News

EDMONTON, Alberta ( Sept 16, 2012) - The Rowdies defeated FC Edmonton 3-0 on Sunday night at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta. Tampa Bay goalkeeper Jeff Attinella picked up his tenth shutout of the 2012 season, and his fifteenth clean sheet of his career. Tampa Bay now leads Puerto Rico by three points for second place. The top two teams in the regular season standings recieve a bye to the semifinals of the NASL Playoffs.

The first goal for the Rowdies came in the 21st minute, when Daniel Antoniuk received a perfect cross from Luke Mulholland’s free kick. Antoniuk was unmarked, and deposited his header in the back of the net with ease.

The Rowdies gained momentum after the first goal and were rewarded with the second goal of the night in the 43rd minute, as Mike Ambersley received a pass from Savage, and took a great shot, giving the Rowdies a more comfortable lead.

In the 51st minute, Mulholland scored the final goal of the night. Antoniuk was able to head the ball into the area before it went out of play, setting up Mulholland for the final goal of the match.

The Rowdies continued to pressure Edmonton, as Ambersley entered the right side of the box and took a shot. Smits was able to contain it, making a big save to keep the score 3-0.

In the 64th minute defender Andres Arango was able to keep the home team off the scoresheet as he poked the ball away after a dangerous cross entered Tampa Bay’s box.

Second half substitute Fafa Picault had a chance to get the fourth goal of the night, as his shot from 25 yards out was headed for the back of the net, but Smits dove to his right to make a spectacular save. On the rebound, Ambersley fired a shot, but Smits recovered in time to make a kick save, sending the ball out for a corner kick.

Once again, Attinella came up big for Tampa Bay as in the 78th minute he made a huge save on Porter, as he dove to his left to make the point-blank save.

The Rowdies are now unbeaten in nine out of their last 10 matches, including five wins. Tampa Bay is currently on a four game unbeaten streak, winning two and drawing two matches.