The Basics
SIMA Aguilas vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies U23
Thursday, June 22, 7:00 p.m. ET.
Montverde Academy, Montverde, Fla.
Follow us for live updates on Twitter @RowdiesU23
Records
SIMA Aguilas: 7-0-1 (W-L-T), 22 points, 1st place
Rowdies U23: 3-3-0 (W-L-T), 9 points, T-5th place
Rowdies Notes
The three game hole that the Rowdies U23’s fell into a couple weeks ago now feels like a bit of a distant memory.
After a second straight home victory over Weston FC, Tampa Bay is not only playing successful soccer, but also playing with a great deal of confidence.
Head coach Keith Fulk has taken note of this confidence and how his team has finally started “playing well to their strengths on attack.”
Timely goal scoring again made the difference for the Rowdies on Monday against Weston scoring twice within five minutes to quickly turn a 1-0 deficit into a, lasting, 2-1 lead.
Playing against a team as strong as SIMA, the Rowdies will have to focus once more on making the absolute most of the opportunities afforded to them while also focusing on fundamentals in order to limit the chances they give to their opponent on Thursday night.
With regards to strategy and formation, the U23’s will look to stay consistent in their form and maintain the attacking focus that has been present through the first six games of the PDL season.
Look for updates on the rest of Wednesday’s starting XI and substitutes at our official Twitter page.
Scouting SIMA
The confidence and vigor that the Rowdies have shown in recent matches will certainly be put to its greatest test on Thursday facing off against SIMA Aguilas.
It is truly no fluke that SIMA leads the southeast division with 22 points in just eight games. As a team that has yet to lose a single match, SIMA has played nearly flawless soccer since the PDL season kicked off in mid-May.
Thus far, SIMA has already logged four shutouts, including an incredibly dominant 6-0 dismantling of Weston FC on home turf.
Their momentum truly springs from an early 2-1 victory over FC Miami City, on the road, in their second game of the season which notched Miami’s sole loss on the season thus far. As seemingly the two best teams in the division, this was a decisive match and for SIMA to take of business away from home could sustain their hold on the table through the backstretch of the PDL season.
SIMA currently sits in second place in the Southern Conference power rankings only behind the OKC Energy U23’s that have yet to drop a single point in nine games on their season competing in the Mid South division.
Amongst a number of strong players, leading goal scorer Diegos Campos of Clemson University, Dennis Zapata of Florida Gulf Coast University, and keeper Daniel Gagliardi of Florida International University stand out on the SIMA team.
Coming Up Next
Your U23’s will host FC Miami City at the Waters Avenue complex in Tampa on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to look for announcements on potential venue/time changes at twitter.com/rowdiesu23!
