Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 3 vs. Real Monarchs SLC [4/21] (self.TampaBayRowdies)

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Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 3 vs. Real Monarchs SLC [4/21] (self.TampaBayRowdies)

Another night of sketchy weather, but another good crowd. I was shocked at how many people were actually there for this one. Number was 6,027 - it was hard to get in. Lines were really long at all entrances (so I'm guessing there were a lot of first timers). Quite a few people filed out when the rains started in the second half. Interestingly there was a huge party crowd by the Budweiser tents in the corner. First time I'd seen that space utilized like that for a group outing. Beat last year's Game 3 number of 5,310...

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8edx9r/georgi_hristovs_57th_goal_ties_rowdies_team_record/?st=jgd8pqq3&sh=0895c1ea

Georgi Hristov’s 57th goal ties Rowdies team record (tampabay.com)

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/04/21/georgi-hristovs-57th-goal-ties-rowdies-team-record/

Georgi Hristov’s 57th goal ties Rowdies team record

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ed8a4/11_things_man_of_the_hour/?st=jgd8s4bk&sh=2755e916

11 Things – Man of the Hour (uslsoccer.com)

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/910534#.Wt4WoBjhsFI.twitter

11 Things – Man of the Hour

Hristov’s historic moment highlighted weekend where parity prevailed

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8e8u1l/rowdie_takeaways_week_6_tbr_v_slc/?st=jgd8uksv&sh=b8db0604

Rowdie Takeaways Week 6: TBR v SLC (self.TampaBayRowdies)

Jekyll and Hyde- Does anyone recall just a week ago the Rowdies losing 5 to nil to the Red Bulls 2nd team? Apparently Mr. Hyde coaches the road squad while Dr. Campbell returns for the home games. The gap between road and home performances only becomes more staggering to me as the seasons go along. The Rowdies haven't lost a home game since that bruising Battery game last year that they should've won or drew. The football product has been vastly different from home games to away games. The Rowdies look deliberate and comfortable at home, and skittish and sloppy on the road. I keep coming back to this because this has to be a focus for a championship team.

Have Yourself a Night Cole- Often times Cole will high press just to force the defender to move the ball and force the play, but it was great to see Cole just say F*** IT and take the defender's lunch money, credit card information, firstborn son, and waltz toward the goal while making the goalie look like the duck from duck hunt just got blown out of the sky. This match was heading towards a 0-0 half which is par for the course when a good team comes into Al Lang and the Rowdies need 45 to figure out what they're dealing with. Then Cole went on a fantastic run with a perfect assist. Obviously assists are nothing new for Cole but just blowing by two defenders... Cole was out of his tree tonight. Someone buy Cole a beer. Cheers!

Acknowledging Hristov- I imagine Hristov is one of those guys if you're an opposing team you just can't stand him. Which makes him great when he's on your team. Hristov will tussle, he'll be quiet most of the game, and then at the first opportunity, he just nets a perfect shot. That's a goal worthy of tying a record and shows Hristov's goal-scoring versatility. Perfect pass rolling into the box, goalie coming out, Hristov places a shot from the right corner to the left corner beating the keeper. That's pure goal scoring class.

Rozeboom/Blake- This is one of two position battles that is going to be critical as the season goes along. Blake, a young center mid who is still developing and discovering his role, but definitely has attacking talent, and Rozeboom, a veteran defensive mid who plays the holding midfielder role that Viingard, Chavez, and Savage, played last season.

Nanchoff/Flemmings/Guenzatti- The right wing position battle is a beefy discussion because you have a lot of players that can enter into that discussion including Hristov and Morrell not listed above. But as it stands, with Hristov at striker, the position battle is between the three names above with Flemmings getting the lions share of the starts right now. Guenzatti continues to be the sub option. Flemmings is the natural option, Nanchoff seems to like to play more in the middle which brought Cole up. The question weighs heavily because the Rowdies play so different on the road whereas at home their possession is much more sustained.

Road Trip Incoming- Brace yourself. The Battery matchup is practically a rivalry after last year's competitive contests. The good news is that the next three opponents, Battery, Penn, Kickers, have two wins combines in 14 total matches. The bad news is that the games are still on the road.

Best wishes to Najem- Najem was playing solidly in the back and it's always hard to see a quality starter go down with a bad injury. Hope he has a successful surgery and rehab. Curinga filled in admirably and appears to play a similar style.

