Neither the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Phoenix Rising FC were interested in building up the hype heading into this weekend’s clash at Al Lang. Both knew it could never be a replacement for what they and the fans lost with last year’s USL Championship Final being called off.
When the whistle blew on Saturday night, though, it was impossible for the players, coaches, and certainly the 2,355 fans in attendance the match to deny the excitement and emotion involved.
“It’s just a great advert for the USL in terms of excitement and quality as well,” said Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach Collins. “I’m so proud of the players that in a moment like tonight they were able to play the same as we want them to every week and not have the occasion overtake. The credit tonight goes to the players as it always does.”
Ultimately, the Rowdies were the ones to prevail, riding a 4th minute own goal forced by Steevan Dos Santos and then a second-half finish from Dos Santos to 2-1 victory. Santi Moar ratcheted up the tension for the final 20 minutes when he took advantage of one of the lone defensive lapses for the Rowdies in the 68th minute and rifled a shot from distance into the net. High anxiety ensued for both sides in the final stages, but the Rowdies never looked rattled by the moment and nullified Phoenix’s rally.
“It had a cup feel because of the uniqueness of the backstory and it was almost played like a cup final,” said Collins. “Those last 20 minutes were played end to end full of passion, energy, emotion. That’s what everyone wants to see. You don’t want to see a soulless stadium, players going through the motions. Both fans will be proud of their teams. It was a different game compared to what we’ve had in the past. We were tested. It was great.”
Phoenix’s Unstoppable Attack Meets Tampa Bay’s Immovable Defense
A majority of the conversation heading into the match was if the Rowdies could slow down or stymie the Phoenix’s attacking firepower. After 90 minutes, the Rowdies seem to have risen to the occasion.
Despite giving up their first goal of the year, it was an otherwise steady performance from the back three. Aaron Guillen in particular did a commendable job holding two-time league MVP Solomon Asante to just one shot on goal. Forrest Lasso continued to dominate in the air, winning 7 aerial duels and powering a header on frame that led to Dos Santos’ rebound opportunity. Jordan Scarlett also had a critical stop, sticking his foot in to clear the ball off Rufat Dadashov in front of goal in the second half. All three center backs combined for 14 clearances in the match.
The back three were also supported by two solid performances from midfielders Laurence Wyke and Hilton, who brought pressure on Phoenix in the midfield and prevented the visitors from establishing their normal flow. Wyke may have had the moment of the match in the 58th minute, sprinting back into the Rowdies box after a giveaway and sliding in from behind to strip Asante of the ball before he could fire a shot on goal.
Phoenix finished the night with 11 total shots, 3 of which were on target. However, just 4 of those attempts were from within the Rowdies’ box. On top of that, the entire Rowdies squad combined to block 7 of Phoenix’s shots. For the most part, Tampa Bay kept Phoenix at bay outside of the dangerous areas.
Dos Santos Stays Hot
Steevan Dos Santos followed up his outstanding showing last week with another strong performance this Saturday.
The Rowdies forward didn’t technically score the opening goal himself, but he definitely caused it by breaking through Phoenix’s back line with a swift turn and sprint toward goal before sending in a cross to the near post that was inadvertently redirected into the net by Phoenix’s Aodhan Quinn. The Cape Verde native then bagged an outright goal for the Rowdies in the second half, cleaning up a rebound opportunity initiated by a header from Forrest Lasso.
Dos Santos has now played pivotal roles in five of the Rowdies 8 goals to start the year. He has scored twice, drawn a penalty, caused an own goal, and helped set up the scoring sequence that led to Leo Fernande’s goal against Charlotte.
“We know that we are one of the teams to beat,” said Dos Santos. “We just have to keep doing what we’ve been doing the last three games. We scored 8 goals and it just goes to show we are on a good path to get better.”
Against Phoenix Dos Santos won 12 duels, blocked 2 shots, made 2 clearances as well as 2 interceptions.
Starting Off on the Right Foot
These first three matches are arguably the best opening three results earned by the Rowdies in the last decade. It’s only the second time the modern era Rowdies have won their first three, though this year’s competition of Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix ranks higher than what the Rowdies faced the last time they did it in 2017. That year, the Rowdies knocked off Orlando City B, Toronto FC II, and Ottawa Fury FC.
This year’s Rowdies still have a ways to go before they can beat or match the longest unbeaten streak to start a season. The 2019 Rowdies hold that record with their 13-match unbeaten run to kick off that campaign.
