Miami and Pittsburgh can’t be split

PITTSBURGH – Miami FC came from behind to bring a point back to Florida after a goal late in the first half saw Miami manage a 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night.

It only took nine minutes for the Riverhounds to open the scoring as Russell Cicerone had the ball in the back of the net. The goal came largely thanks to the work of Alex Dixon whose run on the left allowed him to cross in for Cicerone who duly put it away.

Miami fought but took until the final 15 minutes of the half to start to threaten their opponents’ goal. In stoppage time the pressure told as Christiano Francois used his speed to get on the end of a through-ball. He beat his defender and then shot across the face into the back of the net to give his side a perfect spark into the break.

Highlights – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC v Miami FC – USL Championship – June 12 2021

Both goals could have been avoided as just moments before the eventual goal scorer went very close to getting the goal, sending a warning that was not heeded by their opponent. Cicerone was just beaten to a header by Connor Sparrow. While before Miami’s goal a shot went agonizingly over the bar.

Miami again shot over the bar early in the second half but from then on it was Pittsburgh who looked the more likely side. They really took it to Miami around the hour mark, despite that they struggled to make that possession count with Sparrow doing well in the Miami net.

The visitors’ defense learned their lessons from the opening goal and stood firm to deny Pittsburgh and take what could be a valuable point when the season shakes out.

Photo courtesy The Miami FC

Rowdies use late winner to clinch comeback win

ST. PETERSBURG – It took until the 85th minute but the Tampa Bay Rowdies returned to winning form with a come from behind 2-1 win over Loudoun United FC at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night.

A defensive mistake gave the visitors the lead in the fourth minute. Robert Dambrot was left unmarked in the box allowing Darluis Pax to send the ball in for the right, finding Dambrot for an easy finish. The goal finished an opportunistic attack down the right side, catching the Rowdies flat in the early stages of the match.

Highlights – Tampa Bay Rowdies v Loudoun United FC – USL Championship – June 11 2021

Tampa Bay fought back and in the 34th minute had the equalizer as Sebastian Guenzatti took advantage of a rebound. Leo Fernandes’ shot was well saved by Keegan Meyer but the rebound fell to Connery Antley who cut it back for his captain to pull his side back on level terms going into halftime.

The second half saw the hosts push trying to find the winner but it wasn’t until the final five minutes that the winner came. A Fernandes corner pinged around in the box and saw Foster Langsdorf get to the loose ball the quickest and poke it home to send the crowd into raptures.

“That’s what we have to do, grind out results when we’re not at our best,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “It says a lot about our boys that they were able to do that. Frustrated last week that we didn’t come back from a goal behind, so really pleased we did that.”

It could have been more, the Rowdies had chances, especially in the latter stages of the first half but just couldn’t make them count. There could have been a very quick reply in the 16th minute as Fernandes swung in the ball for Jordan Adebayo-Smith but he just couldn’t hit the target. Possession was up in the closing stages but Tampa Bay just couldn’t create enough chances to get a lead at the break.

Collins was right that it wasn’t his side’s best performance. They lost possession, managing just 45.7 percent and just couldn’t find chances, managing just 65.1 percent passing accuracy in Loudoun’s half. They say championship sides get results when not playing at their best and that’s certainly what happened in Saint Petersburg on Friday night.

Photo courtesy Tampa Bay Rowdies

Lionel Messi signs deal with Hard Rock leading to more MLS speculation

MIAMI – The rumor that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will be coming to Major League Soccer will not die and this week fuel was added to the fire as he signed a promotional contract with Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, headquartered in Miami.

The endorsement will have Messi visiting Miami for work much more often than he does right now, add to that the fact that he has a $7 million home in the city, and fans continue to read into things that he will one day join Inter Miami CF.

That is something that owner Jorge Mas hasn’t done anything to silence, making Messi his key target for a long time. Rumors have been flying around in Spain that Messi would sign a contract with Barcelona until 2023 when he’d join Miami before heading back to Barcelona in 2025 in some ambassador role. That would be a significant outlay, but for a club that spent millions over the salary cap to finish outside of the playoffs last year, Miami could manage.

Mas made it clear that Messi is the club’s top target in an interview with the Miami Herald.

“David (Beckham) and I have been working really hard, we have aspirations of bringing the best players here and Leo Messi is a generational player, arguably the best player of all time,” Mas said to the Miami Herald. “I am optimistic Messi will play in an Inter Miami shirt because I think it will complete the legacy of the greatest player in our generation and will meet with the ambitions of the owners of Inter Miami to build a world-class team.”

The financial implication is a big one, he’d likely be on over $70 million per year, which is over 10 times the current highest salary in Major League Soccer. That salary is currently owned by Carlos Vela at Los Angeles FC with $6.3 million.