I was surprised to see both the Nano and Rozeboom subs. With Najem's speed out of the equation, I figured Flemmings was a sure bet, but we opted for playmaking and possession.

Rozeboom shouldn't have surprised me, I suppose, but I didn't think we'd see him until the road. He does provide that cover through against a good Monarchs team - not a bad thing when making a shift on the backline.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8e4s5z/rowdies_bounce_back_as_hristov_ties_record_in_20/?st=jgd8xmx2&sh=9052b963

Rowdies bounce back as Hristov ties record in 2-0 victory over Monarchs #COYR (lemoncitylive.com)

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http://www.lemoncitylive.com/soccer/tampa-bay-rowdies-vs-real-monarchs-april-21st-2018/

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Real Monarchs | April 21st, 2018

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[Adam Martin on Twitter] The @TampaBayRowdies have not lost a regular season game at home in basically a year (364 days since the last loss). 16 regular season home games unbeaten. #KickInTheStats (twitter.com)

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https://twitter.com/madadam4/status/987875154914144257?s=21

Adam Martin

@MadAdam4

The @TampaBayRowdies have not lost a regular season game at home in basically a year (364 days since the last loss). 16 regular season home games unbeaten. #KickInTheStats

7:06 PM - 21 Apr 2018 from Charlotte, NC

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/910247?referrer_id=2333971

Hristov Ties History as Rowdies Down Monarchs

Scores 57th goal for Tampa Bay in 2-0 victory against Real for crowd of 6,027

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/910326-sights-and-sounds-rowdies-vs-monarchs

Sights & Sounds – Rowdies vs. Monarchs

A crowd of 6,027 at Al Lang Stadium saw Georgi Hristov tie a Rowdies' record with his 57th goal for the club

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/910557?referrer_id=2349190

Eastern Conf. Notebook — Carleton Keeps Cool for Atlanta

Rowdies produce perfect response; Fury FC pleased to pick up first point

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/910792?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Power Rankings - Week 6

Weekend of parity across league sees minor movement across board

The Rowdies are undefeated at home in the regular season for more than a year after Saturday’s victory against Real Monarchs SLC, but now face three consecutive road games as they try and keep the pressure on Louisville.

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https://www.rslsoapbox.com/2018/4/21/17265196/real-monarchs-slc-tampa-bay-rowdies-april-21-2018

Noisy and disorderly in St. Petersburg

The Monarchs head into the Eastern Conference to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies

In on of the few cross-conference matches this season, Real Monarchs SLC have headed east to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the waterfront stadium. With an elevation of less than 10 ft above sea level in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, Al Stadium was originally built in 1947 as a spring training facility for Major League Baseball. It has been upgraded and modified several times since built has recently become a soccer-specific facility and will receive further upgrades in the near future as Tampa Bay seeks to obtain a MLS expansion bid.

Unlike many of their opponents in the Western Conference who are developmental sides for the parent or affiliated MLS clubs, Tampa Bay is an independent club in the vein of Sacramento Republic. The current incarnation was founded in 2008 and first took the pitch in 2010 in the USSF Division two for a single season before moving to the NASL until last season when they moved over to the USL. Winners of the 2012 Soccer Bowl (with Jeff Attinella in goal) their crest has two stars with the second in remembrance of their namesake’s victory in the 1975 Soccer Bowl in the original NASL.

Without any direct developmental role the current Rowdies have the oldest squad in the USL and rely upon their experience and ball skill much more than speed and athleticism. Max Lachowecki, who spent two years with the Monarchs after graduating from Notre Dame is one of the young guns on this team which prominently features a 36-year-old Joe Cole as the frequent captain.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/907178-usl-stadiums-provide-unique-backdrops

USL Stadiums Provide Unique Backdrops

Breathtaking views, bars, restaurants enhance live experience

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES - AL LANG STADIUM

Once a baseball stadium that played host to Spring Training for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets since it was opened in 1947, Al Lang Stadium went through an extensive renovation in 2015 which transformed the venue into a soccer-specific stadium for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The Rowdies have called Al Lang Stadium home since the club's second season in 2011, and following its renovation the venue has played host to numerous games in the Florida Cup, and international exhibitions. The venue itself possesses one of the most breathtaking views in American soccer, opening up to the St. Petersburg Harbor which allowed the stadium to incorporate its Florida home well, including palm trees on the side opened to the water. With the heat in Florida well known, the stadium also featured an impressive overhang shading much of the main stand, providing more cooling in addition to the sea breeze.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWngNHAZfmY

