CARY, NC (March 17, 2018) – The Tampa Bay Rowdies kicked off their 2018 USL campaign with a convincing 3-1 win on the road over North Carolina FC on Saturday. Goals from midfielders Leo Fernandes and Jack Blake and forward Georgi Hristov, gave the Rowdies the three points at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Park.
“These are three very important points for the club,” said Head Coach Stuart Campbell. “I was very pleased with the dedication and passion that our team showed today. It shows how much work every player on our roster has put ahead of today.”
After shaking off several NCFC attacks, the Rowdies opened the scoring in the 23rd minute off a great finish by Fernandes. After making over a 50-yard run, the Brazilian midfielder slotted hom a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Tambakis.
“I found space and decided to make a run at their center back,” said Fernandes. “After making that last touch, I knew I had to beat him far post to be able to get the goal.”
The Rowdies lead wouldn’t last long as NCFC would equalize in the 38th minute. Midfielder Steven Miller found himself at the far post after a flick by forward Marios Lomis. His strike left Rowdies goalkeeper Cody Mizell without a chance, as NCFC made it 1-1.
Tampa Bay would regain the lead minutes before the half off a converted penalty kick by Bulgarian forward Georgi Hristov. The penalty was earned by defender David Najem after being tripped up by midfielder Austin Da Luz. Hristov is now three goals away from tying the Rowdies all-time scoring record of 57.
NCFC came out in the second half, led by substitute Daniel Rios, who made an instant impact in the match. Luckily for the Rowdies, Cody Mizell was in goal to help the Rowdies earn their first win of the season.
Mizell made back-to-back huge saves from point-blank to keep the Rowdies up by one.
“I am there to help the team in any way I possibly can,” said Mizell. “It’s not only my saves, but the dedication of all the guys on the field to make sure they did not equalize. Hats off to all the team for putting forth a great performance.”
Building off of Mizell’s saves, the Rowdies had several chances to put the game away, but the insurance goal wouldn’t come until the 90th minute.
Newcomer Jack Blake found space in the final third and curled his shot past a diving Tambakis. The two-goal deficit was too much for NCFC, earning the Rowdies a very-important three points.
“We’re very excited for our home opener next Saturday,” said Campbell. “It’s amazing to play in front of our fans, who are the best in the league. We know the stands will be packed on Saturday night!”
The Rowdies’ home opener is set for next Saturday, march 24, when they host Bethlehem Steel at Al Lang Stadium. For tickets, call 727-222-2000 or click here.
Scoring Summary
Tampa Bay: Leo Fernandes – 23rd minute (assisted by Georgi Hristov)
North Carolina: Steven Miller – 38th minute (assisted by Marios Lomis)
Tampa Bay: Georgi Hristov – 41st minute (penalty kick)
Tampa Bay: Jack Blake – 90th minute (assisted by Sebastian Guenzatti)
Caution Summary
North Carolina: Futty Danso – 17th minute
Starting Lineups
Rowdies XI (4-3-3): Gk Cody Mizell; D David Najem, Hunter Gorskie, Neill Collins, Zac Portillos; M Marcel Schäfer, Jack Blake, Joe Cole (c) (Lance Rozeboom 75′); F Michael Nanchoff (Sebastian Guenzatti 73′), Georgi Hristov, Leo Fernandes (Jochen Graf 88′)
North Carolina FC XI (4-2-3-1): GK Alex Tambakis; D DJ Taylor, Futty Danso, Michael Harrington (Wuilito Fernandes 89′), Peabo Doue; M Graham Smith, Dre Fortune; M Steven Miller, Kyle Bekker, Austin Da Luz (Bernhard Luxbacher 76′); F Marcus Lomis (Daniel Rios 66′)