Messi would certainly cost a lot of money but would be a significant boost for the club on and off the field. The club would certainly make money off of the Messi signing, and would surely bump up ticket prices to capitalize. To facilitate the signing the club would have to move on another star as the league will be watching roster compliance like a hawk.

It’s going to be at least two more years but Inter is definitely very interested which would excite the fans.

Photo Courtesy Hard Rock

Tampa Bay Rowdies v Loudoun United statistical preview

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.

Interceptions given up by Loudoun

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

Miami FC give up a two-goal lead to Toros

MIAMI – Miami FC squandered a good start to give up a two-goal lead and fall to a 4-2 loss to Rio Grande Valley FC at Riccardo Silva Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The first half went perfectly for Miami, opening the scoring in the 15th minute thanks to a corner. Pierre Da Silva stepped up and managed to execute an Olimpico, sending it in without a touch, past Tyler Deric in the Toros net.

Four minutes later the lead was doubled as the Miami FC pressure proved too much. Adonijah Reed ran into the box to try and recover the ball. That put pressure on Cater Manley who took a bad touch and sent the ball past his keeper.

Highlights: Miami FC v Rio Grande Valley FC – USL Championship – June 6 2021

Things completely reversed in the second half and six minutes in RGV had a way back into the match. The ball was swung into the box finding the head of Elvis Amoh who sent it home. Things were even worse after the goal as Miami lost Bolu Akinyode to a red card, making the one-goal lead even more tenuous.

It took a quarter of an hour but the equalizer eventually came. Again it was Amoh who was the goal scorer as he got on the end of a through ball and perfectly placed it past the keeper.

Two minutes later and the lead changed hands as the Toros hit the lead as a defensive mistake allowed the visitors to hit the lead. Callum Chapman-Page and Paco Craig got mixed up and led to deflecting the ball into their own net.

The result was sealed in the sixth minute of stoppage time as Miami went hunting for an equalizer Amoh snuck in and sealed his hat-trick and the 4-2 final score.

Photo courtesy Miami FC

Saint Petersburg Mayoral Candidate Pete Boland proposes Rays and Rowdies split venue

ST. PETERSBURG – Pete Boland hasn’t been a key player in the Saint Petersburg mayoral race, given his experience lies in restaurants and not politics, but he has developed a reputation in the race as the outsider candidate.

In an interview with Bay News 9 on Friday, he spoke about his plans for the city to try and appeal to voters and get his name out there. Among appealing to his experience in business and trying to appeal to progressive issues despite being a registered Republican, a must in fiercely progressive Saint Pete, he has spoken of one of the biggest hot-button issues in this campaign. A stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.

With the Rays organization also owning the Rowdies any decision made for the Rays will impact the Rowdies and a popular option among many candidates has been one venue for both teams. That may suit the city well but won’t be well-liked by soccer fans. That is the solution that Boland has proposed.

Boland believes that the Rays are bluffing with their proposal for a split season with Montreal, especially since that will not be allowed under the team’s current deal with the city.

The candidate proposes that the city would approve one stadium that houses both the Rays and the Rowdies, a manner similar to New York City FC sharing Yankees Stadium in MLS and MLB.

That NYCFC agreement has had issues, while many USL Championship teams play in minor league baseball stadiums the schedule for those baseball teams is less hectic, and as such it’s easier to accommodate. The MLB schedule has led to some New York City matches moved away from Yankees Stadium, and more to their biggest rivals stadium. In addition, a stadium built to Major League Baseball capacity would be bigger than the Rowdies really need, but luckily since they’re owned by the Rays the rent won’t be an issue, it just might make for a difficult atmosphere for Ralph’s Mob.

In all previous polls conducted by Saint Pete Polls Boland wasn’t an option so falls under the 16 percent “other” option. As such he’s certainly got a lot of work to do if his proposal for the Rowdies will be the final option.

Pride remains top of NWSL after draw

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Orlando Pride was made to work for it but kept their undefeated start to the season going with a 1-1 draw to Washington Spirit at Audi Field on Sunday afternoon.

In the 64th minute, Ashley Hatch opened the scoring for the hosts through a header from Kelley O’Hara’s cross. It was a well-placed cross that Hatch finished perfectly to put Washington 1-0 up and temporarily on the top of the NWSL table.

That lead only lasted three minutes as Orlando quickly equalized with Marta intercepted Aubrey Bledsoe’s throw. With the ball at her feet, she played the ball to Taylor Kornieck who shot across the face past Bledsoe for her first goal of the season.

It was a hard-fought match with the goals not coming until after the hour mark which perhaps showed why this was a top-of-the-table clash.

Highlights – Washington Spirit v Orlando Pride – NWSL – June 6 2021

Goalkeepers starred in the first half with Ashlyn Harris and Bledsloe coming up big for their teams. Harris made a stunning full-stretch save in the 26th minute to keep it scoreless.

Just before the opener there was a good moment for the Pride with Erika Tymrak finally making her return from injury.

