News

The final week of the preseason began Monday morning as the Rowdies worked for more than two hours with a training session at Shimberg Fields.

With two preseason matches remaining in the Rowdies Rush, head coach Ricky Hill says the team is excited for the start of the regular season.

“We are anxious for the preseason to be over,” said Hill. “The season is fast approaching and we have two more preseason games to work on a few things. We need to keep building on the continuity of the side, our pattern of play and a few other important areas.”

“We had a very tough and intense session this morning after the weekend,” said Rowdies midfielder Stuart Campbell. “It is preseason so we are still working towards the first game at Puerto Rico and to improve our fitness.”

Campbell said that the players have April 7 circled on their calendars.

“Any soccer player will tell you that he can’t wait for the start of the season,” said Campbell. “The preseason is one of the hardest and least enjoyable times, with the build-up to the season and all of the physical work and the conditioning. But we all know we have to do that and the big thing is to get as fit and ready for the first game of the regular season.”

The Rowdies Rush Preseason Tour continues this Wednesday, March 28th, as Tampa Bay faces Saint Leo University at 7:00 p.m., presented by United World Soccer. The game will be played at the Countryside Sportsplex in Clearwater. The address of the complex is 3060 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL 33761. Admission is $2 per person for adults and children.

Following Wednesday’s match, the Rowdies close their preseason slate this Saturday, March 31 against their NASL rivals, the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. The match will be played at the FYSA Auburndale Complex (2828 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL 33823) and kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

“These games are still important for us to make sure we are collectively organized,” said Hill. “Our execution in the final third also still leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. We have put ourselves in good position and have had good opportunities, but have come away with nothing. We have to do better in that area.”

Tickets for the 2012 Rowdies season are on sale now. Call the ticket office at 813-287-1539 for more information or email tickets@rowdiessoccer.com.