March 3, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
The Tampa Bay Rowdies finished the preseason on a high note on Friday night, besting the University of South Florida’s men’s soccer 3-1. Friday’s result matched the scoreline from Tampa Bay’s road win last Saturday against South Georgia Tormenta FC.
“This was a very good test from USF,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “They pressed us high, so it was a real high tempo game and I thought at times we looked very good. As you’d imagine, there’s always things we’d like to improve, but that’s part and parcel at this stage of the season. Overall, two very positive performances to finish the preseason with.”
Tampa Bay wasted little time in pulling ahead of USF. In the 7th minute, a well-placed free kick from Lewis Hilton teed center back Forrest Lasso up for a header into the back of the net. Hilton and Lasso have now combined for three goals this preseason.
Rowdies newcomer JJ Williams doubled the lead in the 35th minute. Forward Cal Jennings initiated the scoring sequence with a shot from outside the box to force the keeper to make a save. Williams was ready and waiting to smash home the rebound for his third goal of the preseason.
Another newcomer to the Rowdies found a third goal late in the match. In the 85th minute, Ariel Martinez shook off a defender in the box before slipping a curling strike into the bottom left corner. Martinez finishes the preseason with two goals under his belt.
“Last week against Tormenta particularly looked like a Rowdies performance,” said Collins. “Tonight we saw real glimpses of that as well. I’ve been through so many preseasons as a coach and a player. I’ve seen wins, tough loses, and then come the start of the season it all doesn’t mean an awful lot. But from performance to performance, we’ve seen enough that I’m sure if we keep building on those we’ll be standing in good stead for the regular season.”
The Rowdies are now set for their USL Championship season opener next Saturday, March 11 at Al Lang Stadium against Indy Eleven. Tickets for the match are available at rowdiessoccer.com/tickets or by calling the sales office during normal business hours at 727-222-2000.
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