Highlights - Tampa Bay Rowdies at New York Red Bulls II - 4/14/18

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 15, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7w-yQqFBYU

Rowdies Rundown - Tampa Bay Preps For New York Red Bulls II

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 16, 2018

Check out the Rowdies Rundown presented by Budweiser. Lynden Blake and Tamika Mkandawire talk about the keys to Saturday's match against NYRB II.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bKiaWsVaF0

Rowdies Rundown - Rowdies vs. Real Monarchs Preview

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 21, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNWkW7B9pw

HIGHLIGHTS - Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Real Monarchs - April 21, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 21, 2018

HIGHLIGHTS presented by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater - The Tampa Bay Rowdies defeated the Real Monarchs on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. Goals from Joe Cole and Georgi Hristov lifted the home team to the victory.

Rowdies to play either SIMA Aguilas, Jacksonville Armada, or The Villages SC in Open Cup 2nd Round (ussoccer.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8biyw8/rowdies_to_play_either_sima_aguilas_jacksonville/

Rowdies to play either SIMA Aguilas, Jacksonville Armada, or The Villages SC in Open Cup 2nd Round (ussoccer.com)

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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/04/11/16/29/20180411-news-usoc-second-round-pairings-host-scenarios-2018-us-open-cup

Second Round Pairings and Host Scenarios Set for 2018 U.S. Open Cup

Second Round of 2018 U.S. Open Cup to Be Held on May 16; United Soccer League (Division II) Professional Sides to Then Enter Competition

May 16

SIMA Aguilas (PDL) vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL)
-or-
Jacksonville Armada FC (NPSL) vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL)
-or-
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) vs. The Villages SC (PDL)

Division II - United Soccer League (22 teams, entering in the Second Round): Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, FC Cincinnati, Fresno FC, Indy Eleven, Las Vegas Lights FC, Louisville City FC, Nashville SC, North Carolina FC, OKC Energy FC, Orange County SC, Penn FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders), Phoenix Rising FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Reno 1868 FC, Richmond Kickers, Sacramento Republic FC, Saint Louis FC, San Antonio FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Tulsa Roughnecks FC

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/906832?referrer_id=2364194-news-archive

USL Clubs Learn Potential Open Cup Draw

Cincinnati, Richmond, Nashville, Sacramento among those who could face top PDL opposition

SIMA Aguilas vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, 7 p.m. ET, Montverde Academy, Montverde, Fla.
-or-
Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, 7 p.m. ET, Southern Oak Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
-or-
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. The Villages SC, 7:30 p.m. ET, Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, Fla.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/906680

USL Discipline Report – Week 5

Ottawa Fury FC’s Onua Obasi has been suspended for three games following his red card against the Tampa Bay Rowdies this past Saturday. Obasi will be unavailable for Fury FC’s games against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (April 14), North Carolina FC (April 21) and FC Cincinnati (April 28).

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#TBRvOTT Match Ratings – The Unused Substitutes (My site) (theunsubs.com)

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#TBRvOTT Match Ratings

Local Marketing Agency Kapok Marketing Sponsors the Tampa Bay Rowdies (prnewswire.com)

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Local Marketing Agency Kapok Marketing Sponsors the Tampa Bay Rowdies (prnewswire.com)

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https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/local-marketing-agency-kapok-marketing-sponsors-the-tampa-bay-rowdies-300626176.html

Local Marketing Agency Kapok Marketing Sponsors the Tampa Bay Rowdies

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kapok Marketing has announced that it will be a local sponsor of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for their 2018 United Soccer League season.

The sponsorship is an opportunity for Kapok Marketing to support the Rowdies and connect with fans and St. Pete locals in a meaningful way. The sponsorship includes exposure on broadcast-visible on-field LED signage, in-stadium name and logo recognition, customized promotions, and co-branded consumer contests such as ticket giveaways that will give interested fans a chance to attend 2018 season games.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies' season kicked off in March 2018 and is comprised of 34 matches, half of which are home matches played at the Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. As a local marketing agency, Kapok understands the value of advocating for local organizations and businesses, and could not be more excited to enter a partnership with the Rowdies who have a very large impact on the Tampa Bay community.

About the Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Tampa Bay Rowdies are an American professional soccer team based in St. Petersburg, FL. The Rowdies are a member of the United Soccer League, which is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world. They were founded in 1974 as the first professional sports franchise in the Tampa Bay area.

