committing a foul at the far post.
“The players really stood up to be counted,” said Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “We only had four outfield players on the bench tonight as well. Hats off to the lads. I don’t know if I’ve ever been prouder of the players. And I’m proud of them pretty much 95 percent of the time. Tonight was just a lot of heart, a lot of character.”
It could have been a brace for Guenzatti four minutes after the break. A perfectly floated cross found the captain whose header was on target but right at the keeper.
A clumsy challenge from Aaron Guillen allowed Hartford back into the match as it allowed Obregon to take a penalty but he launched it well over the bar.
In the 66th minute, Dayon Harris thought he had scored his first Rowdies goal after a perfect ball from Leo Fernandes. But that goal was disallowed for offside after Harris’ run was just too quick.
Honestly, the Rowdies were rarely troubled and despite the tight score leading to the tension, they cruised to the much-needed win.
Photo courtesy Tampa Bay Rowdies
Florida Soccer Report 