With the point, Orlando Pride remains in first place in the NWSL standings heading into next week’s FIFA break. That will see Pride without a match until June 20th when they will host NJ/NY Gotham and commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.

Photo: NWSL

Penalty finally breaks Rowdies streak

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies‘ perfect start to 2021 finally came to an end on Saturday night as a penalty gave Charlotte Independence a 1-0 win at Memorial Stadium.

That penalty came in the 25th minute after a clash between Irvin Parra and Forrest Lasso saw the referee point to the spot. Junior Etou stepped up and shot to the right, just out of the reach of Evan Louro to put the hosts in front.

Highlights: Charlotte Independence v Tampa Bay Rowdies – USL Championship – June 5 2021

Right before halftime there was another penalty for Charlotte but this time it was Parra taking the shot and on this occasion Louro was able to get more of a hand to it, making the save to keep it 1-0.

Tampa Bay fought to get back into the match but with a lead the Independence shut up shop, keeping the Rowdies from really threatening, managing just one shot on target in the match. That left Head Coach Neill Collins frustrated, despite having over 61 percent possession his side couldn’t make an impact.

 “There’s times where you can get beaten one-nil, look back and go you know there were a lot of positives. But I think tonight, when we reflect, there will not be many positives to take away,” the Scottish manager said.

Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins

The Rowdies were perhaps too predictable, too often the attacks came down the left-wing, which made it much easier for Charlotte to stop chances, despite an improvement in crossing success.

After two matches on the road this week Tampa Bay will return to Al Lang to take on Loudon United FC on Friday in front of what is sure to be the largest crowd since 2019.

Photo courtesy Tampa Bay Rowdies

Alex Morgan named NWSL Player of the Month

ORLANDO – Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan has won Player of the Month honors for May in the monthly National Women’s Soccer League Media Association awards. In addition to Morgan, two teammates were named to the team of the month, Phoebe McClernon and Sydney Leroux.

Morgan winning the award wasn’t a huge shock, leading the league in scoring for the month. Morgan scored in all four of Orlando’s matches this month and making league history by scoring in the first four matches of a season.

Not only did Morgan score in every match she also played every minute and two of her goals were game-winning goals. She has been a vital reason the club is off to a 3-0-1 start and sitting top of the league.

Highlights – Orlando Pride v Portland Thorns – NWSL – May 26 2021

Leroux finished third in the player of the month vote, earning team of the month honors for the first time as a member of the Pride. Leroux’s place on the team comes after scoring twice in the four matches to start the season including the winner against Portland Thorns.

It was the first honor won by McClernon who played her first four matches in the league after being drafted by the Pride last year but spending that season on loan in Sweden. In her first four matches in purple, she recorded her first professional assist on the Washington Spirit. Like Morgan, she played every minute so far on the young season.

NWSL Team of the Month – May

Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan (NJNY)

Defenders: Caprice Dydasco (NJNY), Emily Fox (LOU), Phoebe McClernon (ORL), Carson Pickett (NCC)

Midfielders: Debinha (NCC), Crystal Dunn (POR), Jess Fishlock (RGN)

Forwards: Sydney Leroux (ORL), Alex Morgan (ORL), Mallory Pugh (CHI)

Pride is back in action on Sunday when they host Washington Spirit for the second time this season before taking a week to rest.

Photo Orlando Pride

Rowdies confirm best start in club history with New York win

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies have managed five undefeated matches to start the season with a 1-0 win over New York Red Bulls II at Montclair State University on Wednesday night. The win makes it the first time the Rowdies have started a season with five straight wins.

The Rowdies came more into the match as the half went on and in the 32nd minute had the opener. A perfectly executed counter-attack saw Jordan Doherty spring the ball for Jordan Adebayo-Smith who ran on to the ball and sent it home.

Evan Louro was vital in the match managing five saves, controlling the area, and marshaling his defense perfectly to keep the Red Bulls out.

Right before the goal, Tampa Bay was pushing with Sebastian Guenzatti having two opportunities. One was hit too far for him to reach and the second was saved by the keeper.

Jake La Cava was an ever-present threat from NYRBII and three minutes into the second half could have scored if not for Jordan Doherty standing up strong in defense and stealing possession.

Highlights – New York Red Bulls II v Tampa Bay Rowdies – USL Championship – June 2 2021

With a goal deficit to make up New York was constantly on the attack in the second half, taking the bulk of the possession and clear chances but struggled to do much with it. Louro rarely looked truly threatened throughout the match.

The best chances for the hosts came off of set-pieces but Louro and the defense worked hard to keep the ball out. The best opportunity came at the end of regulation when a free-kick from Mandela Egbo was punched clear by the Rowdies netminder. Again late on a chance came with Louro scrambling on the ground but he saved with his foot to keep it 1-0 and give his side its fourth win of the season.

Photo courtesy Tampa Bay Rowdies

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