May 21, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Rowdies notched three goals against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday night to record a 3-1 win in front of their home supporters at Al Lang Stadium. It’s the second straight match in which the Rowdies pushed past an early concession to rally for several goals and claim victory.
Alex Dixon got the visitors on the scoresheet first in the 10th minute when a low strike took a fortunate deflection off of center back Aaron Guillen to catch Rowdies keeper CJ Cochran going the wrong direction.
Tampa Bay steadily grew into the match as the first half wore on, though. Leo Fernandes was denied by keeper Jahmali Waite in the 16th minute, which was soon followed by a Steevan Dos Santos header that sailed just an inch or two wide right of goal.
The Rowdies found their equalizer off a set piece opportunity in the 36th minute. Lewis Hilton played a short corner kick to Jake Areman, who then played it back for Sebastian Dalgaard. The Rowdies wingback then played the back to Hilton who lifted his first touch from the sideline all the way to far post. Laurence Wyke managed to keep the ball alive and it back in front of goal for Jake LaCava to strip the ball off a defender and poke into the back of the net.
Fernandes helped the Rowdies break the deadlock just before the hour mark. Lewis Hilton freed Fernandes into the box with a nifty turn and pass into an open area, but Fernandes still had to work to do, shouldering off his defender before deftly chipping the ball past Waite.
Lucky Mkosana ended the night on an emphatic note deep into stoppage time. Mkosana perfectly controlled a long ball over the top from Laurence Wyke and then bodied his mark off the ball before blasting a half volley into the goal and sealing the victory.
The Rowdies next take the field against Louisville City FC on Saturday, June 4 at Al Lang Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets to the match here…