ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Juan Tejada earned a spot on the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 2 of the 2022 regular season, following the attacker’s outstanding shift in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory over Indy Eleven at Al Lang Stadium. Tejada recorded the opening goal and assisted on the second to lift the Rowdies to their first win of the year.
Tejada wasted no time in his first start of the season, collecting a pass from Rowdies captain Sebastian Guenzatti before blasting the ball into the back of the net just 34 seconds into the match. The goal ended a long scoring drought for Tejada, who had not netted a goal since in August of 2020. Nagging injuries at the end of 2020 and the first half of 2021 hampered Tejada’s ability to get on the field and contribute to the team regularly. After a full pre-season of full health, though, Tejada is proving to be a dangerous threat in the box once again.
“Yes, it did surprise me to score that early but I always want to score goals and help the team,” said Tejada. “Obviously it was important to get the goal at the beginning of the game. I’ve just had that hunger in training and I think you can just bring that to the match and I was able to do that Saturday.”
Tejada’s red hot start carried on into the rest of the match as he continued to link up well with Guenzatti and Rowdies newcomer Jake LaCava. He eventually provided an assist to LaCava in the 51st minute, heading a cross from Leo Fernandes back toward the penalty spot for LaCava to volley home with his left foot.
“Juan’s performance went on to deserve a goal but thankfully he got it straight away. Maybe that’s why his confidence was up so much,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “Juan Tejada and Lake LaCava bring that energy and desire that we just need in our team at all times. We’ve had it for the past four years from different people at different times, and I felt we just needed that in there tonight and that those two would bring it. Training matters, and those two have been doing it in training so they go in. I’m glad they proved their selections this week.”
Neither Tejada nor LaCava featured prominently in Tampa Bay’s season opener at Birmingham Legion FC. LaCava was utilized off the bench as a late substitute, while Tejada did not make the trip at all. However, Tejada’s determination and quality in training convinced Collins he deserved a starting nod in the club’s home opener.
“There’s a lot of quality in training so I bet it’s hard for coach to pick a team when you see a ton of guys with that winning mentality, that Rowdies mentality, that attitude and intensity that we want to show on the field,” said Tejada. “(Saturday) a lot of us could have done the job. It’s important for all of us to be ready when we get the call. I didn’t get to travel with the team (to Birmingham). Today I got my chance and tried to get the opportunities. I’m happy to help the team.”
The Rowdies take the field for their third match of the year this Wednesday March 23 at Atlanta United 2 before returning home to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday, March 26. $5 Bud Light beer will be available all match long on Saturday and fans will be invited on the field following the final whistle to view postmatch fireworks. Tickets for the match can be purchased here or by calling 727-222-2000.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 2
GK – Koke Vegas, San Diego Loyal SC: The Spanish goalkeeper recorded his first shutout in the Championship with six saves in a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night.
D – Jeremy Kelly, Memphis 901 FC: Kelly recorded one assist and three chances created in addition to a strong defensive performance at fullback, winning 10 of 15 duels and 5 of 6 tackles in a 2-1 win against Oakland Roots SC.
D – Mitchell Taintor, San Antonio FC: Taintor scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in SAFC’s 2-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II on one of his two shots on target from set pieces, and also made five clearances and six recoveries.
D – Gabriel Torres, FC Tulsa: Torres put in a major shift defensively in Tulsa’s 3-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC, winning 11 of 17 duels and 3 of 4 tackles while recording five interceptions and 13 recoveries.
M – Daniel Aguirre, LA Galaxy II: Aguirre had a standout game despite Los Dos’ defeat to San Antonio, recording one assists and 11 chances created for the hosts while completing 44 of 53 passes overall and winning 7 of 9 duels.
M – Seth Casiple, Orange County SC: Casiple had one assist and three chances created and won 11 of 13 duels, three tackles and recorded four recoveries in Orange County’s 2-1 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.
M – Jacob Greene, Loudoun United FC: Greene notched his first goal of the season and had three shots on target while completing 24 of 31 passes and winning 5 of 7 duels as Loudoun defeated the New York Red Bulls II for its second consecutive win to start the season.
M – Joaquin Rivas, FC Tulsa: The El Salvador international earned and then converted a penalty kick that proved the game-winner in Tulsa’s 3-1 win against Birmingham Legion FC, and also won 4 of 4 duels and completed 21 of 29 passes.
F – Brian Ownby, Louisville City FC: Ownby recorded one goal and had four shots and two key passes in LouCity’s 2-0 win against Miami FC while defensively winning 9 of 14 duels and 3 of 3 tackles.
F – Danny Trejo, Las Vegas Lights FC: Trejo notched a goal and assist as he helped drive Las Vegas’ attack with four chances created and two shots in the side’s 2-1 victory against Phoenix Rising FC.
F – Juan Tejada, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Tejada scored in the opening minute of Tampa Bay’s 2-0 win against Indy Eleven, also notched an assist and completed 16 of 18 passes overall while recording two shots and two chances created.
Bench – Sean Lewis (TUL), Manny Perez (LOU), Sami Guediri (LDN), Aaron Molloy (MEM), Justin Portillo (NM), Tyler Freeman (LDN), Sean Okoli (OC)
