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with five congenital heart defects. This superstar loves making people laugh along with playing video games and soccer. Sammy dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and recently just met his idol Leo Messi. When asked who his favorite rowdy’s player is, he chose none other than midfielder Ali Basset. Through it all, Sammy has shown an inspiring amount of strength and resilience. fans. Let’s give a warm rowdies welcome to our inspiring Saturday superstar Sammy Carden. [Music] Check check check check check check. Check check check check. Testing. 1 2 3 1 1 22 2 3 [Music] Downtown St. Petersburg ready for game night on ESPN Plus and Tampa Bay’s 44 as the Tampa Bay Rowdies host Rhode Island FC. This pregame show presented by Farah and Farah, Tampa’s personal injury lawyers and online at farenfra.com. Welcome inside the booth. We’re thrilled you’re here. Drew Felios alongside Ryan Davis. It is the final game of what has been a very bumpy rowdy’s home stand tonight. The final chance before heading on the road, Ryan, for Tampa Bay to impress the home crowd. It’s definitely been a tough time. I think the home stand is actually a good thing that happened to the rowdies. It gave the coaching staff a chance to assess the players where things stand on the field. And now tonight being the last match in our lang before they go back on the road, the players have to play it like a final. They have to have some sort of responsibility tonight before they go back on the road towards the fans. Take a look at the players to watch now. But brought to you by Hooters, the [Music] [Music] [Music] Just moments from kickoff, tonight’s match is presented by Hyatt Place, St. Petersburg. Tampa Bay Rowdies coming out of the tunnel alongside the opponent, Rhode Island FC. Should be a fun one tonight at Al Lang. Let’s take a look at our starting rotations on each side, beginning with the visitors. First, Rhode Island. We told you about Dqua, but his mate up top, Rodriguez. Maxi Rodriguez is a special player. Maxi Rodriguez is turning into a legend in this league. He came from Nissa in with Detroit. When they got promoted, he came up as well. He’s going to appear right behind DQA in a 42-31 with Crisera and Busan on his sides with Maxi Rodriguez is make is what is who makes this team tick. Goalkeeper plays loud as well. Cook Vegas the 29year-old Spaniard in net for Rhode Island FC in that 442. As for Tampa Bay Pacas of course the top scorer all year. Campi it’s been an adjustment in net but he has held up fairly well. The big story tonight, the youngster Mustali 21 getting the start. I love the combination of the very fast Pacio and then the statuesque sort of target man in Mustali. So Mustali can lay the ball off for Pacas around him and also it is going to give um the rowdies an aerial threat when crosses coming from the sides. Ralph’s mob in attendance here tonight hungry for that first Rowdies victory here at home in 2025. Tampa Bay characteristic he one in which they conceded five goals just did not seem in form all night long last week conceding three times in the first half playing much better in the second half but tonight final game of this home stand this is where you really have to shine I think it’s so important for the rowdies Drew to control that center circle is going to alleviate some of the pressure off of the center backs if they can control the tempo in the midfield underway from Alen St. [Applause] So ratties in the familiar green gold and white as lasso lays into this one. Rhode Island two victories on the season. Three defeats, three draws as Rowdy’s control from the back. Lasso trying to set it up field on the clearance. Basset now comes through with it. This guy has been scrappy and one of the few bright spots for Tampa Bay thus far in this 2025 season. Rowdy’s continued to advance it. Here’s Basset now winding up. Shot on goal and the first save by Vegas. Good sign for Tampa Bay getting one on Frank. Well, Drew, you and I got a chance to talk to Ollie Basset yesterday. He is raring to go. The ball is to his feet. He likes to play in show in small places with Leo Fernandez. This time Pacius becoming a distributor. Seeing the players around him found Bassets. What a strike and what a save by Vegas. Three plays tonight brought to you by Orlando Health Bayfront. Tampa Bay wants to come out aggressive. Showing signs of that here early on. Our coaching matchup looks like this for Tampa Bay. Steve Coleman still adjusting in his interim head coaching season. He wants to remove that interim tag. But to do that, the Rowdies have got to get some victories and they got to step it up here at this point in the season. And then you’ve got Connell Smith on the other side, the former Birmingham assistant and also did some work with the Orlando Pride on the women’s side. Very and really gave them a sort of gentle introduction into USL. Rhode Island got their feet underneath them very quickly and had quite the impressive season. So our coaching matchup brought to you by Farah and Farah as Rhode Island now works it up the pitch from the right side. Here come the visitors trying to answer what the Rowdies just brought to them. ball will land out of bounds. Let’s go to the injury report now. Which players are healthy and which are banged up. This brought to you by Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. Hilton and Nangabir. That’s somebody Tampa Bay is really going to miss. Lewis Hilton. You know they’re missing him big time. Well, they’re already missing Nick Moon on this right hand side. Niaga Berry of course who started most of the games on the right. He gets injured too. Now Leo Fernandez is playing at a right wing back. First time he’s played that in a very very long time. And the rowdies are dying for one of their rights sided players to come back onto the field. So Tampa Bay working that touch line. Here’s Christoimo getting ahead on it. Leo Fernandez will now reset things. Number 10. Good to see the rowdies going back to a three center back position and formation. is going to bring some more shortity in the middle of the defense and hopefully for the rowdies point of view not leak as many goals as they have in the previous weeks. Keys to the match brought to you by Farah and Farah Tampa Bay spreading the wealth here with Lawrence White. Ryan, what have you got? I think the rowdies, this is their last game at home before they head back on the road. They have to force the tempo in midfield. They have to create the action as you will and as they come for the Rhode Island, be conservative and frustrate the rowdies. The rowdies have shown that only scored seven goals in the last five matches. Played ahead now. It’s Bodley putting it in the box. Posas waiting for it. It bounces over to Fernandez. Lawrence White has it at his feet and Tampa Bay with another early chance. Lao puts it in a good spot right in the middle of that box. Out to Basset and Ali will reset. He looks like he is in the mood. Ollie Basset just looking at his body language and his touches on the ball. He has full of certainty when the ball comes his way. [Music] Now here’s Aaron Gillian. And once again, the captain’s armband resetting it for the rowdies. Van Kasil will spread to the center circle for lasso. And you see good movement early on by the rowdies. Nobody keeping it at their feet for more than like 4 seconds. Yeah, keep it ticking. And this this is what creates tempo. This is one of the keys to the game. And Rody’s doing that in the opening 10 minutes. Now getting inside the box. Here comes Tampa Bay again. This one’s going to be touched out. And the Rowdies led by Pacius will have their first Colony Grill corner kick. Well, Pacius has shown that he can score goals. He scored more than half of the Rowdy’s goals so far this season. But what I’ve seen in the open his Colony Grill famous thin crust pizza since 1935. Feels like we’ve been eating it that long as well. We absolutely love it. Watch out. Watch out. Fernandez the outswinger here. Rowdy’s fans looking on on that far side. Here it comes. All headed. That ball was perfectly drilled by Mustali, but just a little bit high over the crossbar. Well, this is the aerial dominance that he can bring to the field. And the 6’4 Mustali wasn’t too far off. He’s going to be the prime target for set pieces tonight. Rowdies in motion once more. tapped out and the fans really loving Tampa Bay’s momentum here early on. Well, the 6’5 Mika from Rhode Island, he’s on loan from Toronto FC. He’s now complaining with his defenders that there’s too many gaps for the rowdy players to find. But Mika, we talk about aerial dominance, 6’5. He’s going to be the one defending the set pieces against Mustalias. Yes. In swinger this time. Oh, right by Lasso. Lasso trying to get to it. Bumped into Venzil. And that’s one where somebody’s got to make contact right there. That was put and a pretty nice zip code. Beautiful delivery by Leo Fernandez curling towards the goal and Forest Lasso right on top of the six-yd box. Just couldn’t find the contact. So you look at Rhode Island coming into this match. Remember they’ve only had about three days rest. They played Wednesday night. So if any team has been kind of right for the picking coming in here to Alang, it is Rhode Island here tonight. Yeah, two thoughts of school on that. I mean, yes, they have some tired legs and they did make some rotations. Quizer coming in for Breto tonight and company, but to go on the road in Birmingham on Wednesday to get three points on a Wednesday. I mean that they come in here with a lot of confidence thinking they can come into Alan Stadium and continue those winning ways. 7 minutes in, Tampa Bay with some early fireworks. And by the way, fans who are in attendance tonight going to be treated to some fireworks when this contest is over. But