Monday 30 May 2011

Rowdies vs. NSC Minnesota Stars

NSC Minnesota Stars 0 vs. Rowdies 0
The Rowdies earned a point on Saturday night as it played to a scoreless draw against the NSC Minnesota Stars at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota.
Rowdies' rookie goalkeeper Jeff Attinella notched eight saves, including six in the final 45 minutes, in posting his second straight shutout, and Stars netminder Joe Warren had seven saves for NSC Minnesota.
"I have mixed emotions about tonight's result," said Rowdies' head coach Ricky Hill. "We had opportunities again to get ourselves ahead in the match but we were not able to convert.
"But I was delighted with Jeff's performance. It was his second straight shutout and he was very assured and confident in goal again. It gives our defense a lot of confidence to know that he is there behind them."
The Rowdies has now posted four clean sheets in its first eight matches, already equaling its season total from last season of four shutouts in 30 matches. In fact, the Rowdies leads the league with just seven goals allowed thus far in 2011.
The Rowdies had several opportunities to take the lead, including a few chances in the first 45 minutes. Midfielder Chad Burt forced Warren to dive and deflect a free kick around the post in the 20th minute. NSC Minnesota then cleared the ensuing corner kick.
Moments later, midfielder Mozzi Gyorio fired a left-footed shot just wide in the 25th minute. Late in the first half, forward Tsuyoshi Yoshitake hit a shot that was deflected wide by Warren.
Attinella kept the Stars off the board in the first half, making two saves as NSC Minnesota held a 5-3 edge in shots.
Attinella and Warren took center stage in the second half, with both up to the task. Attinella was especially impressive in the 60th minute as he made an outstanding save on Andrei Gotsmanov after a nice through ball.
 Rowdies also had its scoring chances in the second half, with forward Warren Ukah getting stopped by Warren on a breakaway and Yoshitake hitting the crossbar with a header in the final 10 minutes.
The Rowdies concludes its two-match road trip this Tuesday, May 31 when it travels to Foote Field for a matchup with FC Edmonton at 9:30 p.m. The game can be seen live online at www.fctampabay.com.
"We are hoping to get all three points if we possibly can at Edmonton," said Hill. "We have to evaluate the injuries for Tuesday night but the team will be ready to go."

Lineups:
Rowdies lineup: Attinella, Sanfilippo (Captain), Rodrigues,  Hayes, Yamada, Burt, Gyorio, Savage, Ambersley, Ukah (King 64'), Yoshitake (Hill 82')
NSC Minnesota Stars lineup: Warren, Altman (Captain), Davis, Dias, Clements, Rodriguez (Moura 60'), Gotsmanov, Hlavaty, Woods (Walker 73'), Bracalello, Del Do (Cosgriff 85')

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1975 Rowdies vs Toros Game Report

A newspaper clipping from the Rowdies game against the Miami Toros, played on June 5th, 1975, at the Orange Bowl. The Rowdies won 1-0.

Rowdies Press Photos - Winston DuBose

Winston DuBose dives at the feet on a Washington Diplomats' player, during an indoor game. Year unknown.

Rowdies Press Photos - Oscar Fabbiani

Oscar Fabbiani takes on Detroit Express' Keith Furphy, Benny Dargle and Mick Coop, in 1979.
Many thanks to Dave Morrison.

Rowdies Press Photos - Malcolm Linton

Malcolm Linton in action during a photo call. In the background, it looks like goalkeeper Arnie Mausser, with Arsene Auguste and Randy Garber, which suggests to me that this was taken prior to the 1976 indoor season.

Monday 23 May 2011

Rowdies Press Photos - Evan Newton

Evan Newton's 2011 Rowdies mugshot.

Rowdies Press Photos - Ian Anderson

The late Ian Anderson in action against the Jacksonville Tea Men's Alan Green in 1981.

Sunday 22 May 2011

Rowdies Snap Shots - Derek Backman and Kevin Clinton

Derek Backman and Kevin Clinton at a signing session prior to the Rowdies vs. Montreal Impact game.

