ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 22, 2021) — The Miami FC lost 2-1 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. A late goal by the Rowdies off a penalty kick gave the home side the three points.
The home side scored the opening goal in the 12th minute courtesy of a header from Forward Steevan Dos Santos. Miami FC was able to bounce back quick and generate several chances of their own to get the equalizer. In the 25th minute, midfielder Ariel Martinez laid off a perfect ball for forward Lamar Walker but the Jamaican powered his shot over the bar.
Moments later, it would Be Martinez who would have the chance to get the equalizer. His shot however would meet a diving Evan Louro, who parried it away and out of danger.
Miami FC’s efforts would pay off in the 37th minute, when Forbes won his position well with his body and fired a shot. His attempt hit defender Aaron Guillen’s foot and lobbed over Louro. Forbes’ goal was his first since joining Miami FC ahead of the 2021 season.
Directly after the goal, the Rowdies had a clear chance to jump back in the lead via a Leo Fernandes strike. Goalkeeper Connor Sparrow was well positioned and was able to knock it out to keep the match 1-1.
Midfielder “Speedy” Williams had a chance in the 69th minute to get the lead but again Louro kept the home side level with another good save.
Miami FC did well maintaining the home side’s pressure as the match continued, until the Rowdies were awarded a penalty kick in the 77th minute for a handball inside the box. Forward Sebastian Guenzatti stepped up and sent goalkeeper Connor Sparrow the wrong way to put the Rowdies up 2-1.
Miami FC was unable to create any danger in the final third in the dying minutes of the match. Up next, Miami will return home to face Charlotte Independence on Saturday, May 29.