these fans also want a victory. They have not seen one here in 2025. Lasso will spread it. Once again, it’s Guan posting up. Pacius Rhode Island not really been able to gain possession thus far. It’s headed around Guillian once more. [Applause] Sent forward again. It’s Mustali. Ball just skates by and a good job by Mabika Zambia to get it back to the keeper. Vegas. But he brings that shorty in the back line for Rhode Island. And for this Rhode Island team who’s on the road, not only with his physicality, but when he has the ball to his feet, he can definitely bring the ball out to the back to to players like Zack Hero and Maxi Rodriguez and host that. Want to give a big shout out to the Raising the Anchor podcast group. Was on this week with them. They’re the ultimate team up there in Rhode Island and they provide such a great show for the Rhode Island fans. Jason, thanks for having me on. See you guys again soon. And just to give you guys a heads up, Ryan is available every single week. You are one popular podcaster. I know. Elvis Osmanovich, dead referee tonight. Morales Lastra the assistant on Pablo Gas Russell Miller. Can I just get on the curve? Can I just get it out of the way? Elvis is in the game. That’s right. There it is. There you go. Fernandez now touches it forward. Lao held up just a bit. Oh, nicely done. Chrisostimo got it back to Lao. Fernandez now advancing from that right side. It takes a bit of a bounce and just a little bit wide of that post. Well, most people will cross the ball with their right foot in that situation. When you have a left foot like Leo Fernandez, he goes outside of the foot, gets a deflection, wins the corner. Now, the last time he’s delivered two beauties from this exact spot. Let’s see if he can connect with Mustali or Forest Lasso on this third one. So, Leo Fernandez, one goal on the season for the Rowdies. been on this team longer than anybody currently on the roster. Legend in USL Championship once again far post set the crown and again it’s Vegas barely get hand on it that near across everyone in the sixyd box. Cookie Vegas is stranded to the spot and there’s Vinka popping up in the last post and Vegas taking care of his near post. So Leo getting his fill of corners here early on. Already the fourth corner for Tampa Bay in this game. Sent back again by Mabika. Oh, little collision that time. And that was bodily. Wrong place, wrong [Applause] time. Totally inadvertent, but no less painful. And we understand referees Monovich trying to get some attention to the player. New rule is any sort of head injury play has to stop. And it looks like it was Chriser and Blake Bodley. Both of them were looking at the ball. And it looked like Bodley was going to get the worst of it, but apparently did not make much contact or at least hopefully he is okay. Certainly keep an eye on that. Bodley right now on the sideline having a bit of a discussion and hopefully he is back shortly. So 12 minutes in. Rowdy certainly have picked up the pace. You can sense the urgency in this Tampa Bay team thus far. Several early chances just looking for that finishing touch. I want to tell you about the official ball supplier of USL Championship, Select. From the Academy to the big leagues, Select’s there every step of the way. Visit online at us.slect/sport.com. Select the latest Select products, specials, and more. Select players choice. Say select one more time. like to select a different read next time. No, select our proud spots. We we love that select ball is prime year after year here at USL Championship. They set the standard when it comes to soccer balls in the US. Select is has certainly served the time and they have set the record in how to produce soccer balls in this incredible USL championship. So good sign anytime you can walk off under your own power selectively as that is cuiser an assist on the year will get 10 to two on that Rhode Island sideline. So Cuiser and Bodley collide. Bodley looks like he is clearly okay. And when I saw that play happen in real time I just kind of winced was afraid for Blake because he is just coming off injury as well. Well, he has got to be one that stays on the pitch for the Raptors. Yep. And Quizer playing that same sort of leftsided. Well, both of them are left footers. And looks like the front of Blake Bordley’s head caught the side of Quazeras. [Applause] place this one down. Rallies will have possession. Time Elvis is our championship. Oh yeah, it is a thankless job being a referee on any level. [Applause] So we play on these fans to finally be rewarded here tonight. [Applause] tracking back Grant Stoneman. Aios following the him there. And we’ll have a goal kick coming out here by Vegas. Vegas with 720 minutes cashed in here so far this year. 12 saves also for the 29year-old. Well, Rhode Island in a little bit of uncharted territory. In the last few games, they’ve had the lion share of possession at over 57%. I tell you what, in the opening 15 minutes has been all rowdies as they’ve been controlling the midfield. Here’s Bodley. Bodley with the cross. Fernandez [Applause] there. And again, the visitors quickly advancing. Lasso taken down from behind. [Applause] But Forest Lasso fantastic positioning getting there before Deco and as soon as he felt the contact went over won the free kick. Get in between the play and the ball initiate the contact. Easy whistle for the referee. [Applause] Campy spreading it left. Den had it taken away. [Applause] Now it’s Sanchez. Rowdies making life difficult and difficult for Rhode Island to connect the dots here in the first [Applause] 20. Sanchez once more. Busan Resting once again coming up. That’s W crashing the party. Mustali had it momentarily. This is exactly what Rhode Island needs at this point. Get everyone a touch of the ball. Get some rhythm going in Alan. And if you’re the rowdies, this is an opportunity to break up a play and try to get a counterattack. You have to play as like Cole Stard. Yep. You want to keep going out wide. Use the width of Alan Field and try to find space in the middle for deep Maxi Rodriguez. Long far side now. That was special. Best possession by far for the visitors. Sanchez now puts it in motion. Right in the center of the box and Elvis is there to make the call pointing right at number 10 Albert Dqua. The Grand Central Brew House, a family-friendly, pet friendly, communityfriendly two-story brewery, tap room, and beer garden located in the heart of the Grand Central District. Grand Central Brew House features traditional loggers and Yales brewed in-house and served directly from European serving tastes. It is the Korean Central Brew House. Oh, here comes Rhode Island again. What a tackle by Lasso as he comes up, but does not absolutely kill the play on the ground. It’s Campzy shifting to his right. And we got a late call here. This is They’re giving a yellow card to Forest Lasso on the tackle by Maxi Rodriguez. Listen, this is a slide tackle. And I understand in modern day soccer, you can’t tackle personally from behind. Forest Lasso got all ball on Maxi Rodriguez coming in from front of him. I’m sorry. I understand they’re trying to soften the game up a little bit, but I think referee Monovich has taken it just a little too far. So, first key penalty here in this match. [Applause] No, he tried. He allowed the game to go on. It’s a yellow card on on forest lasso. It’s going to be a corner kick, but talk about just Yeah. So, here’s Messi Rodriguez at the gamewinner against Birmingham on Wednesday and another Colony Grill corner. Lasso again comes up to be a difference maker. Well, the tough thing about Forest Lassu, now he’s on a yellow card. And as a center back, you spend your whole game pushing, shoving, tackling, and and trying to fight for space. So now he’s on a yellow card for the next, let’s say, um, 60 minutes for something that he got all ball was not coming from behind. Did not come from the side. Came right in front of M Maxi Rodriguez and won the ball fairly. Yeah. So much of his game is that physical play. Here’s one more look. Ball they call that? [Applause] happened right in front of Elvis Osmanovich and he decides to set an early precedent in this game as long as they consistent. [Applause] Sure. So pass it again with Pacas. Posas has a chance as the keeper just beats him there. Vegas will reset here. Vancesio busts it in the middle of the field. Long ball here to Bodley. Can he run it down right in front of that Rhode Island bench? Players getting loose on that far side. Well, with Blake Bodley back on that left hand side, it gives Rowdies this option to switch sides. Go do the diagonal pass towards the corner flag and Bl. It continues to get feisty. That’ll draw another yellow. Second one handed out in the last two minutes. Lawrence White this time. Now, this one is thoroughly deserved. We heard that from all the way up in the room. Even though Lawrence W got none of the ball. Great call by the referee. That is a yellow card. Big difference from the one before. Lawrence White trying to really find his stride in his second stint here with the Rowdies. Rowdies will take over possession here. His game has been certainly a bit different than in that first campaign that he had under the great Neil Collins. [Applause] So, it’ll be W on the throw in here. This one sent out. You know, E football is here. You can live your dream, rep your team, play as your favorite USL championship club. E football is free to play. Download [Applause] now. 22nd minute. Rhode Island trying to go to work here. Oh, there’s Sanchez. Hol Rhode Island and their signature. Here’s Bassid coming over once more. Thrilled you’re with us tonight on Tampa Bay’s 44 and ESPN Plus. Drew Felios, Ryan Davis, and our phenomenal Tampa Bay Rowdy’s crew. It has been a hall on this home stand. Rowdy’s hoping to finish it up with three points. Well, we talked a