Rowdies vs. Montreal Impact

Rowdies 3 vs. Montreal Impact 0
The Rowdies posted its third shutout of the year, with all three coming against Montreal, as it posted a 3-0 victory over the Impact Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium.
Rowdies' goalkeeper Jeff Attinella earned his first career shutout with 11 saves and the offense notched a season-high three goals, with the scores coming from forwards Warren Ukah, Mike Ambersley and Tsuyoshi Yoshitake.
“We have been threatening over the last couple of games to score more than one goal," said head coach Ricky Hill. "It was nice to see that and it was great to get in front in the first half. And Jeff (Attinella) played a great game and kept us in the game at a vital time.”
The Rowdies came out strong, controlling the ball early on in front of a boisterous crowd. Yoshitake had a near breakaway in the 13th minute of the match but was cut off by Montreal’s defense before he could secure the run. Minutes later Montreal posted an offensive attack that defender J.P. Rodrigues easily corralled with a slide tackle.
Midfielder Takuya Yamada placed a long cross from the right corner to Yoshitake’s head in the 17th minute but the shot was just wide of the goal. Yoshitake had another chance on the net in the 37th minute off a long pass from Burt but the one-touch shot sailed just high of the crossbar.
Ukah opened the scoring off of a pinpoint pass from defender David Hayes in the 40th minute to give the Rowdies a 1-0 lead in the first half. Hayes legwork paid off and Ukah turned and delivered his first goal for the Rowdies.
"As soon as we got the goal, everyone took a step back, took a deep breath and started to play some good football," said Ukah. "It was good for the team to get the early goal and put pressure on the other team."
In the 74th minute Montreal midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo was sent off the field with an automatic red card after a hand ball saved another Rowdies goal. Ambersley sent the ball to the left corner of the net with his penalty kick for his team-leading second goal of the season.
The Rowdies put the game away in the 84th minute when midfielder Chad Burt sent Yoshitake up the right side of the field into Montreal territory. Yoshitake manipulated the remaining defenders and pulled Montreal keeper Bill Gaudette off of his line. After a few fancy steps, Yoshitake struck the ball off of the end line and pushed the ball through the gap for his first goal of the year.
"Once we scored the first goal, we didn't look back," said Attinella. "We kept the pressure on and our defense did a great job. The shots I did have to face were pretty far out and you know those are easier to save."

Lineups:
Rowdies lineup: Attinella, Arango (Jarun 35'), Rodrigues, Sanfilippo (Captain), Hayes, Ambersley, Savage, Yamada, Burt, Ukah (King 45'), Yoshitake

Montreal Impact lineup: Gaudette, Billy, Pizzolitto (Captain), Tsiskaridze, Camara, Di Lorenzo, Testo (Ribeiro 58'), Lowery (Aaboubou 61'), Diouf (Mayard 75'), Le Gall, Agourram

Scoring Summary:Rowdies: Warren Ukah - 40th minute (assisted by David Hayes)
 Rowdies: Mike Ambersley - 74th minute - penalty kick
 Rowdies: Tsuyoshi Yoshitake - 84th minute (assisted by Chad Burt)

Saturday 14 May 2011

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1979 Rowdies Ticket Stub

A ticket stub from the game played at Tampa Stadium, against the Memphis Rogues on May 30th, 1979. The Rowdies won this game 2-1.
Many thanks to George Rocheleau.

Rowdies Press Photos - Perry Van Der Beck and Ray Perlee

A photo from the 1988 game against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, with Perry Van Der Beck and Ray Perlee amongst the action.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh

Rodney Marsh takes a break during the 1977 indoor game against the Washington Diplomats.

Rowdies Press Photos - Terry Moore

Terry Moore battles for the ball, with Ft. Lauderdale Strikers' Keith Weller, during the 1982 season.

