ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (September 2, 2020) — The Miami FC lost 3-0 on Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. Despite holding the home side scoreless for most of the first half, a late goal in the first 45 minutes and two in the second half gave the home side the win.
Miami FC’s first half performance was going as planned, keeping the Group H leaders scoreless. Goalkeeper Bryant Gammiero was able to keep the match scoreless with an incredible diving save in the 38th minute, but just a minute later the Rowdies would jump to the lead
The Tampa Bay Rowdies got on the board in the 39th minute after defender Jordan Scarlett headed a ball past Gammiero after a corner kick by midfielder Lewis Hilton.
Midfielder Harrison Heath and forward Mohamed Thiaw both had opportunities on goal in the first half, but neither were able to put the Miami FC on the board.
During first 15 minutes of the second half, Miami FC looked poised in possession as they tried to find the equalizer. Midfielder Vincent Bezecourt found himself leading a Miami attack that seemed to just be missing the final touch to put the match 1-1.
After the initial push by the visiting team, forward Sebastian Guenzatti found an open header inside the six-yard box to extend the Rowdies’ lead.
It was Bezecourt once again, who was able to nearly cut the deficit in half with a great solo run in the 68th minute, but Louro was there to make a great dining save to keep his team up 2-0.
The Rowdies sealed the victory in the 84th minute off a penalty kick which was awarded to the home side after a foul on forward Kyle Murphy. Brazilian midfielder Leo Fernandes sent Gammiero the wrong way and buried his shot.
The Miami FC returns to action this Saturday at Riccardo Silva Stadium when they host Group H rivals Charleston Battery. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