little while ago about Rhode Island having to get on the ball. Players like Cole Stag and company have gotten on the ball now in midfield and starting to give this Rhode Island team some sort of pattern, some sort of tempo, some sort of rhythm and they’re playing their way into the game over the last eight or nine minutes. And they’ve had now the Rowdies on the back foot for the last [Applause] five with a long throw in. Tw Fernandez trying to shield off the defender. Lao does a great job. Now navigates in traffic. Once partially deflected, Lasso comes all the way up. Tries to keep that run alive. So a little bit extra on the play to force Lasso here tonight. And Chris Osimo now resets. Danny Chroasimo overall Ryan. If you were giving grades on rowdies this year, I imagine he’d grade pretty well. Yeah, I think he gets an eight out of a 10 in that center circle. Rowdies have been not the best in midfield, but Christosimo has been a a shining light. He’s been busy in that center circle getting back, tackling, recovering, and when he has the ball, he has such good control in tight spaces, he can get out of dodge and create for someone else. So, it’s lasso once more here. Now, the rowdies have to go side to side. It’s time to get the ball into passes’s feet or Mustali’s feet and have the ball have them knock the ball back into Basset’s path or Christosimo’s path. It’s okay to go direct to the forehead every so often. This is White. This is the toastiest game thus far here at Alang. 84 degrees at kickoff. So, starting to feel like summer just a bit, although we’re still in midmay. Well, I made a public service announcement earlier this week that the oven is officially on in Central Florida on West Florida. Rhode Island now with the throw in. Rhode Island, the ocean state. Have you ever been to Rhode Island, Ryan? No, but I heard it’s the smallest state in the country. Is that correct? I believe so. I’ve driven past Rhode Island. All four minutes of it. Yeah. Superb job by Holsters on the ball right now who has changed the tempo of this game over the last 5 minutes. He’s getting on the ball and the players are wanting to give him the ball and he’s going from side to side and creating this tempo for Rhode Island. Rowdy’s doing a lot of chasing here over the last few minutes. and Mick Hazil in the box. Again, the visitors will keep it very slowly and methodically handling it right now. Sanchez again with Fernandez starting to mark a little tighter. Here comes Christosimo. And there’s a takeaway. Posas now with some open pitch. Woos Pacio. Pacius will give it a ride. And again, it’s Vegas. Right place, right time. He got there going to his right. We talked about Christosimo. He broke up the play, then got it into Wubes’s feet and having a left footed drive. Awkward hop for Vegas, but good job in the end to smother it. You can enter the Prince Tires tailgate kit sweep stakes for a chance to win a prize pack worth up to $3,000. Scan the QR code on screen here to enter today. That’s the Prince Tires tailgate kit sweep stakes for a chance to win a prize pack up to three [Applause] grand into that Colony Grill sign. Ryan, I know you got to put your phone away. You were scanning there for a minute trying to chance at chance at chance at 3K. Why not, right? Even from the booth. Yeah. Excuse me a second. I’ll be right back. So now it’s Lasso playing a little keep away. Albert Dqua. I haven’t called his name much here in this opening half. Guarantee you he is going to be a factor before the night’s through. You know it’s a name we haven’t talked about in a while. What about Zack Herville? Two years with the route. He’s only played 10 matches. Got a horrific injury earlier on. Couldn’t get back on the field and when he did get back off with injury. Couldn’t find any momentum and a heck of a box-to-box midfielder from Haiti. [Applause] Haravo the number 20. He’s got it right now. Always wanted to see a little bit more of him. Yeah. Never really got to see him truly fulfilled here in Tampa Bay as that ball squirts through. Fernandez tracks it down. Gets it back to Campisi. Father from Haiti, mother from Japan once had to mark the famous Lionel Messi in laban in Buenosirus. Talked to us about that story. He said that place was a rockin and no one can get close to Messi. do so at your own detriment. So many great players have gone through this rowdy’s system and are contributing to other clubs across the league. Caleb Jennings won that we saw last week. Malik Johnson another Canada. Yeah. [Applause] [Music] Stoneman once again shared in the triangle. [Applause] floated nicely but right in front. Easy pickings for Campi. Yeah, nice touch for the goalkeeper. Gets his hands on it. Get some confidence going. A little bit of a dry spell here for the Ries. And you were saying about W. Yeah, I think you he’s a midfielder that plays and he’s like a utility knife, right? So he can play right back right center back, but he really is at home playing in the midfield as well. And he just took the ball, dribbled it right into two forwards face and brought it back to the goalkeeper. That’s the sort of confidence that he has and he brings to this defensive unit in trying to get the ball out of the back. He is now there’s no fear when he has the ball. Flo top of the box. Look out. Dangerous spot. Ball sent on. Rowdy is able to get the carum and now back to Rhode Island controlled again by Babika. First touch by Maxi Rodriguez in that 18yd box. He has scored his last two goals or three goals with balls coming from the side and him finishing the one two Sanchez for Pacas. Oh, falling down that time was the youngster Mustali. [Applause] [Music] play by Holstead. Spread it here again and 17 Cera an assist on the season gets it back to Haravo. Have to mention as we watch this in front of our eyes, the last two games, Rhode Island has had 57% possession. They have owned the ball. 85% of those passes, Ryan, have been converted. I tell you what, they started off slow, but right now the possession count is 5346. 47 rather, Rhode Island. They’re starting to get back their rhythm after a slow start to this match. [Music] far side of the field. A little frustration there setting in for Rhode Island. The USL on CBS Sports Network continues May 28th, a Western Conference double header. San Antonio Battles FC Tulsa 8:00 p.m. Eastern, followed by Las Vegas Lights and Phoenix Rising at 10:30 p.m. Catch all the action on CBS Sports Network. That is May 28th, 10:30 p.m. Eastern time. And we have a hydration break. Talked about the temperature, the humidity. Thing about being in the commentary booth, Drew, it’s always 75°. You could say that again. Hold on, let me get a drink of water. Always plenty of Colony grill pizza as well. An abundance of Colony pizza. White, Kie Basset, Lake Bodley there, Christoimo, Fernandez, and the rowdy staff. You see Steuart Doppson, goalkeeping coach right there next to Fernandez and also Yan Ecra right in the middle of your screen. Been a great asset to the coaching staff here this year. He’s just a legend. The way his his poise and the way he walks and carries himself. He did so on the field like a general and then off the field. Everyone seems to sort of respond to him. What a great guy to have on the staff as he learns his traits as a coach in the rowdies uniform. So he’s kind of owned the session at least as you look at some young rowdies fans hoping one day they can take a spot out there on the pitch. That’s where it all begins in Alang Stadium. the youngsters looking on and the players responding to that, giving the youngsters all the time in the world after the match to shake hands and sign autographs. It’s a thing of beauty in our lang stadium. That certainly is. [Applause] So, Campi will place it down here for Tampa Bay. Grabbies right now 12th place in the East. But again, things can change drastically. Just get a couple wins and those standings can flip. A drop of a dime. Yen down there. And you can see Mustardi look to pass just now. The two strikers have to stay close for that exact moment. When the ball comes into a tight space, Musti or Pacius only has a little time to flick it on. At that point, Pacius was too far from Mustali to maintain possession. And that’s why the youngster looked at Pas like you need to be a little bit closer. Taken away here by Fernandez. Lao right side. Christoimo. Oh, just runs right into trouble. [Applause] will spin around here in the corner and it will belong here to Rhode Island. Final third for Tampa Bay certainly been challenging this year. Communication not always there. Still building. We’ve seen spots, Ryan, but it’s usually been the one player kind of doing it himself, taking taking his chances. Yeah, we’ve seen Pas just excel in the 18 yd box with scoring, but we’ve seen Ollie Basset with his sort of body language on the ball that he wants to do more. Drew, he expects to do more. I mean, he was the former Canadian player of the year playing as a number 10, which is sitting behind the forward. He’s coming in from the side here as a number 10, not directly behind the forwards, but just in the vicinity where he’s most comfortable. And we’re expecting Bassa to explode as this season moves on. Fernandez shielded off that time but fighting through it as Baba was playing keep away and Lao pleading for possession here. There’s a chance for the rowdies to press on this through with Sanchez and we can see Dao already asking for it up the line. [Applause] Steve Coleman looking on. Looks like a player is not doing so well for Rhode Island. [Applause] Yes, this heat can certainly hit you. You go through warm-ups as well, come out of the tunnel, first 30 minutes, your body starts to talk to you sometimes. Yeah. players who come into playing Alan Stadium, they understand very quickly the difference between Florida heat and other heat. And looks like Rhode