About Kapok Marketing

Kapok is a full-service marketing agency based in Saint Petersburg, FL that specializes in digital marketing channels like social media, pay-per-click advertising, and website design and development. The company has a team of experts with decades of experience in real-life marketing, lead-generation, and the IT needs of small to medium businesses in a variety of industries. Their primary goal is to help businesses learn about and take advantage of highly effective, fairly inexpensive, and easy-to-use marketing tools and platforms. For more information, visit KapokMarketing.com.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/906293?referrer_id=2349190

Brett Voted USL Player of the Week

Notched hat trick to lead Riverhounds SC to first win of 2018 season

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes had one goal and one assist to lead the Rowdies to an emphatic 5-0 win against Ottawa Fury FC.

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http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/as-roma-hyundai-sponsor-sport-business-industry-digest-april-10

Rolling sports business news wrap: Every deal, every day

Top story: Roma set to announce Hyundai as back-of-shirt sponsor, say reports

United Soccer League outfit the Tampa Bay Rowdies have announced that Kapok Marketing will be a local sponsor for the 2018 season.

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https://orangeandbluepress.com/2018/04/10/usl-eastern-conference-snapshot/

USL Eastern Conference Snapshot

The defending USL champions, Louisville City FC, are still the side to beat in 2018. James O’Connor has his squad playing compact and efficient soccer. They have already beaten and blanked playoff hopefuls Nashville SC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and FC Cincinnati.

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/04/04/episode-155-deja-lou/3579

Episode 155: Deja Lou

Dad’s back & while he’s pretty sure Dan got into the liquor cabinet, he’s gonna let it go…this time. Matt and Dan discuss the 1-0 loss in Louisville, Eastern Conference scores and standings, and look ahead to Saturday’s match up vs. Ottawa.

In this episode:

    Louisville 1:0 Rowdies
    Eastern Conference Roundup
    Ottawa Preview
    David Najem Interview
    Mike makes a Crest

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/03/30/episode-154-dads-away/3551

Episode 154 – Dad’s Away

Matt’s out of town, but Jake jumps on with Dan to discuss the Rowdies home opener, news from around the league, and look ahead to this weekend’s big road trip to Louisville!

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/03/21/episode-153-bad-evan/3526

Episode 153 – Bad Evan

Matt and Dan discuss the Rowdies season-opening win over North Carolina, the Kickoff Party, News around the Club and League, and are joined by Evan from The USL Show to preview the Rowdies home opener vs. Bethlehem Steel FC!

Rowdie Takeaways Week 4: TBR v OTT (self.TampaBayRowdies)

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Rowdie Takeaways Week 4: TBR v OTT (self.TampaBayRowdies)

The Fury were in bad form- I could tell in the first five minutes that the Fury were not ready for this contest. Their passing and touches were immediately sloppy out of the gate and they were turning the ball over as if their starting XI was a field of former Cleveland Browns QB's. They held on for dear life and Portillos nearly gifted them a goal early on but the Fury were lucky to make it through 60 minutes scoreless. I could tell it was only a matter of time before the mistakes and tired legs caught up to the Fury. The Fury only had one match to their name and hadn't played in three weeks so there was a ton already going against them. The Fury may be more difficult to score on when we face them in their park. If Porter is starting that game I would advise the Rowdies to send all the offense at him and let the strikers and wingers feast for another 5 goal rout.

Player opinions update- I'm still going to be hard on Portillos as a defender until I see significant improvement, but a shoutout to him for getting his first career goal in four seasons, that had to feel great. My opinion on Flemmings has soured for the time being until he can make quicker and smarter decisions on the ball. He's been holding onto the ball too long when he's had clear passes to make. His vision has to improve, BUT we did see him go a run that nearly earned a penalty so he's still valuable for his counter attacking and pace. I've been eyeballing Georgi for the first couple weeks but just as I'm about to say he's washed he goes ahead and opens the floodgates with a spectacular header. I apologize to Georgi and every Rowdies fan for even considering the thought. Georgi is just a pure scorer.

ALL IN on Fernandes- I'm giving Fernandes his own section because he deserves it. Leo has been lethal in and around the box and he's so good at making those two or three dekes to get the defender to bite and create enough space to put the ball on target. He's blessing the Rowdies with that Brazilian football flair.

Mizell update- He's allowed only two goals in four games and he's had some difficult saves to make. The Fury didn't test him too much, but he'll have his hands full with the Red Bulls II next week.