Friday 13 May 2011

Rowdies Video - Rowdies vs. FC Edmonton May 11th, 2011

Match highlights from the Rowdies vs. FC Edmonton, played on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1989 Rowdies KICKIN' Magazine

This edition of the Rowdies' KICKIN' magazine was for the Play Off game against the Boston Bolts, played at Tampa Stadium on August 13th, 1989. The cover featured  Martin Hill, in action against the Washington Diplomats. The Rowdies lost the game 1-2.

Rowdies Press Photos - Randy Garber

Randy Garber in action at Tampa Stadium, in 1976.

Thursday 12 May 2011

Rowdies Snap Shots - Roy Wegerle and Ricky Hill

Former Rowdies Roy Wegerle and Ricky Hill meet up at the Rowdies vs. FC Edmonton game, Roy and Ricky were team-mates at Luton Town, between 1988 to 1989.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1975 Rowdies vs Thunder Game Report

A newspaper clipping from the Rowdies game against the San Antonio Thunder, played on May 31st, 1975, at Noth East Stadium. The Rowdies won 4-0.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh

Rodney Marsh takes a fall during his 1979 Testimonial Game against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers' Roy Wiggemansen, goalie Steve Zerhusen and Tony Whelan.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Dave Power and Don Tobin

Dave Power and Don Tobin at a signing session at the Rowdies vs. FC Edmonton game.

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Rowdies Press Photos - Don Droege

Don Droege battles with Jacksonville Tea Men's Ricardo Alonso for the header, in 1982.

Rowdies Press Photos - Tatu

Tatu takes a dive after being tackled by Jacksonville Tea Men's Colin Brazier, during the 1982 season.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1975 Rowdies vs Dynamos Game Report

A newspaper clipping from the Rowdies game against the Denver Dynamos, played on May 28th, 1975, at Tampa Stadium. The Rowdies won 3-2.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Mike Connell and Craig Fossett

Mike Connell and Craig Fossett at a signing session at the Rowdies vs. Railhawks game.
Many thanks to Craig for this photo.

Rowdies Video - Rowdies vs. Carolina Railhawks May 7th, 2011

Match highlights from the Rowdies vs. Carolina Railhawks, played on Saturday, May 7th, 2011.

Solly's Summer Soccer Camps

Former Rowdie Solly Hilton is proud to offer a series of week-long soccer camps for children ranging in age from 6-13.
The Soccer Camp is designed for both select and recreational players who want to excel in their sport by developing their technical skills and ability. The camp is for players of all abilities and levels. A variety of skills will be demonstrated and practiced. Players will have fun while experiencing the sport of soccer.
For further information, go to Solly's website at http://www.sollysummersoccercamp.com/index.html

Monday 9 May 2011

Rowdies Press Photos - Tony McManus

Tony McManus' 2011 Rowdies mugshot.

Rowdies Press Photos - Neill Roberts

Neill Roberts loses out to Houston Hurricane's Werner Moors in this arial battle, at Tampa Stadium in 1980.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1975 Rowdies vs Comets Game Report

A newspaper clipping from the Rowdies game against the Baltimore Comets, played on May 21st, 1975, at Towson State College. The Rowdies won 2-1.

Sunday 8 May 2011

Rowdies Snap Shots - Mike Hewitt

A recent photo of original 1975 Rowdies' goalkeeper Mike Hewitt, pictured with his wife Bente.
Many thanks to Bente Hewitt for this photo.

