Match Preview: Rowdies at Detroit City
September 15, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
Matchday info:
Tampa Bay Rowdies at Detroit City FC
Saturday, September 17, 7:30 p.m. ET
Keyworth Stadium, Detroit, MI
Watch: Fans can stream the match live on ESPN+.
Updates: Check @RowdiesGameday on Twitter for Live updates.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies hit a snag in their push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference last week with a 2-1 loss to the Charleston Battery. They remain in third place but now find themselves even on points with Birmingham Legion FC and six points back of first-place Louisville City FC.
Tampa Bay started the season as one of the best road sides in the league, but their form away from Al Lang Stadium has let them down in three straight trips as they have posted three losses and notched just one goal. They will look to find the winning road formula again this Saturday as they make their way to Detroit City FC, who recently clinched their first USL Championship playoff berth.
“The Charleston match was probably not a great reflection on where we want to be.,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “I don’t think the players did themselves justice in some aspects to the game. Now and again as a group we need to just look at what our foundation is are foundation for success, especially on the road and get back to that.”
Detroit will not make it easy on Tampa Bay. The USL newcomer has dropped only two of its home fixtures at Keyworth Stadium in 2022.
“It’s clear that everyone that’s been to Detroit has spoken about it being a fantastic environment,” said Collins. “From an atmosphere standpoint, they’re well supported. So it’s going to be hostile, which is what you kind of want. It’s the type of game we want to test ourselves on and see if we’ve got the aspects to our team that we need to go and win in a place like Detroit.”
Historic Attacking Production
Through 27 matches played this year, the Rowdies are within distance of the club record for goals in a single season. The 2019 squad holds the current modern era record of 61 goals in 34 matches played. This year’s Rowdies team has found the back of the net 58 times so far in 2022. With six more matches to play, the Rowdies have ample time to set a new attacking benchmark for the club.
Guenzatti Zeroes in On Scoring Record
The Rowdies no longer have just once all-time scoring leader. With his 3rd minute goal in Charleston last week, Sebastian Guenzatti pulled even with Georgi Hristov at 60 goals. For now, the two share the club record but Guenzatti will be sure to have a crack at taking sole possession of the scoring record.
Upcoming Milestones
Sebastian Guenzatti is one goal away from setting anew Rowdies all-time scoring record. He is now in a tie with Georgi Hristov at 60 goals for the Green & Gold.
Keeper CJ Cochran is one clean sheet away from his 30th shutout in the USL Championship.
Forward Kyle Greig is nearing 15,000 minutes played in the USL Championship regular season. He currently sits at 14,816 minutes played heading into the weekend.
Leo Fernandes and Hilton are both nearing 30 regular season assists in the USL. Both are currently at 28 assists.
Leo Fernandes is nearing his 150th appearance for the Rowdies. He is at 147 heading into Saturday’s match.
Lewis Hilton is nearing his 200th USL Championship regular-season appearance. He is currently at 197 appearances.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board…
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
