MIAMI (October 14, 2016) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies scored two unanswered goals to earn a 2-2 draw in an exciting match at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium on Friday night. Miami got on the board early with a pair of goals by forwards Jaime Chavez and Kwadwo Poku, but the Rowdies would battle back to earn a draw thanks to goals by forward Georgi Hristov and midfielder Juan Guerra.
With the draw, the Rowdies are now tied for fourth place alongside Minnesota and Rayo OKC, with just three games left in the season. The Rowdies also claim the 2016 Coastal Cup, winning it for the first time since 2013.
“I’m very pleased with our performance in the second half,” Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “It was a tough start to the game but credit to our guys for putting in a shift and finding the equalizer. With the final playoff spot up for grabs, this point was very important for us.”
Chavez’s wonderful strike put the home team up 1-0 in the 16th minute. A long ball from midfielder Blake Smith was met by an amazing volley by Chavez, leaving Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens with no chance of making the save.
Miami would double the lead in the 21st minute, with Chavez once again playing a role in the goal. He found a wide open Poku inside the box, who then slid it past Pickens.
The Rowdies cut the lead in 27th minute after midfielder Eric Avila placed a perfect cross into the box finding Hristov. The Bulgarian forward placed his header at the far post out of the reach of goalkeeper Daniel Vega.
The Rowdies dominated most of the second half, creating several chances to tie the match up.
Tampa Bay’s tremendous effort would pay off in the 66th minute, when Guerra smashed in a shot from the top of the 18-yard box. Guerra’s first goal of the season tied the match, with midfielder Joe Cole getting the assist.
“It was great to get the equalizer tonight since I think we played very well after they gained a two-goal lead,” Guerra said. “The team is working hard to get into the playoffs and I think it showed tonight with our effort. Miami is a good team, but we were able to limit their chances, especially in the second half.”
With the score level at 2-2, the Rowdies continued to press for the game-winner, but it was the Miami FC that had the last chance of the match. After a long ball across the Rowdies’ box, Borrajo found a wide open Bernstein, but the defenders header went straight to Pickens.
“I can’t stress it enough, we need the fans there on Wednesday night,” said Campbell. “I know it’s a midweek match but come out and cheer for us as we fight for the final playoff spot. We perform very well at home, and a lot of that has to do with the tremendous support that comes from the stands.”
The Rowdies now host a massive midweek match against Indy Eleven. Kickoff on Wednesday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For tickets call (727)222-2000 or click here.
How to Watch
Stream: ESPN3
Scoring Summary
Miami: Jaime Chavez – 16th minute (assisted by Blake Smith)
Miami: Kwadwo Poku – 21st minute (assisted by Jaime Chavez)
Tampa Bay: Georgi Hristov – 27th minute (assisted by Eric Avila)
Tampa Bay: Juan Guerra – 66th minute (assisted by Joe Cole)
Discipline Summary
Miami: Jaime Chavez – 56th minute
Tampa Bay: PC – 65th minute
Tampa Bay: Carlos Preciado – 83rd minute
Tampa Bay: Tamika Mkandawire – 90th minute
Starting Lineups
Tampa Bay XI (4-2-3-1): GK Matt Pickens; D Darnell King, Tamika Mkandawire (c), Neill Collins, PC; M Juan Guerra, Justin Chavez; M Eric Avila (Michael Nanchoff 89′), Joe Cole (Keith Savage 90′), Martin Vingaard (Carlos Preciado 81′); F Georgi Hristov
Miami FC (3-4-3): GK Daniel Vega; D Hunter Freeman, Rhett Bernstein, Mason Trafford; M Jonathan Borrajo, Wilson Palacios, Jonny Steele (Calvin Rezende 70′), Blake Smith; F Jamie Chavez, Dario Cvitanich (c) (Enzo Rennella 76′), Kwadwo Poku