Island may have to look to their bench. Coach Smith looking towards his [Applause] bench. So, a pause here and a chance for us to tell you about Farah and Farah, our prime sponsor here tonight. at Tampa’s personal injury lawyers and online at farah and farah.com. Farah and Farah prime sponsor here at 2025. I fear it’s worse than the heat. Cuiser who got that knock from Bodley came off the field came back on. He dropped back down does not seem very comfortable at this point. And if he doesn’t get back up here and the fact that he did suffer that blow at his head could mean the end of his night. So, Joa Quizera and I think you’re right. No matter what, he should be done for the night. Yeah, looks like the trainers calling to the sidelines and alerting coach Smith. So, Jose will be helped up here. players also taking the opportunity to get hydrated once again asa going to be helped off and this certainly not his night not the way he wanted to exit. Yeah, didn’t start against Birmingham on Wednesday. It was Breto who was his starter that night. Looks like Amos Shapiro maybe coming in. So Cusera out and Amos Shapiro Thompson. Amos is from Warthingington, Massachusetts and Cuiser’s from Rwanda. Little far from each other. [Applause] 25year-old Shapiro now. will replace him. So, first substitution made in this [Applause] game. Spent some time with the New York Red Bulls, too. 2023. Had a seasonl long injury that year. Got healthy trying to contribute here. Make an impression for Rhode Island. played some time with the New York Red Bulls MLS. So to the Red Bulls, too. See, can he bring some pedigree into this midfield for Rhode Island. Played college soccer also at Boston College. A dream of his growing up in Massachusetts is W. Now we’ll throw it in for the Ries. Still waiting for our first goal. It’s been a drought here for the Rowdies. They haven’t had possession in quite some time. Fernandez in company trying to change that. That was incredible. That was some navigation and traffic. And now they have space through Aravo able to spread it around here. Bodi scrambling to get back. Great recovery by the rowdies. Want to first talk about Rhode Island and Mika just navigating out of that traffic. The starting lineup went back to Detroit, played for Nisa. He really thought he was he was done for. He thought he was going to give up soccer alto together. Was working in a home depot and got his opportunity with Detroit. They got promoted to the USL Championship. His life changed and he is just a prominent figure wherever he goes in the USL Championship. He has that sort of ability and not only ability on the ball, ability off the ball, physicality. He has a third lung who can run from by line to by line and he can control the ball in tight spaces. Maxi Rodriguez fantastic player for Rhode Island once again. Heroa over near side here. Sanchez finding space here and finding feet. Fousan goes down for six on top of Guilty Park. Well, again, the ability to play in tight spaces. It started off with Maxi Rodriguez, then Fanton just so quick. Looked like Fernandez instead of Christoimo. Yep. Musti. Lots of clutching going on right now. Brownies will get the benefit of the doubt. He was tied up with Clay Hol. Have to use Mustali more like that, a target man. Get the ball into that big 6’4 frame. Let it hold it up and then create further players. Coming up at the half, we’ll look around the league here at USL Championship. So much going on. The races again are starting to really heat up and we’re not even midway through the season just yet. Take a look at our goals of the week as well. It’s all coming up at the half. Our latest USL Championship team of the week awarded also. [Applause] Here comes Rhode Island in stride here. [Applause] [Music] Narcas trying to get Tampa Bay rolling once more. Oh, beautiful. Ben Kazil trying to thread the needle. Beautiful again. Here it comes. Ali Basset left side. Bassid tries to send it into the box and sixyd box and the rallies will have a Colony Grow corner kick. First time they play into the striker into Mustali’s feet. He knocks it back to to Pacas and what they call the third man ball. Finding Basset on the overlap on the left hand side. Thought Basset sort of pulled up the handbrake a little bit coming down that left hand side allowing Rhode Island to get behind the ball. There was a moment where Bordley and company would have been in on goal, but Bass just sort of pulled up or lack of pace to finish off the move. [Applause] Leo Fernandez once more headed out. Bodily, stays on top of it. Lao comes over. One more service in traffic. Coming down with it is Vegas. Good job by Vegas. That was very awkward. Most keepers would have just tipped it and be sure Fernan just lofted it to the last post on Vegas dominating that sixyd box. So the game plan for Rhode Island, slow things down, possess kind of try and just suck the life out of the Rowdies has been effective for much of this first half. Rowdies though have had these chances. How would you grade him thus far in this game? I think he’s done everything that was asked of him. He’s been made himself available to the midfielders. He’s pressed whenever the ball is in his vicinity and he’s tried his best to win the aerial duels that have been presented to him. It’s hard to believe when you when you look at Mustali, so young, still 17 years old will turn 18 next month. Sanchez keeps it from the touchline. Sanchez. Oh, nice cross that time. Lasso got ahead on it. Bolstead. And we are going to have a lot of extra time here. 8 minutes of added time here in the first half. Yeah, most of that is the quizer injury both of them. You can understand that from the officials on the sideline. Van Kazio comes out of there with it. Wali to Pacas. Pacius. Good control. Oh, just throws a defender down and the official able to pick that one up. Defender did not like that. He was all over him. We’ll have to take one more look. Here it is. Well, he wins back the ball from Sanchez. I thought at that point Pas had the opportunity to go back and have the just recycle the ball. Decides to try to come back down to the sidelines and gets himself entangled with Sanchez. [Applause] [Applause] Olad now will throw it in for Rhode Island. One win more than Tampa Bay here this year. [Applause] sixth place in the Eastern Conference. That’s the difference of just having one added victory. You’re either in 12th place with with one win or Ryan, you’re in sixth place with two. Yeah. Lots of parody also in this league as we’ve come to know over the years. [Music] Sanchez Holsteado again done a lot of work here in this first half. taken away though by Guang. [Applause] Rhode Island is sort of taking the sting out of the game at the at this point just trying to control the proceedings coming towards the end of the half. It’s up to the rowdies right now to maybe force some action. You can see Rhode Island pressing immediately and now the rowdies have to play out of it. That has sort of disrupted the flow of the rowdies at home. Basset here to Pacios. And this is where Tampa Bay can be explosive. Whoops. Pacios on the attack. Basset right there with him. Left footed. Oh, save by [Applause] [Music] Vegas. So, Bodi able to get it back here. Now it’s Basset. Well, the Rowdies coming out of the press for the second time use the center forward. They play the ball into the feet of Patas. They get a little one-two going and then they get to advance. The cross by actually the shot by Bodley. Didn’t have much of an angle to work with. And now an offside call on the far side. Rhode Island get it back. But using using Mustallian pass to come out of those tight situations. The rowdies have been rewarded going direct to their forwards and have the forwards knock it back to the midfielders to create a counter. So the shot there by Bodley cannot pass it that time. So the Rowdy’s chances coming very quick. They’ve been quick counters here in the first half. [Applause] Back to business here for Rhode Island. [Applause] Zack Caravo with Sanchez. Sanchez going down here. Chrisimo going to get called for the little nudge in the back. [Music] You watch Zack Caravo out there playing and you think of what could have been here for Tampa Bay back. Yeah, two successful seasons in Birmingham before coming to the roadies. Oh, stab. Oh, it’s a blast. One nil. Rhode Island goes on top. 50th minute. Where did that come from? What a strike by Holstar. They backed off, gave him some room, and boy did he put his laces on it. Gets his second goal of the USL Championship. And this one was a scud. No chance for Campzi. He was left for dead. Look at him. They backed off. Look at this strike. It wobbled. It knuckled. It looped. Can we just call that goal of the week already in the USL Championship from distance? An absolute blast by Klay Hol. And the rowdies at that point were building up confidence defensively, not allowing goal for the first time in a very long time in not conceding in the first half. But Holstad, he clearly had other ideas. Just a lack of just a drop of concentration. Posias going to have a shot and he sails it. So Rowdy’s had an opportunity to answer quickly and that right there kind of a microcosm of how the season has gone. Well, the Fernandez is so good when he looks inside coming from the right hand side, puts it onto Pacas, but Pas’s first touch bought him some space, but Drew, he kept his head up. What did my old high school coach say? Good morning. Good morning. And you don’t raise your head to the crowd roars, Drew. How much times I’m going to call my high school coach. We’re going to fly him up from Trinidad and have a word with the boys. How about that? Mustali and Rhode Island. Now lasso tracking back for Tampa Bay. He’ll send it out of a throw in. Rod’s got to be careful here. We got I’d say around just a little less than two minutes to go here in extra