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The Rowdies returned to training Tuesday night with our last public practice of the year, held by Tampa Bay United at the Ed Radice Sports Complex, where fans had a chance to watch their favorite players practice and see how the Rowdies prepare for Sunday’s match against FC Edmonton.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies tied 1-1 against the Atlanta Silverbacks Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies played a man down for over 20 minutes as defender Eddy Ababio received his second yellow card of the match and was ejected in the 67th minute. Atlanta scored in the 30th minute after forward Matt Horth trickled the ball past Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. In the 42nd minute the Rowdies scored the tying goal after NASL Defensive Player of the Week Takuya Yamada, scored his third goal of the season, as he picked up a rebound and was able to get a shot off.

“It is great to go out and interact with the youth soccer community,” said Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. “For me it is very special because many of the coaches I had growing up were at the practice. It gives our fans an opportunity to watch what we do every day and how hard we practice for every upcoming game.”

Technical Director and Director of Player Development Perry Van Der Beck commented on the importance of going out into the community and having a public practice.

“This is a chance for the Rowdies to train at one of the top youth soccer clubs in the Bay area,” said Van Der Beck. “As the players at the youth clubs watch our training session, they enjoyed seeing the professionalism and intensity that our squad demonstrates every day at practice. It is a great positive inspiration for these youth players to see how a professional team trains, as many have an aspiration to become professional soccer players.”

The Rowdies travel to play FC Edmonton for the final regular season meeting between the clubs on Sunday, September 16 at 4:10 p.m. ET at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.