Eyes on the next three contests- A revenge matchup with the Red Bulls next week, a new foe in the Monarchs that have 3 wins in 3 matches, and then a road matchup against a tough Battery team makes the rest of April a big test for the Rowdies after a feel-good win.

Alex "Witness Protection" Morrell- It's been only four matches and it's killing me that we haven't gotten one Morrell sighting. After underwhelming performances from Guenzatti and Flemmings, I'm hoping it opens the door for another crack at the lineup in April for Morrell.

Leo has been so remarkably brilliant. I was thinking this morning - what would happen if we had a front line of Leo, Graf, Georgi? Someone would have to move to the right side (which Georgi did for about 5 minutes in Louisville). Georgi tends to be better up top than on the wing and I'd hate to move Leo anywhere from exactly where he is today. Not sure how we could make it work.

Right now it feels like our attack is all of the creativity on the left and guns-blazing speed on the right. But I can't say I'm unhappy with that. The attack, even when the finishing isn't there, has been fun to watch.

I really want to see Graf get a start but he's a pure striker, so the only person you can move is Georgi. I think Georgi's production would be the same or maybe better if you move him to the wing because he's a high motor guy. Georgi is a cerebral enough player to do it and if he can make it work with Paterson, I think Graf could be even better. And Georgi will always get his goals, he's an opportunist.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/905794?referrer_id=2364194

Newton Nabs Fans’ Choice Save of the Month

Outstanding double-save against Indy takes top spot in online poll

Newton’s saves finished 1-2 in voting in the online poll conducted at USLSoccer.com that concluded on Monday morning, with his excellent reflex stop against the Charleston Battery in Week 1 garnering 18 percent of the vote. The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Cody Mizell and Las Vegas Lights FC’s Ricardo Ferriño finished tied for third on 12 percent for their respective saves that helped earn victories against Bethlehem Steel FC and Fresno FC.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/905796?referrer_id=3198080

Kunga Takes Fans’ Choice Goal of the Month

Individual finish by ATL UTD 2 standout takes top spot in online poll

Kunga's strike received 72 percent of the online poll conducted at USLSoccer.com that concluded on Monday morning. Jack Blake’s first goal for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, which capped a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on March 17, finished second on 12 percent, while Sacramento Republic FC’s Cameron Iwasa took third on 10 percent for his outstanding finish that proved the game-winner in a 1-0 victor against Orange County SC.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/905720?referrer_id=2349190

11 Things – Heads of the River

Road victories by Louisville, Monarchs set marker for respective conferences

6. HIGH FIVE: The Tampa Bay Rowdies wanted a response to their first loss of the regular season when it returned home on Saturday night to host Ottawa Fury FC, but while the hosts put in a solid first half, they were held at bay by a Fury FC defense that limited Tampa Bay to only nine touches in the attacking penalty area. A second-half that saw the Rowdies almost triple that number, however, produced the incisiveness and openings that led to the first five-goal victory in the club’s modern era. The Rowdies’ finishing was such that every shot it recorded after the break was either on target or blocked, with all five goals coming from 15 yards and in. Tampa Bay has already put itself among the contenders to Louisville’s title in the Eastern Conference – its loss at Slugger Field the mark against it – and Saturday’s performance will have the rest of the conference alert to what the Rowdies are capable of.

7. ORANGE JUICED: While the Rowdies were among those expected to be near the top of the Eastern Conference at the start of the season, the continued early surge by Orange County SC has been one of the more interesting storylines in the West. A third consecutive shutout victory, this time at the expense of its 405 rival the LA Galaxy II on Saturday night, moved OCSC into the top spot in the Western Conference on goal differential at the end of the week. There will be bigger tests to come – notably this Saturday’s trip to San Antonio FC – but there’s very little reason to doubt what’s going on at Champions Soccer Stadium, considering the pedigree of the players leading the way and the inconsistency we’re seeing elsewhere.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4XenTRqM58

Rowdies Front Row - Ottawa Fury FC - April 7, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 9, 2018

Relive all the action from the Tampa Bay Rowdies dominating performance over Ottawa Fury FC!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ms3IebGOQ

Rowdies Front Row - Bethlehem Steel - March 24, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 9, 2018

It's our first Front Row of the 2018 season! Watch all the action from the Rowdies' home opener against Bethlehem Steel FC

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bRwF-HV5_0

Joe Cole's Offseason Adventures

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 9, 2018

We caught up with Joe Cole and chatted about his past offseason and what he was up to. Watch and find out!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-6KiVdbtI8

Rowdies' Golf Skills

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 9, 2018

Who’s got the best golf skills on the team?