Rowdies vs. Carolina Railhawks

Rowdies 1 vs. Carolina Railhawks 3
The Rowdies lost 3-1 to Carolina on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium after allowing two second-half goals to the RailHawks.
"Defensively we have been quite sound but tonight for whatever reason in moments when it mattered, we lacked concentration and we lacked a bit of cohesion with the group," said head coach Ricky Hill. "If a defender has a lapse and makes a mistake, generally he gets punished for it."
Carolina struck first as forward Etienne Barbara, the NASL Player of the Month for April, scored his league-leading fifth goal of the season off an assist from midfielder Stephen Glass in the 20th minute. But the Rowdies quickly responded as midfielder Pascal Millien put the ball in the bottom left corner of the net in the 23rd minute to tie the match at 1-1. The goal was Millien's first of the 2011 season.
"It felt great after five games to finally put one in the back of the net," said Millien. "But on Wednesday we need to come right back and do everything we can to get three points. The way we started the first half is how we are supposed to finish it."
The Rowdies had several chances in the opening minutes of the second half. The first opportunity came as defender David Hayes served a free kick into the box and Warren Ukah's header was saved by Knighton. Just moments later, Hayes took another free kick, which deflected off Knighton but was cleared from the box.
Carolina regained the lead in the 52nd minute on a goal by forward Brian Farber, with Barbara getting the assist.
The Rowdies were inches from tying the game in the 74th minute as Ukah just missed wide after a pass from Mike Ambersley in the box.
The RailHawks extended their lead shortly after as Barbara scored his second of the game in the 76th minute following a pass from Chris Nurse. The ball was deflected off a Rowdies' defender and into the goal.
"I cannot fault the players for their application and their effort, but I think we can be a lot smarter and demand a lot more from each other when they are on the field to ensure that we don't have these lapses," said Hill.
Rowdies rookie goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made his first professional start and had five saves in the match. Rowdies' goalkeeper Daryl Sattler suffered a torn ACL last Saturday against Atlanta and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2011 season. The Rowdies was also without the services of starting defender Andres Arango, who missed the game because of an ankle injury.
"I have been playing this game a long time and games go that way sometimes," said Attinella. "Obviously it was not how I wanted my first start to go. It was frustrating but hopefully we can come out on Wednesday and get a victory."

Lineups:
Rowdies lineup: Attinella, Sanfilippo (Captain), Rodrigues, Hayes, Jarun, McManus, Millien, Gyorio (Yamada 73'), Burt (Yoshitake 79'), Ukah (King 79'), Ambersley
Railhawks lineup: Knighton, Rusin (Captain), Low, McKenney, Krause, Franks, Glass (Nurse 64'), Watson (Elenio 85'), Farber (Steele 60'), Barbara, Zimmerman

Scoring Summary: Railhawks: Etienne Barbara - 20th minute (assisted by Stephen Glass)
 Rowdies: Pascal Millien - 23rd minute
 Railhawks: Brian Farber - 52nd minute (assisted by Etienne Barbara)
 Railhawks: Etienne Barbara - 76th minute (assisted by Chris Nurse)

Saturday 7 May 2011

Rowdies Snap Shots - Farrukh Quraishi


Farrukh Quraishi, at Tampa International Airport on the evening of 26th August, 1975, when the Rowdies arrived back in town after winning Soccer Bowl '75.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Press Photos - Omar Jarun

Omar Jarun in action against Montreal Impact, during the 2011 season opener.

Thursday 5 May 2011

Rowdies Video - Rowdies vs. Atlanta Silverbacks April 30th, 2011

Match highlights from the Rowdies vs. Atlanta Silverbacks, played on Sunday, April 30th, 2011.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Rowdies Memorabilia - Winston DuBose 1979 NASL Winning Photo Contest

An excellent photo of Winston DuBose, by Mary C. Jones, from the 1979 NASL Photo Contest, that won "First Place" in the "Black and White Action" category.

Rowdies Press Photos - Takuya Yamada

Takuya Yamada signs autographs for the fans at Al Lang Stadium, during the 2011 season opener against the Montreal Impact.

Monday 2 May 2011

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1975 Rowdies vs Bicentennials Game Report

 A newspaper clipping from the Rowdies game against the Hartford Bicentennials, played on May 17th, 1975, at Dillon Stadium. The Rowdies won 3-1.

Rowdies Press Photos - Steve Wegerle

Steve Wegerle flinches as Atlanta Chiefs' Carl Strong takes the ball away, during the Rowdies 7-3 indoor victory at the Bayfront Center in 1980.

Rowdies Press Photos - Wes McLeod

Wes McLeod is on the move, as Seattle Sounders' John Ryan defends at Tampa Stadium, in 1979.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh

Rodney Marsh outjumps Memphis Rogues' John Faulkner and Henry McCully in 1979.

