ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (October 17, 2016) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ epic comeback in Miami kept the Rowdies within touching distance of the playoffs with just two weeks to go in the regular season. Weekend wins by Minnesota United FC and Rayo OKC moved those teams three points ahead of the Rowdies in the Combined Standings, but the Rowdies can make it a three-way tie with a win Wednesday night against the Indy Eleven.
Miami FC 2 – 2 Tampa Bay Rowdies
Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium, Miami
Jaime Chavez scored a Goal of the Year candidate on the Rowdies in the first half, volleying a rocket past Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Kwadwo Poku doubled the lead soon after, but the Rowdies fought back for a vital point with goals from Georgi Hristov and Juan Guerra.
Minnesota United FC 3 – 1 FC Edmonton
NSC Stadium, Blaine, Minn.
Albert Watson put the Eddies up 1-0 on the road in Minnesota, but a pair of goals from Christian Ramirez erased the deficit and Stefano Pinho added another goal late to seal the points.
Rayo OKC 3 – 1 Ottawa Fury FC
Miller Stadium, Yukon, Okla.
Giuseppe Gentile gave the visitors a lead in the 28th minute, but Michel equalized in the 36th minute. Billy Forbes put OKC ahead just after the hour mark and Michel added another late to finish off the win.
Jacksonville Armada FC 2 – 4 New York Cosmos
Community First Park, Jacksonville, Fla.
After the Cosmos held a halftime lead, the Armada rallied to take a 2-1 lead in the 79th minute. In the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time, Jacksonville had Alhassane Keita sent off and conceded three goals. New York clinched the Fall Season this weekend.
Indy Eleven 3 – 0 Carolina RailHawks
Michael A. Carroll Stadium, Indianapolis
Justin Braun scored with one of the final kicks of the first half and the Eleven cruised to another home win with goals from Nicki Paterson and Souleymane Youla in the second half. Youla was shown a red card late in the match and is suspended for Wednesday’s match against the Rowdies.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2 – 0 Puerto Rico FC
Central Broward Park, Lauderhill, Fla.
Geison Moura and Jose Angulo scored goals late as the Strikers picked up an important home win over visiting PRFC.