time. [Applause] The way Rhode Island just kind of lulls you to sleep though and then boom, they take that one opportunity. Just a testament to their midfield. Holy start and Heraveo who’ve battled so hard in midfield to to get back control for Rhode Island in the center circle. This one kind of a knuckler sent right at Campi. and White will start from the back again for Tampa Bay. So, one nil here as this first half comes to a close. Bodi excellent tackle by Shapiro who came on halfway through this halfway through this half for Quizer. Throw it in once more here. Elvis Hosmanovich makes the Rowdies do it again. And Bodley now on the far side with Basset. Wants it and has it now. Little flick. Chrisostimo trying to do something with it. How about that size mismatch right there? He’s given up about a foot and a half. Well, using that size to his advantage. And credit to Rhode Island who came back after 15 minutes where the Rowdies forced the action and they’re the ones who sort of took over control of the match and were rewarded at the end with that fantastic striker host. First half in the books. Rhode Island a one- nil lead on Tampa Bay. Ali Basset and the Rowdies. They started with a flurry but then cooled off just a bit. Rhode Island taking control of the tempo of this match and a big goal coming from Holad. It was an absolute drive. Klay Hol second on the year as right now Conor Smith has a discussion with the referee staff. Stand by just momentarily. We are waiting to hear from Steve Coleman, Roundy’s head coach. And final game of the home stand here for Tampa Bay. And Steve Coleman joins us right now. Okay, coach. Uh we started hot, cooled off just a little bit. Holstead gets a big goal there. End of the half. Your assessment as you guys head to the locker room? Yeah, it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth that one to be honest. It’s um it’s it’s a good strike from outside the box, but we’ve we’ve certainly created the best chances of the half and uh disappointed to go in one nil down. Okay, coach, anything in the second half you think changes for us or just stick to the game plan? No, just stick to the game plan. I think you’ve seen we’ve successful when when we get in behind and um and we we run forwards from uh from good possession. So, we have to stick to the process and keep trusting what we’re doing and stay patient and stay in the game. Good stuff, coach. Good luck in the second half. Thank you, Japs. That is Steve Coleman as he heads to the locker room. Rowdy’s trailing at halftime. When we come back, our halftime show. Lots coming up for you here this week from downtown St. Pete. Stay tuned. [Music] One nil the score. Rhode Island FC leads Tampa Bay. We’re at halftime here at Outlank Stadium. The final game of the Rowdy’s home stand. And Tampa Bay looks to turn things around in half number two. Drew Fellow’s here. Ryan Davis will rejoin us here momentarily. It is time to name the USL team of the week. the best performers from around the league for week 10. And you see it is loaded up with Charleston battery players. Cal Jennings, also Meyers and Rodriguez awarded as well. Matt Mahoney does a tremendous job there for the Switchbacks. Jake Maguire in goal. So a tremendous job by all the USL team of the week members for week number 10. Great job, guys. [Music] Harris ball and he’s dangerous. Joe Brito. Oh, it’s magnificent. What a finish. Joe Breto plucks it out of the sky to equalize for Rhode Island. It’s going to come back to Coley. Coley can hit one. Oh, it’s a wonderful save. Well, couldn’t have hit that any better. And that is an outstanding save. [Music] halftime here at Outlank Stadium. Rowdies a gold town as we get ready for half number two. Rhode Island is coming here taking a one-goal lead. Still lots of soccer to play. All hope not lost just yet. Drew Felios alongside Ryan Davis here. But I think coach Coleman summed it up pretty nicely the end of the first half. That was kind of like a kick in the teeth. Rowdy started out so fast in this game. Love the body language coming out of the gates. They created some decent opportunities. Basset, Mustali, Pacius, Leo Fernandez, but then Zack Heravo and Holstad started to get control and started to get comfortable in midfield and Rhode Island then started to create opportunities. It was a flurry of corner kicks. Leo Fernandez putting it in all the right spots here early on. Ven Kaisil coming in the back post and then a Quizer and Borderly colliding. Quizer having a concussion test. He came back on the field. Then a slight tackle by Forest Lasso. He was cautioned for this tackle on Maxi Rodriguez. Then Fuson and this was Lawrence White. He was cautioned for this challenge as well on Zack Hero. Two yellow cards for the rowdies. Then passes his shot. Saved by Vegas. It was an awkward hop, but great save by the Rhode Island number one. Then as Rhode Island sort of came back into the game, Bodley came away from a counterattack, got a shot on Vegas again protecting his first post. Then Hol stack with an absolute scud from 30 yds out gives Rhode Island a lead as they go into the dressing room up one goal to nil. Shots eight to four from the rowdies. That all important goal from Rhode Island. They came back and controlled possession Drew 55 to 45. But Rowdy’s corner 6 to1 show that rowdies have been just a little bit more intentional in the last third. And that’s how they got more corner kicks than Rhode Island. So set to begin half number two. [Music] Rhode Island tight huddle. You see Albert Dqua right there. Two assists, one goal on the year. a little bit quiet in the first half. Rhode Island simply controlling the ball. Remember, 57% on the possession over the last two games. They’ll be at that number or above here when this one is through. You see Pacios rather need a big half from him. Tampa Bay simply cannot let Rhode Island dominate the possession like they did in that first. So, Christoimo ready to get this one going. Elvis Osmanovich the Okay, we’re underway. Half number [Applause] two. Lustali, the youngster getting his first start tonight. That the big story for the Rowdies. The 17-year-old has had his moments. Oh, wouldn’t it be nice for him to get on the score sheet? Here he comes putting a little more pressure. Not going to let Rhode Island get nearly as comfortable as they did in that first session. This gun mika coming from the back. Tell you what, he is an imposing presence for Rhode Island. He is really good when you watch him in person. and he’s so comfortable on the ball and it sort of bleeds into the rest of the team as they bring the ball out to the back. I think size is so important especially when it comes to backline players in the sport of soccer, isn’t it? Yeah, cuz when the play when the play comes down the sides and the ball comes in at 6’5, it’s so much easier to dominate in the air and take the sting out of the play. And offside called right there. The thing is for the rowdies when it rains it pours right Drew. So you do everything right for the better part of the first half and then whole star just has one of the best goals of his life deserved. I mean he took it so well but it just seems that when things go bad it really goes bad. Pavika posing presence he has been in this game. Stali 6’4 almost makes him look a little small doesn’t [Applause] he Tampa Bay with Croissostima Mustali touches it back nicely done. Here’s Guen. Aaron Guen left side now. Bodley. Bodley trying to find an opening. Little flick. Brady still have it. Well, Aaron Gen so good in coming forward on this left hand side. Hooks the ball right back in to the mixer. And then respond well for a second time on that sequence. [Applause] Now it’s Bodley. Little bit more spring in the step here for Tampa Bay. Bodley again. Slides it in. Basset takes the shot just over the crossbar. Rallies have it on a corner. I love the decision by Bodley. He just didn’t get to the by line and swing it in. He looked up, saw passive trailing, brought the ball back and what a desperate challenge that was by Stoneman. Exactly what you need on the road. Hence the reason Rhode Island getting that victory against Birmingham on Wednesday. Coach Smith bringing that bit of desperation into this Rhode Island team. [Applause] Good to see Leo Fernandez back on the pitch taking the set pieces for the rowies. Put that ball on a dime. [Applause] So Fernandez Once again, far post lasso gets a piece and Rowdies with another chance here. Rowdies are going to dominate the corner kick category certainly when the night is through. Yeah, we’re up to seven to one now, but Leo Fernandez likes nothing better to swing the ball in and he’s going to this far right hand side which is going to allow him to bring the ball right into the kitchen. Best move of the year. Colony Grill sponsoring the corner kicks. They get more reads I think and more show than any of our sponsors. disav Colony Grill. Great pizza, great beverages as well as Fernandez winds up one more time. So Leo with the floater. Second time he’s going to the last push. Nobody there. [Applause] Bodily. [Applause] and got a little physical again. Lawrence W. It just seems like some of the officials in this league just Lawrence White not their favorite. Yeah, he’s a little chippy. Lawrence W. This one is Christosim. Lawrence White who had no eyes on the ball and it gives the referees no choice but to make the call. Sometimes seems like if he’s anywhere in the vicinity, they’re gonna blow the whistle. Yeah. [Applause] Yes. Bley giving chase here. Clay Holstat so far. The hero for Rhode Island FC. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Aaron Gillian playing from the back here. And this ball will belong to Tampa Bay, the USL Championship in League One on CBS Sports and ESPN platforms all season long. Catch live matches and expert analysis every day on CBS’s Galazo Network and on ESPN Plus. You can go to us championship.com or uslleague1.com for the complete USL TV listings. Right now it is very quiet here at Alang and full credit to these guys. Rhode Island after weathering the storm from the rowdies in the opening 15 minutes. They saw the body language of the rowdies players wanting to make an impression and then they slowly got back into the match through hosted and hero. Good defending too from Stoneman Sanchez. [Music] That’s Mika. I mean, he really does make Mustali look short. He really does. And Brucei is what, 6’5? He’s an imposing presence out there. But Mika’s got to be 6’9. We’re talking center, low post, fade away shot. Yeah. Here’s the chase. It’s Guan winning it. Right back to Bodley. Zane Ailio. Got to be careful here. [Applause] Lasso with Guian. And this is exactly what Rhode Island would like. But Paras and Must have done a great job so far when the ball is being played directly to the forwards. They would put their money on people like Sturman and Inda to win those challenges. But the deliveries or the passes to Mali and Paras has been right on the money and has allowed the rowdies forwards to dictate coming out to the back. So now it’s Basset. Baskets intercepted this time again. It’s Mika making the difference there. Halting that Ry’s run. Basset doing his usual Ali Basset things. Flying all over the pitch as the player is down right now in the center [Applause] circle. I believe this was when Vinka Ezil was coming backwards when the ball was in the air. DQA came in the vicinity and there was a [Applause] collision. Here’s Vinka Zilan Dqua in the bottom in the skin to your right and there was a Sydney an entanglement in the center circle. Now it’s Herafo now [Applause] Darca this time to Dashan here that would go a long way. Yeah, we get them some revel, get them some confidence. Blake Bordley has come out of the dressing room on fire. [Applause] Basset in motion. The referee. Haravo tripped up that time. Then Kio staff gets it right back for the visitors. [Applause] Fernandez trying to keep everything in front of him. White right there defending. Rodriguez have to say Maxi Rodriguez has been pretty quiet in this match. He has a credit to the rowdies. They understand exactly where number 21 is at all times. Again, Rhode Island just three days rest coming in here. They had a Wednesday night affair with Birmingham and which they won 1 nil. And right now, that exact same score over the rowdies. So, they are loving these one- nils. Want to keep it right here. And understand that that’s a credit to the entire team keeping the score at nil. You can’t only look at your backline and see, okay, great job. They did great at keeping the uh keeping the other team off the score sheet. It takes everyone’s defensive effort from the forward line to the midfield to the backs. A combined efforts in pressing and making things difficult for the opposing team to get a clean sheet. Aravo try to squeeze it through. Missed the target that time. Tampa Bay will have it. Campy will set things up. Lewis Lewis Hilton, a player expected back shortly for the Rowdies. A guy that is so long been the quarterback, especially controlling the flow of the Rowdy’s offense. He has been out for just about all of this season. He is expected back shortly. So that will give this attack Ryan a big lift. I think Christosimo has done a great job to earn his position or continue to earn his position as we go forward. I think it’s up to Vinka and Lewis Hilton to battle for that spot in midfield going forward. Bod’s pass taken away. [Applause] You know what’s impressive, Drew? Rhode Island have three players with man buns. We have Maxi Rodriguez. Here comes Rodriguez. Maxi Rodriguez looking for an opening. Takes the shot. Oh, Campzi makes a save. That ball looks like it was going to squeeze inside that far post. [Applause] Here’s Maxi Rodriguez in tight spaces. Not much of a backliff on the shot. Misy alive to it. And we’re going to have some changes here as Manuel Artiaga gets set to check in. Also, Joey Skinner as well. So, Mustali sees his night come to an end. And now, Artiaga, the big game scorer from a year ago, who’s still looking to really gain momentum, enters the match. Joey Skinner also coming on for the rallies. Joey Skinner has been impressive on this left hand side over the last few weeks and they’re still being a little bit tender with Blake Bodley coming back from injury. 16 minutes seems to be the magic mark. 58 just about and Skinner has impressed coming on late. But let’s let’s not shy away from the big talking point here. Maxi Rodriguez manbach hero man bun and Fuson man. Now that’s impressive. Got something working. Yeah, it is working. Playing fast now. No Darce. No Darce player of the match against Birmingham on Wednesday for his defensive contribution and his he had 85 touches in that match. Wow. So not only and 11 clearances. So not only is he good without the ball, but on the ball as well. Defender out of Cuba. [Applause] So here’s Klay Hol to throw it in. This guy is a really good player. Impressed. He can throw like he can shoot. That is impressive. Bassid trying to clear. Heads out to midfield and Rhode Island will corral it here. Rhode Island FC building a tremendous a beautiful Centerville Centerville Bank Stadium. And just a great place to watch a match in the Northeast. Again, Tampa Bay called for the foul. And again, guess who? Lawrence White right in the middle of it. Well, physicality is his middle name. And as Fusan goes on, Lawrence White. Should we just give him pads in a helmet room? The ultimate ball in a china shop. Fans love the way he plays the game though. 100% all the time. Yep. Haven’t quite seen the north south explosion that we saw under Neil Collins. Yes. Kind of waiting for that. I think playing at this right center back position may not be the best for Lawrence Wik, but this is what the team needs at this point and this is what he’s been selected for. Now Maxi Rodriguez is in the neighborhood and he looks interested. Very dangerous. This guy had the gamewinner on Wednesday. Already a goal this season. Rowdy’s forming the wall. Artiago just checked in and they’re able to knock it down. Well done that time by the Rowdies. Well, it was a little far out so Maxi Rodriguez had to generate so much pace. So to get it up and over the wall with pace from that distance is always going to be hard. We talk all about how Rhode Island is playing so well. Remember, they’ve struggled offensively as well. Just two goals in their last three games. So, they have struggled in the final third. But right now, a goal up and just bossing the possession here at the moment. Tonight’s action brought to you by Hooters, the original wing joint. Hooters in the Tampa Bay area. And beginning right here, [Music] 1983. Rhode Island trying to get that finishing touch. Try his third just in time. And now Lasso and Fernandez. Shapiro again controlling this one on the ground again. Lasso sends it right back out. Fernandez. Oh, what aas. Well done this time and it’s Artiaga in the mix. If anybody needs a little pickme up, it’s the Ratty’s Manuel Artiaga. 17 goals last season. Has not looked the same. Just not just yet. Yeah. In 2025. Lost his starting role in the lineup tonight coming off the bench. Venezuelan and has had a hard time finding his feet in 2025. [Music] No, one thing that is so clear about USL Championship, you cannot rest on your reputation. No, you have got to earn it week in and week out. Oh, what a ball this time. Oh, great save. Capzy came up absolutely huge for Tampa Bay. [Applause] You said it, Drew. Ball in by Maxi Rodriguez. There’s Dqua and it came straight to Compi, but look at the foot save. Fantastic reactions by the Argentine. Maybe that save here gets the rout he’s going. Here comes Skinner. Nice cut back. Basset. Ali Basset to the end line. Puts it in front. Gratty’s had another chance. Basset a little frustrated. Wanted a little more help. Bass getting to the by line, but give Rod Island credit. They stay compact. They stay disciplined. They picked up all the white shirts and there was no avenue for Barcel to find that ball to put that ball in the middle. But the second half so far Rhode Island 60% possession to Rai’s 40 again. Rhode Island starting to dictate the pace in the opening 18 minutes of the second half. [Applause] So, how about Nicholas Campis? I’ll tell you what, he has had some unbelievable saves during this home stand. Pacios goes down this time and again courtesy of Mabika. That size and that strength. He just shrugged past Yasov like a nuisance. Good job here and he was just tackled by the linesman. does give a look back [Applause] there. And now it’s Fernandez. Lao Fernandez puts it right at that six-yd box. Head it back. [Applause] Now I’m going to compare soccer here to basketball. Usually Ryan, if there’s an attempt and it goes arai, offensive team gets it back again. Again, rebound, rebound. We just haven’t seen that in this match. It’s almost like it’s one attempt and done for Tampa Bay. Clear. Yeah, they in order to do that as a group. Pacios, here comes some numbers for Tampa Bay. And again, Basset looks back. I mean, that’s where they just need to connect better, Ryan. There’s absolutely no other answer. I mean, you see the frustration right there. You have to play a little more as a team. Yep. The final product. Let Pacas down. Bassid was the obvious pass. He tried to use the reverse pass on the right hand side to try and unlock the defense, but Basset was he was just strolling into that 18 yd box. Pacas again. The rocket off the crossbar. Did it go in? It did not. The one-time hit the crossbar, came down right in front of goal. Here’s one more look. Well, we’ve seen this man Pacius absolute shoots scuds from his laces. This one hits the crossbar, comes down. I think the crossbar is still