Rowdies Press Photos - Petar Baralic

Petar Baralic dribbles downfield despite the defensive pressure of San Diego Sockers' Rodney Bush, during the 1980 Playoff game at Tampa Stadium.

Rowdies Press Photos - Perry Van Der Beck

A Sao Paulo player tackles Perry Van Der Beck, during their Exhibition Game in 1982 at Tampa Stadium, the Rowdies lost the game 2-3.

Rowdies Press Photos - Don Droege

Don Droege making his debut against the Jacksonville Tea Men, on July 4th, 1982 in front of a crowd of 40,098. Don and the Rowdies enjoyed a 2-0 victory. With Wes McLeod and John Gorman watching him win the header over Tea Men's Alonso.

Rowdies vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

Rowdies 1 vs. Atlanta Silverbacks 1
The Rowdies ended its match in a 1-1 draw Saturday night against the Atlanta Silverbacks.
 Rowdies' forward Mike Ambersley scored a pivotal goal in the 74th minute, giving the Rowdies the draw and a point.
  The Green and Gold came back to end the match in a tie after Silverbacks defender Willie Hunt found the back of the net just before the end of the first half off a free kick from Mario Perez, giving Atlanta the 1-0 advantage at halftime.
  The Rowdies started the game decisively with short passes and good movement on and off the ball.
  Only 10 minutes into the match goalkeeper Daryl Sattler collided with an Atlanta player inside of the 18-yard box and he had to leave the game because of an injury sustained to his knee.
  Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made his first professional debut in relief of Sattler and played the remainder of the match, posting three saves.
  “Daryl is one of our leaders so when he went down it was a big blow to the team,” said Attinella. “I train hard and hopefully the guys have enough confidence in me if I have to step in another situation like this again.”
 In the 22nd minute midfielder Chad Burt shuffled some fancy footwork through the Atlanta defense and slipped a nearly miraculous pass to Ambersley, whose shot was saved by Atlanta goalkeeper Felipe Quintero.
  Midfielder Pascal Millien had the crowd on edge at Al Lang Stadium in the 26th minute when he used his excellent skills to send an Atlanta defender sliding. Millien had four shots in the game, as did forward Warren Ukah.
The match continued in a very aggressive manner after intermission, with both teams working hard to maintain possession. For the match, the Rowdies held a 20-10 advantage in shots.
  Finally, in the 74th minute Ambersley put the Rowdies on the board with an assist from forward Aaron King.
  “There was only one run to make there and that was toward the goal,” said Ambersley, “I am lucky that King found me with such a great ball. Then I saw the goalie come out a little bit and I just played it right under his arm.”
 The Rowdies  continued to penetrate the Silverbacks defense but was unable to come up with the win. Atlanta tried to create offensive opportunities but only had four shots in the second half. In the 88th minute Atlanta forward Matt Horth made a dangerous breakaway dribble toward the net. Rowdie defender Omar Jarun thwarted the close call opportunity by easily collecting the ball from the attacker.
  “Overall I am still looking for a better cutting-edge to our game and a more clinical kind of style,” said head coach Ricky Hill. “We need to understand where we are on the pitch at all given times and what we can do with the ball.”

Lineups:
Rowdies Lineup: Sattler (Attinella 10'), Sanfilippo (Captain), Arango, Rodrigues, Jarun, McManus, Burt, Millien, Gyorio (Savage 88'), Ukah (King 61'), Ambersley
Atlanta Silverbacks Lineup: Quintero, Perez, Ruthven, Hunt, Moroney, Gonzalez, Paulini (Captain), Matsushita (R. Cox 69'), Davis, Horth (J. Cox 76'), O'Brien (Zahirovic 37')

Scoring Summary:
Silverbacks: Willie Hunt - 45+ minute (assisted by Mario Perez)
 Rowdies - Mike Ambersley - 74th minute (assisted by Aaron King)