MIAMI — The Tampa Bay Rowdies slide has continued as Miami FC managed a 2-1 win in the Florida Derby at FIU Stadium on Saturday night, the third straight loss for the Rowdies.
Neil Collins made heavy changes coming into the match, including benching captain Sebastian Guenzatti allowing Forrest Lasso to lead the side.
Miami opened the scoring early. It all came thanks to a poor pass from Conner Antley in the defensive third allowing Ariel Martinez to run into the left of the box. That forced Evan Louro to try and close down space but Martinez sent it past him. Lasso tried to clear the ball off the line but his effort was futile.
In the 34th minute, Miami doubled its lead as Pierre Da Silva made a long run into the corner and then crossed for Othello Bah who powered it home.
The Rowdies had a chance late after they found a goal to get back into the match. Sebastian Dalgaard sent in a long cross into the box that Leo Fernandes chested down before slamming the ball into the net off a half volley.
Tampa Bay could have been on level terms three minutes after the opening goal. Laurence Wyke made a long run into the box and beat the keeper. His shot seemed destined for the back of the net but could only find the post.
In the second half Collins rung the changes, bringing on Guenzatti, Yann Ekra, and Sebastian Dalgaard. Guenzatti and Dalgaard were vital as they combined for a chance in the 55th minute as Dalgaard found Guenzatti who hit a diving header but it was denied by a strong Connor Sparrow save.
The loss is the Rowdies’ third straight while the win was Miami’s third straight. This result has tightened up the top of the Atlantic Division. While Tampa Bay is still top, it’s now level with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on 24 points with Miami just one point behind. That said there’s still plenty of distance between that trio and Charlotte Independence, eight points clear of missing out of the playoffs.
Photo courtesy Miami FC
Florida Soccer Report 