TAMPA, Fla. (July 14, 2017) — The Rowdies U23’s picked up another point on Thursday night as they remained tied with the Lakeland Tropics at 2 after a full 90 minutes of play.
In their final home match of the season, the Rowdies U23’s looked about as strong as they have all season long as the truly commanded the pace of play from the start.
Kendan Anderson got the scoring opened quick taking advantage, again, of poor backline communication and put the Rowdies on the board early.
Unfortunately, the U23’s lead didn’t last long as the Tropics struck back quickly in the 16th minute thanks to a Tevin Gage strike.
From there possession and momentum swung back and forth, and even a few early subs were made, but no more goals were scored before the halftime whistle was blown.
After the two teams came out of the halftime break, and even more subs entered the game, the U23’s took the lead once again in front of the home crowd.
Trey Jackson had an excellent finish off a Preston Kilwien feed in the 63rd minute to give the Rowdies their second lead of the game.
From there, the Rowdies began to control the game and were successful but not for long. Beginning in the 75th minute the Lakeland attack began to truly turn up the pressure on the Tampa Bay backline.
Although putting up a strong fight, the defense broke in the 81st minute when Lakeland defender Luca Wiechers scored on an impressive strike to tie the game.
Despite the Rowdies best attempts, there was not enough time to recover and the teams finished tied 2-2.
The game was the final on the PDL season for the Tropics who came into the game already eliminated from playoff contention but still logging a third place finish in the Southeast Division.
For the Rowdies, they still have, the best part of, two games remaining with a road game in Miami this weekend against FC Miami City and the continuation of their match against IMG on Monday.
Scoring Summary
Tampa Bay: Kendan Anderson – 4th Minute
Lakeland: Tevin Gage – 16th Minute
Tampa Bay: Trey Jackson – 63rd Minute (Assisted by Preston Kilwien)
Lakeland: Luca Wiechers – 81st Minute
Caution Summary
Starting Lineups
Rowdies U23 XI (4-1-4-1): GK Sean Caufield; D Pico Espinal (Gustavo Fernandes 50′), Gabriel Pfeffer, Preston Kilwien, Ivan Castro; CDM Jordan Day (Gabriel Fernandes 53′); M Daniel Ribas (Caleb George 55′), Noah Franke, Tosan Popo (Morgan Shepherd 23′), Trey Jackson; F Kendan Anderson
Lakeland Tropics XI (4-1-4-1): GK Jorge Navarrete; D Ramzi Toure, Luca Wiechers, Ben Espinol, Pedro Goncalves; CDM Alexi Cortez (Gustavo Rodrigues 48′); M Jonathan Jimenez, Chase Hovious (Matheus Assumpcao 53′), Lucas De Paula (Victor Parreiras 24′), Maycon Franca (Juan Tejada 46′); F Tevin Gage