News

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA -- The Rowdies defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 tonight at Al Lang Stadium.

The start of the match was delayed one hour and 23 minutes because of lightning in the area.

Tampa Bay had the first chance of the match in the 12th minute when forward Matt Clare fired a shot on goal that was saved by Puerto Rico goalkeeper Richard Martin and cleared away for a corner kick.

Clare had another opportunity in the 27th minute when his powerful left footed shot forced a diving save by Martin after a pass from forward Daniel Antoniuk.

In the 33rd minute, midfielder Luke Mulholland sent a well-placed free kick into the box onto the head of defender Daniel Scott, but Martin made the save. A minute later, Mulholland found himself open in the box after a back heel pass from midfielder Stuart Campbell, but his shot sailed wide.

The Rowdies finally beat Martin in the 72nd minute. After some great passing, forward Mike Ambersley sent a cross to the back post to defender Frankie Sanfilippo, who one-timed the volley into the net for a 1-0 lead. It was Sanfilippo's first goal of the year and the assist gave Ambersley a point in five straight matches. Ambersley leads the team with six assists overall in 2012.

Ambersley gave the Rowdies an insurance goal in the 85th minute after a pass from forward Fafa Picault. It was Ambersley's fifth goal of the season.