shaking, Drew. And Mika, the 6’5 center back, is shaken up. [Music] The man from Zambia back on his feet. Well, if you can’t watch the match, turn on SiriusXMC 157, North America’s only 24/7 source for engaging soccer talk, including All Access USL on Tuesday nights. Plus, here live matches from the USL, the MLS, the Premier League, and more. It’s all on SiriusXM FC57 and the new SiriusXM app. One more look at the shot. Yeah, little to no time. Pacas using his technique, get his laces on it, keeps his head down, hits the crossbar, comes down and the woodwork saves the day. And Pacas, who sits on four goals, has a good shot off. He’s certainly a guy that can put a lot on his plate. [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] So, back to business here. 69th minute. Dua heading out. And in comes Joe Breida. Talk about household names. Yeah, is such a shifty player. Usually comes in from the left hand side. There he is. Now it’s Heraveo number four here for Rhode Island. Heravo again just under control nicely here tonight. Holat again switches the point of attack. Rio Hope Gun checking in now for the visitors. [Applause] [Music] Well, Leo Fernandez playing right wing back or right midfield in a 352. And here comes Rodies with a change. [Music] So, Croastimo heads out and in comes a guy you’ve wanted to see a lot more of, Nick Moon, the midfielder. He’s not from this wardrobe. He’s Nick Moon. [Applause] Don’t see a full moon out tonight. Well, he only came in with 30 minutes to go, so it’s quarter of a moon. Former San Diego Loyal. Second season as a Tampa Bay rowdy. Played his college soccer at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Also a little Scottish Premiership there mixed in. Another Connie Grill corner kick on the way here. Oh, there’s Sanchez doing the [Applause] honors in the box again. Punched out this time and well played by Campzi trying to not get through traffic and Rowdy’s able to form that wall once again. [Applause] You can watch the USL Championship in Spanish on 2DN. The nation’s leading Spanish language sports network. Eastern Conference rivals, Detroit City and Charleston battling it out 4 Eastern time on May 24th. Go to uslchampionship.com for the complete USLTV listing. I love those 400 PM kickoffs. You don’t put everything on one slot. Gives USL fans a chance to see other games. I concur. I’m glad you did. Getting airborne. And now Fernandez center circle. Lao on the run here for the Rowdies. Gets it to Basset. Ali Basset with Joey Skinner. And again, a breakdown. Oh, and a late whistle. Well, again, Rhode Island do a great job in recovering after Neil Fernandez finding Basset. It just seems to be the identity of coach Smith. They may not be the most aggressive going forward getting goals, but they’re certainly the most organized and compact defensively. So even when the play does break down, they have a great shape about them. They have players behind the ball and they’re very methodical moving forward just in case things break down. [Applause] As a result, they’re not going to light up the scoreboard with goals. Yes, but they’re not going to concede. You’re going to stay in every match. Olad now sending it [Applause] back. So no Darce here in Rhode Island hanging on to the onegoal lead. Rowley’s just a few chances here in the second half. again just not been able to possess it enough as Rhode Island here goes over the top. Getting back there is W. Here’s Haravo. Zack Heraveo the shot and he scores. Zack Heravo has come back to Al Lang Stadium and he brought a dagger with him. He has battled back from injury. hard times. Went up to Rhode Island, got an opportunity, scored four goals and three assists last season and has come back to Adan and just offered up an absolute worldly. Just bends it into that far post. It clip it kisses the post on the way in. But look at the technique by hero. No chance for Campzi. And two fantastic goals by Rhode Island tonight has separated these two teams. And the Argentine goalkeeper has to be asking himself, what do I need to do? How much do you think that goal meant to that guy right there? You remember couple of years ago coming to the stadium night in night out, Ryan, and we would see his name on the not available list for whatever reason. and injuries mostly the reason. But there were times I think Heraveo wanted an opportunity, did not get it. And right now he’s proving that he was worthy. He was brought in as a box-to-box midfielder from Birmingham. Now he’s doing his services. Look at him kissing the post. Beautiful. Somehow he outdid post. He didn’t. I didn’t. That was too fantastic. I’m kidding. But yeah, thoroughly. He deserves this moment. He did it. He deserves this moment. Fantastic stuff from the former Haitian international. So now it’s a two-goal hole for Tampa Bay. [Applause] Aaron Gian. What is Aaron Gian thinking? There are moments during this home stand where guys are kind of looking for answers and you see sometimes plays like that made guys doing things that they normally wouldn’t do. Sometimes less is more though when you try to do too much. It puts yourself in the team in a very awkward position and understand Gian trying to he’s the captain trying to light a spark but him lighting a spark is not him dribbling the ball. [Applause] [Music] a long stadium. There’s a hush going around it fusant Rodriguez. [Applause] Ratty’s looking up at the scoreboard. Time now really becoming a factor. Ervo again has looks so comfortable tonight on this pitch. And the shifty Shapiro wins a free kick. It’s just symbolic how they’ve stayed in this game. And not only stayed in the game, but they’ve picked their spots. And he’s so nimble. Shapiro. So nimble, so quick. Shapiro jumped over the candlestick. You know that one? I think so. Soccer season is here. SeatGeek is the official ticketing partner of the USL. You can get your USL tickets and much more from the number one ticketing site. That is SeatGeek. Your ticket to great seats. Holad trying to knock it right through that wall. Rowdy’s again. Clear it. Needed possession that time as Rio Hope Gun runs it down now for Rhode Island FC. Drew Felios here. Ryan Davis also on the call. Another tough night for the Rowdies thus far. They’ve had glimpses and it looks like Lawrence White is going to get his second yellow card. He is going to be given a red and he is done for the evening. Rowdies are going to be a man down. [Music] [Applause] W is not going to exit the yard without letting them know what he thinks. Never really got into the game. Lawrence W just seemed to be a step behind it. got cautioned earlier in the match with a tackle on Zakarivo on the touch line and the second one he just didn’t hold back and he ends up his night just the way the rowdies heavy heavy first touch frustration just lunges at [Applause] Brito and that about sums up Ron’s wife in this home stand [Music] So Rowdy’s now down a man the rest of the way. See the coaching staff. [Applause] This is what Skinner has brought to this side since he’s come in late in the second half. A lot of energy, good ball control on this left hand side. Something for the rowies to look forward to as the season progresses. [Applause] [Music] And trying to switch the point of attack here for Nick Moon. Will be sent out and Rallies looks like are ready to go to their bench again. Looks like it’s going to be Nate Worth. Yep. Nate Worth had considerable time last week against Charleston. Not quite the performance he was looking for, but again, a youngster trying to mesh in this Ry’s lineup and find a spot to contribute. [Applause] [Music] So, did the rowdies have anything left here tonight? This team has been through a lot. I thought they’ve done a great job when they went direct to their forwards. Yep. Either Pacius or Mustali. Now, Yamo Artiaga is in the game. I think you go directly to their feet and have them play the ball back into the path of your Fernandez or pass it and go from there. Pio, can he get by? He’s so quick, Joe. He’s so quick. I can shoot with either foot. Left foot, right foot, no foot. So, it’s going to be Bass here on the corner. Or will it be Leo Fernandez with four goals on the season, the Ratty’s lead score. Fernandez will place it down one more [Applause] time. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nicholas Campesi, Aaron Guen, and here’s Ali Basset. Brown is operating right now with just 10. Fernandez, Pacius. When you’re operating with 10, everybody’s got to be a little bit more precinct, a little bit more on point, a little bit more focused. And and down 2-0, which makes Rhode Island’s job that much easier. They get behind the ball, less players to defend or to worry about. here’s Skinner. Basset on top of it. Basset. Skinner. Back to Basset. Ali’s got a lane. But you know what I love about that? It’s Skinner’s back heel. I love what Skinner brings when he comes onto the field. He’s so adventurous going forward. And he works so well with Ollie Basset in tight spaces there. Just a little back heel back into Basset. Gets the shot off, wins a corner. Ali Basset looked like had some space to work with here. [Music] Now it’s Bass again. Pass it. So shifty. Good control. [Applause] Now Lasso trying to get more involved. Artiaga. Artiaga the floater right at the hands of Vegas. Like you said, drew too much air in that cross. Quick Vegas. Quick off of his line for Rhode Island again. just following the lead of their coach, staying compact, keeping their shape, and just frustrating the rowdies. And that’s one of the keys of the game that we said at the start of the match for Rhode Island to come in here, do exactly what they’re doing, keeping possession for long periods of time, having the rowdies chase, understand that the rowdies, this is their last match at home for a while. They need to get three points. And Rhode Island doing a great job in dictating the