News

The Basics:
FC Tampa Bay at Puerto Rico Islanders

Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico

The match can be seen live online at www.fctampabay.com

Records (W-T-L):
FC Tampa Bay: 10-8-8, 38 points
Puerto Rico: 14-7-6, 49 points

2011 Series (W-T-L): 2-1-0
Puerto Rico leads the series with two wins and a draw.

What’s at Stake:
FC Tampa Bay heads to Puerto Rico to take on the Islanders in its final road game of the season. A victory for FCTB would clinch the third seed in the upcoming NASL Playoffs. FC Tampa Bay has already assured itself of a home playoff game in the quarterfinals and will host that match on Saturday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium.

In their first meeting of the season FCTB dropped a 2-0 decision to the Islanders on April 17 at Al Lang Stadium as Islanders forward Jonathan Fana scored both goals for Puerto Rico. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw at JRL Stadium on July 9 with goals from FCTB’s Aaron King and Puerto Rico’s David Foley. On August 20 the Islanders snapped FCTB's team-record four-match winning streak at home in the 2-1 victory with two goals after FCTB forward Mike Ambersley opened the scoring.

Notes:
FC Tampa Bay clinched a home playoff match after earning a point in a 1-1 draw against the NSC Minnesota Stars last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. The Stars scored first in the 54th minute but forward Aaron King responded five minutes later with a low strike off of an Ambersley assist.

FC Tampa Bay is undefeated in four of its last five road matches, including wins in two of the last three. Puerto Rico, which is 1-2-1 (W-T-L) in its last four matches, is the only team in the league to remain undefeated at home. Wednesday's match is the regular season finale for the Islanders.
 
Puerto Rico, which has already qualified for a first round bye in the postseason as the second seed, defeated league-leading Carolina 1-0 Saturday night at JRL Stadium. The goal came from midfielder Petter Villegas in the 57th minute off a cross from midfielder Kevon Villaroel.

Faña, back from international duties with the Dominican Republic national team, leads the team in goals with 11, tied for second in the league. Forward David Foley is ranked tied for third in the league for assists with six. Islanders goalkeeper Ray Burse is credited with 91 saves for the season, tied for fourth in the league.

Up Next:
FC Tampa Bay returns home for its final match of the regular season against Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, September 24. The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets for all home games by calling 813-287-1539 or by clicking here.

2011 NASL Playoffs:
FC Tampa Bay will host a NASL quarterfinal match on Saturday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium. Tickets for all reserved and general admission seats for home playoff games are just $12 in advance. In addition, anyone who renews or purchases new season seats for the 2012 season will receive one FREE playoff ticket to the potential 2011 home semifinal match for every 2012 season ticket purchased. For more information, click here.