Watch and find out!

Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 2 vs. Ottawa Fury FC (self.TampaBayRowdies)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8aqpm0/rowdies_home_attendance_thread_game_2_vs_ottawa/

Rowdies Home Attendance Thread - Game 2 vs. Ottawa Fury FC (self.TampaBayRowdies)

So, I don't think the threat of thunderstorms and monsoon that swept through right before the match helped out our walkup sales too much, but it ended up being a really great match weather-wise for most of the match.

Ticket sales appeared to be strong for most of the week leading up to matchday. 5,059 was the official count - looked grim before kickoff, but the crowd filled in nicely and was really loud - Mob section was packed.

Yes! The mob looked fantastic! I don't know If it was the weather, but the contrast with the adjacent section, which I believe is under cover as well, was amazing until things filled in.

Last nights total was right around my guesstimate. If this works out to be one of our lows for the season like last year, we're in good shape.

It was better than I thought it would be given the circumstances. Lots of fun, too.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8at4rg/unused_substitutes_coffee_talk_we_should_do_this/

Unused Substitutes Coffee Talk: We should do this more often. (OC) (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/04/08/coffee-talk-we-should-do-this-more-often/3600

Coffee Talk: We should do this more often.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ar799/the_rowdies_got_rowdy_on_the_ottawa_fury_last/

The Rowdies got #Rowdy on the Ottawa Fury last night. They unleashed the #Fury to the tune of a record setting 5-0 win! #Rowdies #COYR (lemoncitylive.com)

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http://www.lemoncitylive.com/soccer/tampa-bay-rowdies-vs-ottawa-fury-april-7th-2018/

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Ottawa Fury | April 7th 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8an5u8/highlights_tampa_bay_rowdies_5_0_ottawa_fury_fc/

Highlights: Tampa Bay Rowdies 5 - 0 Ottawa Fury FC - April 7, 2018 (youtu.be)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo4CZ9BEjg0&feature=youtu.be

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8an1vd/rowdies_on_twitter_thats_the_first_time_weve_won/

Post-Match Thread [Rowdies on Twitter] That's the first time we've won a game 5-0 in the Modern Era! #TBRvOTT (twitter.com)

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https://twitter.com/tampabayrowdies/status/982794624778620929?s=21

Tampa Bay Rowdies

‏Verified account

@TampaBayRowdies

That's the first time we've won a game 5-0 in the Modern Era! #TBRvOTT

9:37 PM - 7 Apr 2018

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8akcdw/preview_tbr_v_ott/

Preview: TBR -v- OTT (youtu.be)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TU69uDnIQ4&feature=youtu.be

Rowdies Rundown - Rowdies vs. Ottawa Preview - April 6, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 6, 2018

In the latest Rowdies Rundown presented by Budweiser, Lynden Blake and Tamika Mkandawire break down the Rowdies upcoming match against Ottawa Fury FC.

Get your tickets to Saturday's before they're gone!

TIX: 727-222-2000 / bit.ly/47vOTT

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8ai9dz/unused_substitutes_the_bench_vol_3_issue_2_oc/

Unused Substitutes: The Bench Vol 3 Issue 2 (OC) (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/04/07/the-bench-volume-3-issue-2/3588

The Bench, Volume 3 Issue 2

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/8a13kq/rowdies_sign_attacker_leon_taylor/

Official Rowdies Sign Attacker Leon Taylor (rowdiessoccer.com)

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https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/904742?referrer_id=2824806

Rowdies Sign Attacker Leon Taylor

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/89zjy6/tropics_draw_npsls_midlandodessa_sockers_in_usoc/

Tropics draw NPSL's Midland-Odessa Sockers in USOC 1st Round; Rowdies 2nd Round pairing to be announced Wed. 4/11 (ussoccer.com)

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https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/04/04/16/29/20180404-news-usoc-first-round-pairings-for-2018-us-open-cup

First Round Pairings for 2018 U.S. Open Cup Announced

NPSL, PDL and Local Qualifying Teams Begin First Round Play May 8-9; Announcement for May 16 Second Round Possibilities Moved to April 11 due to Play-In Round Arrangements

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzS5wFz-HRA

Highlights: Tampa Bay Rowdies 5 - 0 Ottawa Fury FC - April 7, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 7, 2018

