For the first time in the modern era, the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ record is unblemished through the first four matches. Saturday’s 2-1 win over Miami FC was not the prettiest of performances but the positive result closed out a homestand that really couldn’t have gone much better for the Rowdies as they outscored their four opponents 10-2.
There were two critical questions heading into the Miami matchup. First, how the Rowdies would come out after an emotionally charged match against Phoenix Rising FC last week. And second, how they would then respond to a new-look Miami side eager to claim their first win against the Rowdies in USL Championship play.
Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins ended the night satisfied with how his players answered those questions.
“So much credit to the players,” Collins said postmatch. “Coming off the back of three home games, three wins, playing against a top team from the west in a game that was really hyped up by everyone, to come out against a Miami team that was so motivated to beat us, I thought the players were fantastic. Was it the best performance we’ve had all season? No. But we showed a lot of character. The second half we asked them to step it up and they really did that and went on and won the game. Over a 32-game season you’re going to have to have moments like that. I’m really just delighted for the players that their attitude in training was rewarded.”
The Rowdies now have 11 days until their next match. With the extra time, the club’s medical staff will have a chance to adequately evaluate both Laurence Wyke and Steevan Dos Santos, who both exited on Saturday with knocks. Wyke only had a small limp as he walked off on his own. Dos Santos on the other hand needed assistance to come off the field after a harsh foul by Miami’s Paco Craig in the dying moments of the match.
When the Rowdies do return to the field, they’ll be facing their first road fixture of 2021. They’ll travel to New York Red Bulls II for a midweek clash and then to the Charlotte Independence on the weekend. It’ll be a good test for the squad, which has already run through a quarter of its home fixtures after just one month of the season.
“I think the bye week comes at a great time,” Collins said. “We had a great preseason, we’ve had a great start to the season. I trust these players to have two or three days off and spend some time with their family and friends to recover and get ready for two road trips that are gonna be very, very tough. Well—deserved time off ahead of June and July, which are always tough because of the heat… Going on the road’s another challenge, and one that we relish. Being together on the road’s always good fun. It’s even more fun when you win and put in performances. We’ve done that well the last couple of years so we’ll see how this team copes with that challenge.”
Hilton Hits His Stride
The finishers typically get the bulk of the spotlight on set piece goals. However, the one setting them up deserves just as much of the credit and so far this year that praise should be pointed in the direction of midfielder Lewis Hilton, who recorded his first official assist of 2021 on Saturday. Despite a strong wind blowing into Al Lang from the bay, Hilton’s corner kick in the 12th minute was spot on to the head of Dos Santos for the opening goal.
Hilton now leads the team with 8 chances created, and two of his free kick deliveries initiated scoring opportunities that the Rowdies pounced on in previous weeks.
It’s not just about his marksmanship, though. Hilton has also been active and strong force, disrupting the opposition and doing dirty work for the Rowdies in midfield. After being subbed on at halftime of the season opener, he’s made it hard for Collins to leave him out of the starting lineup.
“I think Lewis has been fantastic,” Collins said. “I think he’s been the energizer bunny plus the quality to play. He’s been really good. He really got our team playing in the midfield but he’s also done the other side of things. He’s cleaned up for people, he’s won second balls, he’s made tackles. I’m delighted for him. A lot of our players have a fantastic attitude and he’s right up there with the best of them, looking after himself 24/7. He wants to be a professional footballer. I’m really glad he’s getting the rewards right now and he can be pleased with how he’s reacted after not starting the first game.”
Twinge of Lingering Disappointment on Defense
Midway through the first half, the Rowdies let their foot off the pedal a bit and allowed Miami to create several scoring chances. Ultimately Billy Forbes did find the net for the visitors shortly before halftime, though he required a fluke deflection off center back Aaron Guillen to do so. Guillen stuck his foot out to block Forbes’ strike from just inside the box and the deflection somehow lifted over Louro and dropped down in time to slip under the crossbar.
The Rowdies were clean and efficient on defense for the rest of the night, though the fact that they were unable to post a clean sheet for the second straight week didn’t sit well with center back Forrest Lasso.
“I think we’re disappointed,” Lasso said. “Our standard is always a clean sheet. You can kind of see it in our faces when we gave away that goal. It lit a fire in us. We’re thrilled to get the three points, but to give away that goal, it motivates us. To see that little bit of disappointment after a great night like that, that’s what you want to see in a team.”
