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The Basics
2012 Rowdies Rush Preseason Tour

Preseason match vs. University of Central Florida

Hosted by Tampa Bay United North

Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Ed Radice Complex (14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa, FL 33626)

Admission: Free of charge

Roster
The Rowdies will have 15 signed players available for Wednesday’s match, as well as nine trialists.

Last Time Out
The Rowdies visited Florida Gulf Coast University for their third match of the Rowdies Rush 2012 Preseason Tour last Saturday afternoon and came away with a 1-0 victory at the FGCU Soccer Complex in Fort Myers.

The Rowdies dominated in the first half and in the 45th minute, midfielder Keith Savage gave the Rowdies a 1-0 lead with a beautiful left footed shot bent into the top corner from about 20 yards out. Savage scored his first goal of the preseason for the lone score and the Rowdies posted their third consecutive shutout while remaining unbeaten in the 2012 preseason.

Scouting UCF
The Knights finished their 2011 season with a record of 12-6-3, which granted them a spot in the NCAA Tournament. UCF reached the second round of the tournament before falling in overtime to USF. The Knights are coached by Bryan Cunningham, who is entering his sixth year with UCF. Cunningham has helped the Knights reach the second round of the NCAA Championship in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

UCF is led by defender Andrew Quintana, who led the team with 1,983 minutes and played in all 21 games as a starter last season. He was one of the main reasons the Knights allowed just 23 goals in 21 games last season. At midfield, Nik Robson played in all 21 games with 17 starts and recorded nine goals and six assists. As a sophomore, forward McKauly Tulloch recorded 15 goals and four assists in his 17 appearances in the 2011 season.

Last Meeting
Tampa Bay posted its second shutout of the 2011 preseason as it rolled to a 3-0 victory over the University of Central Florida on March 27, 2011 at the UCF Soccer Complex.

Quotable
Rowdies Head Coach Ricky Hill
“We had a tough match against UCF last March and look forward to facing them again. They had an excellent season last year and this will be a very good test for our team at this point in the preseason.

Up Next
The 2012 Rowdies Rush Preseason Tour continues this Saturday, March 24th at 7:30 p.m., when the Rowdies visit the USF Bulls. The Bulls finished last season ranked seventh in the nation and reached the NCAA Elite Eight. The exhibition match will be played at USF Corbett Soccer Stadium located on USF’s campus. The address is 11899 Bull Run Drive Tampa, FL 33620.

Admission: Tickets in advance are $5 via www.ticketmaster.com and $7 general admission day of the game. Seatback chairs are $8 in advance, $10 day of the game.

Pre-Game Kids Clinic: There will be a youth clinic prior to the game from 6-7 p.m., featuring former Tampa Bay Rowdies as well as USF coaches and players. $10 general admission ticket and pre-game clinic for kids ages 7-13. To purchase in advance call 813-974-8937.