Highlights from Tampa Bay Rowdies 5-0 win over Ottawa Fury FC presented by Tampa International Airport. Goals from Georgi Hristov, Leo Fernandes (2), Joe Cole and Zac Portillos gave the Rowdies the dominant win.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UfkDNcnTqc

Rowdies Rundown - Rowdies at Louisville Preview - March 29, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Apr 5, 2018

Lynden Blake and Rowdies defender, Tam Mkandawire give the rundown on the Rowdies match against the defending USL Cup Champs, Louisville City FC.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRRbMGkrO9o

Tampa Bay Rowdies Highlights vs. Louisville City

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on Mar 31, 2018

Tampa Bay Rowdies Highlights vs. Louisville City, 03/31/2018

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/04/07/rowdies-revive-missing-offense/

Rowdies revive missing offense in win over Ottawa

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http://canoe.com/sports/soccer/rowdies-rock-fury-5-0/wcm/9868b3da-732f-4075-8b86-4c11a3bff1b8

Rowdies rock Fury 5-0

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/905437?referrer_id=2349190

Rowdies Race Past Ottawa

Fernandes, Cole, Hristov, Portillos score in impressive 5-0 win at Al Lang Stadium

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https://www.newstalkflorida.com/news/tampa/national-beer-day-celebration-tampa-bays-brewery-boom/

For National Beer Day, A Celebration of Tampa Bay’s Brewery Boom

Tampa Bay has become a beer-lover’s destination

Craft beer is booming across America. All over the country, creative brewers are coming up with unique and new beer recipes that have created some memorable suds. Yet perhaps nowhere in the country is as blessed with great breweries as the Tampa Bay area.

Simply put, craft beer is everywhere in the Tampa Bay area, and with National Beer Day just around the corner it’s as good a time as any to celebrate this boom.

Ask around and there will be a wide range of opinions as to why craft beer has become such a big part of Tampa Bay’s DNA. Tourism, transplants who worked as brewers before moving to the area, demand, and people being inspired by the level of competition are all cited as possible reasons, but in reality there is likely not a single answer.

Great beer is such an integral part of living in Tampa Bay that growlers are simply a fixture of most kitchens, always ready for that next trip to the nearest taproom. People can buy maps and guides of the brewers in the area that are remarkably thick.

Because there are so many differing styles of beer, the array of breweries means there is something for fans of every style. Lovers of juicy New England-style IPAs can have a Palm Bender from Big Storm or a Jai Alai from Cigar City, those who like sour beers can always make a trip to Rapp Brewing Company in Pinellas Park, and dark beer fans are always welcome at Pair O’ Dice and Angry Chair.

It seems as though there is at least one brewery per neighborhood. Ybor City features Tampa Bay Brewing Company and Coppertail, while Pinellas Park has the “Beer-muda Triangle” of Rapp, Big Storm, and Pair O’ Dice within a stone’s throw of one another. St. Petersburg is loaded with breweries including Green Bench, Cycle, Pinellas Ale Works, and Three Daughters. Wherever you live in the Tampa Bay area, there is a brewery somewhere near you that is on the cutting edge of some style.

Most professional sports teams that choose an official beer sponsor go with a national brand; one of the titans of the industry such as Budweiser. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Rowdies, however, chose Big Storm Brewing Company. Big Storm, with breweries in Pasco County and Pinellas County, offers a Lightning 25th anniversary beer and a Rowdies-inspired pilsner. They’ve also offered a creative array of ales, stouts, and IPAs that includes use of atypical ingredients such as rye.

Cigar City Brewing Company in Tampa is a national favorite. Travelers to the area make the unassuming building on Spruce Street an important part of their iteneraries, a must-see stop no different than a Cuban sandwich or a round of golf on one of the area’s famed courses. If you have a beer-drinking friend from out of town coming in to visit, they are likely going to want to go to Cigar City and have one of their famous brews. Depending when one goes, offerings can range from “Florida Weiss” style sour beers brewed with fruit to brown ales designed to taste like chocolate chip pancakes.

It seems that Pair O’ Dice Brewery in Clearwater always has a brand new offering on tap. They’ve rolled out a white stout, which it turns out is not at all an oxymoron. Their Pit Boss, a rare triple IPA, is a crowd-pleaser for the hop-loving crowd. Pair O’ Dice will also not shy away from putting spicy ingredients like jalapenos or even habaneros in their offerings.

