September 6, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
After taking last week off, the Tampa Bay Rowdies resume league play with a trip out west to face off against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The Rowdies remain third in the Eastern Conference standings heading into Matchday 26 of the USL Championship season, still aiming to gain ground on first place Louisville City and second place Charleston Battery with nine games left to play in the regular season.
Saturday kicks off a busy week for the Rowdies, who will head to Alabama for a showdown with Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday before returning to Al Lang Stadium to battle Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC next Saturday. A string of good results this week could potentially lock up a playoff berth for the Rowdies and put them in good position to secure a home playoff game in the first round.
“This week is really important,” said Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson. “Having last week off has given a few guys a chance to get fit… Colorado have had some really good results recently and they have had really good form at home. We know going there is going to be tough, but we feel we’ve had a good run of form ourselves. We just want to continue doing the right things, keep working hard, keep playing our game and hopefully take the three points up there.”
Back in Action
Last week, the Rowdies took a break from league action and training. Per the CBA between the USL Championship and the USL Players Association, each team is required to allow players one week off during the season for a mental health break. Tampa Bay’s break came just as the squad headed into the final stretch of the season with a playoff spot in their sights.
“The break was huge for us,” said midfielder Blake Bodily. “It’s been a long season and we had a busy week just before the break. It was huge for us to get a reset and just take a break and refresh our legs a little bit. After a few days back in training we’re looking sharp and ready to go for this final stretch of the season.”
Adjusting to the Altitude
Saturday will be just the second time the Rowdies have traveled to Colorado to face Switchbacks FC. In their first trip back in 2022, Colorado Springs claimed all three points in a 1-0 result. One of the unique challenges of playing at Colorado Springs’ Weidner Field is adjusting to the altitude. Colorado Springs is a little over 6,000 feet above sea level, which is far from the norm for the Rowdies whose home venue…