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The Rowdies returned to practice at Shimberg Fields Monday morning as the team starts to look ahead to Saturday’s season opener at Puerto Rico.

With the 2012 Rowdies Rush Preseason Tour having concluded this past Saturday, the Rowdies trained for two hours and a half. Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill commented on how the team is preparing for the 2012 regular season opener against the Islanders.

"It's exciting because it is a week where the work that we put in now hopefully can be replicated on the pitch Saturday,” said Hill. “This is about points now and it’s crunch time. We will be doing lots of different thing this week in regards to trying to fine tune a balance of the team, a general principle of play that we are looking to do throughout from one to 11.”

Hill said it is very important to take everything practiced during the week, and execute it when gameday arrives.

“Bearing in mind that we conceded four soft goals last Saturday, we will be working on defensive unit and defensive shape,” said Hill. “Particularly as we go to Puerto Rico, we know it's going to be a very tough game.”

The Rowdies open the 2012 regular season on the road at Puerto Rico this Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. before hosting FC Edmonton in the home opener on Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. For ticket information for the 2012 season, call 813-287-1539.