Rowdies Fall to Switchbacks 1-0

August 21, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release

For the second straight week, the Tampa Bay Rowdies found themselves on the losing end of a 1-0 result. On Saturday night, a second-half strike from Colorado Springs Switchback FC’s Jairo Henriquez handed the Rowdies a defeat at Weidner Field.

The night ended with protestations from the Rowdies over a missed handball in the Colorado Springs’ box, but Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins was more concerned with his side’s performance for the 90 minutes prior to that moment.

“I was disappointed with the call at the end but not as disappointed as I was with our performance tonight,” said Collins. “A clear penalty. Referee’s missed that call, but the performance leading up to it reflects the result that we ended with.”

Tampa Bay had the one and only look at goal for either team in the first half. In the 37th minute, midfielder Lewis Hilton intercepted the ball and played a pass forward for Leo Fernandes, who weaved his way past a couple defenders to get inside the box. Keeper Jeff Caldwell read the play well, though, and was able to come off his line and shut down Fernandes’ angle.

Colorado Springs began to find more pockets to strike in the attacking third in the second half. Rowdies keeper CJ Cochran made his first save of the night in the 51st minute, bringing down a tame long distance strike by Elvis Amoh. Cochran came up with another massive stop nine minutes later as he stretched out to his right to stymie Henriquez. Hadi Barry was in position for the rebound but lifted his attempt into the stands.

The Rowdies were less fortunate on Colorado Springs’ next rebound opportunity. In the 66th minute, Michee Ngaline forced Cochran into another diving save, with the rebound falling for an on-running Henriquez. Cochran managed to get his hand on Henriquez’s effort, but it was not enough to keep it from slipping across the line.

“A fantastic save from CJ. I thought he was one of maybe one of the only players that got passing marks tonight. I’m sure from Colorado Springs’ point of view they’ll be pleased with it, but from our point of view it was very poor defending on two or three accounts.. This was not a performance that reflects what this team has been.”

Shortly before the opening goal, the Rowdies inserted attackers Steevan Dos Santos and Jake LaCava off the bench. Eventually, forward Lucky Mkosana would join them in the 81st minute. None of the changes amounted to many…