Go to any of these breweries and have a conversation with a bartender, and they will recommend other places you can go to get something that may suit you. Often, bartenders in these taprooms will even wear clothing from other breweries in the area. There is certainly competition around here, but it is a uniquely Floridian competition where everybody on some level seems to be rooting for one another. The logic is, no matter how many breweries there are, the demand for great beer will always be there.

This column will not offer a “best” beer, as the range of styles makes everything very subjective. Rather, with so many options, the best advice might be to responsibly sample around until one finds their own personal favorite.

On National Beer Day this Saturday, raise a glass to an area that has raised the bar for hopheads.

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https://www.themaneland.com/2018/4/7/17208726/latest-loan-may-hint-at-future-orlando-city-usl-affiliate

Latest Loan May Hint at Future Orlando City USL Affiliate

Could Tony Rocha’s Saint Louis FC loan blossom into something more substantial?

Following the 2017 season, Orlando City announced that its USL side, Orlando City B, would be going on hiatus for the 2018 season. Currently without a USL affiliate and possibly needing one next year, signs seem to be pointing to Saint Louis FC.

While OCB decided to sit out the 2018 USL season, the club remained adamant that the reserve side would return in 2019. That was confirmed recently by Orlando City GM Niki Budalic, who stated that the club would return in the USL’s new third division league, launching in 2019. He also stated that players who advance through OCB but aren’t quite ready for MLS would be loaned out to a “higher league,” indicating the second division USL. But to what team would these players be sent?

Usually, MLS clubs attempt to affiliate with a USL club nearby, which makes recalling a player much easier. However, that could be difficult in Florida. There is currently only one USL club in the state, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, which might be hesitant to affiliate with Orlando City, a team they compete with for fans. Another option could be the Jacksonville Armada should they join the USL, but there has been no indication of that.

Designing a Rowdies Crest – Honoring a Classic Logo for a Nostalgic Fanbase [My site] (theunsubs.com)

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/89pu67/designing_a_rowdies_crest_honoring_a_classic_logo/

Designing a Rowdies Crest – Honoring a Classic Logo for a Nostalgic Fanbase [My site] (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/04/04/designing-a-rowdies-crest-honoring-a-classic-logo-for-a-nostalgic-fanbase/3564

Designing a Rowdies Crest – Honoring a Classic Logo for a Nostalgic Fanbase

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/88aotc/rowdies_career_scorer_derek_smethurst_ready_to/

Rowdies’ career scorer Derek Smethurst ready to see his record broken (tbo.com)

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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/30/rowdies-career-scorer-derek-smethurst-ready-to-see-his-record-broken/

Rowdies’ career scorer Derek Smethurst ready to see his record broken

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http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rowdies/2018/03/30/rowdies-career-scorer-derek-smethurst-ready-to-see-his-record-broken/

Rowdies’ career scorer Derek Smethurst ready to see his record broken

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https://www.facebook.com/naslisfifty/photos/p.209673589796884/209673589796884/?type=1&theater

1970s Soccer USA

What's in a Name? Tampa Bay's NASL expansion franchise got its nickname through a write-in "Name the Team" contest in 1974. Out of nearly 12,500 entries it was a Clearwater attorney, Bill Wilhelm, who suggested the winner: "Rowdies." Wilhelm earned a vacation to Acapulco for his efforts, along with a lifetime pass to all home games. Before long, Tampa Bay fans were called "Fannies," Tampa Bay cheerleaders were called "Wowdies," and the Tampa Bay pep band was called the "Loudies."

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/89w3vh/field_of_dreams_entrepreneur_transforms_pinellas/

Field of dreams: Entrepreneur transforms Pinellas Park junkyard into soccer fields (tbnweekly.com)

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http://www.tbnweekly.com/north_county/pinellas_park_beacon/field-of-dreams-entrepreneur-transforms-pinellas-park-junkyard-into-soccer/article_8480d056-3771-11e8-a7f0-1fc266c03958.html

Field of dreams: Entrepreneur transforms Pinellas Park junkyard into soccer fields

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/89m83w/rowdie_takeaways_week_3_lou_v_tbr/

Rowdie Takeaways Week 3: LOU v TBR (self.TampaBayRowdies)

This one feels familiar- Towards the end of last season, I devoted some time to studying the Rowdies atrocious road record from the last three seasons. Having only watched all the road games of 2017, I could only speak on what I saw through the course of the season, and there was a multitude of factors that contributed to the Rowdies road woes. Sometimes it was the turf. