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The Basics
Rowdies 2012 Preseason Rush Tour

Preseason match vs. University of Tampa (hosted by Azalea Youth Soccer League)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Walter Fuller Complex - 2800 75th St. N, St Petersburg 33710

Admission: Free of charge

Roster
The Rowdies will have 13 signed players available for Wednesday’s match, as well as 11 trialists.

Last Time Out
The Rowdies outscored Eckerd College last Saturday 3-0 in an exhibition match hosted by the Chargers Soccer Club at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. Luke Mulholland opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a great assist from midfielder Keith Savage. Trialist Zach Hofstetter extended the lead in the 65th minute after an assist from Daniel Gray. Gray then closed the scoring after a nice pass from Draymond Washington in the 68th minute. Head Coach Ricky Hill was happy with the team’s performance as the Rowdies were able to control possession of the ball and outshoot the Tritons 15-5.

Brotherly Love
Rowdies forward Matt Clare will see a familiar face on the pitch Wednesday night when the Rowdies face the University of Tampa. Spartans defender Andrew Clare is the younger brother of Matt and the two are excited for the preseason matchup.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Matt. “It’s the first time I’ve ever gotten to really competitively play against him and we’ve been talking all week. He’s kind of been trying to talk trash to me, telling me how he’s going to put me in his pocket. But I don’t think it’s going to happen so it should be a fun competition.”

It is no surprise that the Clare boys are soccer players. Their father, John Clare, played professionally for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the original NASL as well as in pro leagues overseas.

Scouting UT
The Spartans, coached by eight-year head coach Adrian Bush, are led by midfielder Dominic Cutrofello, who was second on the team with five goals last season. Defender Brian Fekete also returns after a successful 2011 season where his three assists were tied for most on the team. Goalkeeper David Niepel posted a 1.84 GAA average last year as well as 48 saves in his 12 games as a starter.

Quotable
Rowdies Head Coach Ricky Hill on the match:
“We are looking forward to playing UT. They are a well coached unit and organized. I know head coach Adrian Bush always has his teams well prepared. I would again expect us to have a very hard, tough workout; it’s just our second game for the side in terms of the conditioning. I know teams always show up to put their best foot forward against the Rowdies so we are anticipating a tough game.”

Up Next
On Saturday, March 17, Florida Gulf Coast University will host the Rowdies at the FGCU Soccer Complex in Ft. Myers, with the match starting at 2:00 p.m. The Eagles had a successful season in 2011 as they won both the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season and postseason titles. The FGCU Soccer Complex is on the university’s campus, and the address is 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33965. Admission is free.