game, not directly, but just keeping the ball going from side to side. and defending. How about this now into the box and this one out of bounds. So, the Rowdies will have it and a goal kick coming up. Keer Auto knows your journey and they will help you along the way. They are affordable. They are personalized. Auto insurance you can count on. Get a quote today. [Applause] keer.com. See Nate Worth standing by. thought he was going to come in here momentarily and Worth will enter. Ven Azil will come to the sideline. [Applause] So here comes Lee Worth. What does he need to do Ryan to become more of a fixture in this lineup? Can he do anything? Well, as as it progresses and the routings become more and more in an awkward position, he plays out of position. So now Nate Worth is playing deep just in front of the three center backs which is not his position. So we have Lasso, Guen, Skinner and then Nick Moon on the right hand side. Then you have Nate Worth and Basset in the middle. Art Thiago and Pacius Leo Fernandez. And Nate Worth just seems to be a type of player that needs to be closer towards the 18 yard box, the attacking 18 yard 18 yd box and not be playing so deep in his own half because he’s shifty. He likes to dribble, take players on and going back there. He’s just sort of trying to be more defensive. [Applause] So about five minutes remaining here. Regulation time. Artiaga trying to get involved. Quiet since entering this game lightly. Credit to coach Coleman though with 5 minutes to go. This is a very attacking formation. Nate Worth is pushing up there and he’s leading that midfield/forward line and there’s nothing really behind him other than the center backs. And that’s the space that Balen are trying to exploit. [Applause] [Applause] Joe Breido now settling things. in Rhode Island right now just playing keep away. [Applause] So rowdies in the last three games up to this point have been outscored 10-1 here at Alen Stadium. That is a tough number to [Applause] [Applause] digest and there again just stay together as a group defensively. So when they win the ball, the little pockets of space for them to play out of, not getting stretched at all again staying as a group. Here it comes once more. Another shot and another goal. Rhode Island right now dominating here at Al Lang. Noah Fuz adds to the total. Well, we’ve seen three incredible goals tonight from Rhode Island. And Fuzzan like the two before him, Hostad and Hero, makes the most of the space on top of the 18 yd box. Talk about technique. He looks up and just bends the ball into that far post. But the only reason, Drew, you can look up and bend the ball into any far post is because you have the time to do it. There’s no one closing in on the ball. In this instance, you understand the rowdies trying to they’re down two goals pushing players up, but Holstad and Heraveo and now Fuzzan have had all of Alang to take their time, pick out the corner and just make some easy pick. [Applause] So, the Rowdies right now outmanned by a player and Rhode Island making them pay dearly. This is going to be a tough one to get over for Tampa Bay. Final game of the home stand. Expected a better performance here tonight. Looked like we were on track for that early on. But Rhode Island just taking control of this game and leaving no doubt before the Rowdies head to Lexington next week. This one knocked down by Vegas. Just a few minutes remain here in regulation. Fireworks after the game tonight. Many of the fans will stay and hopefully that’ll uplift the spirits just a bit of Rowdy’s fans. They have been put through a lot here in this hometown. You know the type of fireworks you need to have to do that. You know, one thing we did ask Coach Coleman earlier this week. We had a a a good conversation with him yesterday and we said, “Coach, um, have you thought about bringing in some some players here?” I mean, this is a moment perhaps where the rowdies are going to need some help to look at some guys available around the league and around the world. And he confirmed, yes, that is something that we are looking at more and more. Yeah, this organization. Such a proud organization. Nick Mo brought down. That should be a yellow card. Yep. Always a proud organization, the rowdies. And they are always going to be looking to improve. And this record, which is going to go to 17 and one is just not good enough for this brand. 50 years. They’re one of the pillars of soccer in this country. And for them to have this record, it is foreign to this organization to be at 17 and one. And to their to their, you know, credit to them, they are looking for improvements to bring in. 90th minute now. Fernandez. This one headed down by Lasso. Forest trying to be active in the box. And one more save here for Vegas. [Applause] Three minutes extra time. Three minutes. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Let go. Let go. Let go. Rowdies will come back to LAang in two weeks and they will take on for the very first time during a season South Georgia Torment FC. That’ll happen in Jermeister Cup play. Drew, you know a thing or two about South Georgia Torment. Man, oh man, do I ever. Here’s Joe Breuro on the attack right side. Breo trying to put it in front. Oh, another save by Campzi. That’s as good a cross as you’re going to get. I love the vision. And it’s going to be a yellow card looks like for [Applause] Shapiro. But I love the vision instead of just crossing it into the mixer, dragging it back to the guy trailing at the far post. Compi just fantastic. Good onetime shots. Foot save. Shapiro just had a late challenge on Moon. You know, some passes they seem a little bit longer than others and there’s nothing you can do about it. That’s when you know they’re putting that sweet spot, right? Yeah. Yeah. They’re picking out their spots. Correct. That was one of them. Here’s Skinner. Basset double teamed. [Applause] Pacios and Pacio goes down and our referee tonight able to make the call there. Elvis Assanovichas will get up here a little bit slowly. He has run a lot tonight. [Applause] So, if you’re just joining us, Lawrence W getting the red card for Tampa Bay tonight. And Rhode Island just running away with this game, adding two goals in the second half. Rowdy’s trying to tack one on here late. And that’s going to be an offside for Artiaga. Crow loved it though. Boy ends up in the back of the net. That’s better than any fireworks you’ll ever see. [Applause] Well, this crowd, their patience certainly has been tested, but if we know anything about Rowdy’s fans, they are loyal. They love this club, and they’re going to support them to the very end. And the Rowdies will certainly figure things out. That’s going to do it. Three nothing the final score. Rhode Island comes in here, shuts out Tampa Bay, and it is a Rowdy’s home stand complete without a victory. Tough one to swallow for Forest Lasso and company. Rowdies have a lot of work to do. It’s as simple as that. We’ll wrap this one up when we come back to LA. [Music] three nothing the final score. Rhode Island comes to Tampa Bay and they shut out the Rowdies. Rowdies will now look ahead as they head to Lexington in one week. They’ll come back here in two weeks to host South Georgia Tormenta FC. Drew Felios alongside Ryan Davis had some bright spots in this game. Some chances for the Rowdies, especially early second half. Rowdies knew what they had to do. Just possess more. Got some good saves there. Nicholas Campezy gets a good one there. Campy did everything he can tonight to try and keep the keep the rowdies in the game. And his passes is rocket. That would have brought the game back to 1-1. The woodwork comes to the savior of the Rhode Island. What a strike by the forward. But Rhode Island weren’t done yet. That was a setback for the Rowdies. He didn’t seem to recover after that chance. Zack Heravo. Who else? The former rowdy comes up with the blast. Half Asian, half Japan with an absolute beauty in Alan. What a strike. He’s back and he deserves everything that he gets because he fought through so much advertity to get back here. So it was two-0 at that point and then just add one more cherry to the Sunday as it was Fusen and 3-0 the final score. Campy’s expression says it all. Rowdy’s still looking for answers. Not the home stand they were looking for. And right now looking up at the rest of the Eastern Conference here at the moment. Final stats, we knew it would come down to possession and Rhode Island. That was the key for them. They went back to their traditional what they know how to do. Control the game in the middle of the park. Play a 4231. Be methodical. Control the tempo of the game. Always stay in the game defensively. If we ever got points for corners, we don’t want the match. But that’s not the case. Three goals and three incredible goals. Three goals of the weak contenders for Rhode Island this week. Upcoming schedule looks like this for Tampa Bay. Head to Lexington. I know the rowdy’s going to enjoy that experience as Kentucky now hosting a USL championship club, South Georgia. After that, Tormenta coming in here for the very first time in something other than an exhibition, Blue City, Miami, and the Riverhounds of Pittsburgh on June 21st. So, rowdies will try and turn the attention towards the future. Still trying to make strides as a club, but right now certainly not the quality that they are looking for. Lots of season ahead though. Plenty of time for Tampa Bay to turn things around. 3 nothing the final score. Hope you enjoyed it for Ryan Davis and our phenomenal Tampa Bay Rowdies television crew. I’m Drew Fellows saying so long from Al Link Stadium here in downtown St. Pete. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] Telecast of the United Soccer League cannot be retransmitted, rebroadcast, or reproduced without the express written consent of the United Soccer League.
