Match Preview: Rowdies vs Loudoun Unietd
October 7, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
Matchday Info
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Loudoun United FC
Saturday, October 8, 7:30 p.m. ET
Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, FL
Tickets: Fans can purchase tickets here or at the Al Lang Stadium box office starting at 4 p.m. on matchday.
Watch: Fans can stream the match on ESPN+.
Follow Along: Live updates on Twitter at @RowdiesGameday.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies are back at Al Lang Stadium this Saturday for the first of three home matches in the span of a week to close out the USL Championship regular season. Up first, a matchup with Loudoun United FC, who the Rowdies defeated 4-1 on the road in July.
A hectic week right before the start of the playoffs may not be the most ideal way to gear up for a run at a championship, but the Rowdies can also benefit from the situation.
“If I was a player right now, whatever my spot was on the team, I’d think we’ve got three games in a week and I’m going to get my opportunities to stake my claim. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to feel ready and that they can express themselves. The players at this point are probably fed up with training anyway, so to have actual games is even better. You can just go out and play.”
Playoff Seeding
With just two more weeks of play left in the regular season, playoff seeding is finally coming into focus in the Eastern Conference. The Rowdies can lock up a home match in the Conference Quarterfinal round with a victory or draw over Loudoun this weekend. The second place spot in the Eastern Conference is still within grasp, although the Rowdies would likely need to be perfect in their final three matches and also have Memphis 901 FC drop points.
Missing Fernandes & Areman
The Rowdies will be without their most consistent offensive contributor this Saturday against Loudoun. Leo Fernandes is suspended for the match after picking up a late red card in the club’s 2-1 victory at Monterey Bay FC over the weekend. Fernandes leads the Rowdies with 16 goals and 9 assists this season, including two assists in the match with Monterey.
Without Fernandes, the Rowdies have limited options to play out on the left wing. Jake Areman made his return to action in Monterey after a two-month absence only to receive a knock to the same ankle he had previously injured. Areman will likely be held out of Saturday’s match as a precaution.
“I don’t think I can emphasize to people enough how much we’ve missed Jake Areman. Having him back in training and watching the quality that he brings, I’m desperate to get him back. Equally, we’ve got to make sure when he’s back, he’s back for good.”
Hilton Reaches 200
One of the most consistent contributors over the last three seasons for the Rowdies surpassed a couple of milestones in last week’s match in Monterey. The match was Hilton’s 200th USL Championship regular-season appearance. In the process, Hilton also surpassed 15,000 minutes played in the USL Championship regular season. Hilton has made 83 appearances in all competitions for the Green & Gold, demonstrating just how much Collins has come to rely on the English midfielder.
“Lewis epitomizes all of the values that we have. The things people don’t see are the training sessions on a Wednesday in the height of summer when it’s really tough. LewisPl is driving the intensity, the energy. His attitude is phenomenal. It’s no surprise he’s had 200 games being the professional he is. We pick him every week because he brings all the things we want on and off the field. One of the biggest compliments I can pay Lewis is every year he’s been here he’s improved and taken his game to another level. He’s never satisfied.”
Scouting Loudoun
Loudoun may be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but that does not mean they are a side to look past. While Tampa Bay came home from Loudoun earlier this year with an impressive 4-1 result, the actual match was much tighter as the Rowdies were not able to score the first goal well into the second half. Loudoun recently picked up an upset win on the road over second place Memphis, showing they still have potential to knock off any team when they’re at their best.
“Loudoun are a very good footballing side with very talented players,” said Collins. “They have younger players, so that’s where sometimes mistakes can creep on. We’ve had some really competitive games with them. We have to defend well, particularly against some of their younger players that are very talented. Freeman, Ku-Dipietro, Simonson. The minute there’s any complacency they hurt you. We’ve seen that with some of the results they’ve had this year.”
Injury Report
OUT: CJ Cochran, Thomas Vancaeyezeele
QUESTIONABLE: Jake Areman
SUSPENDED: Leo Fernandes
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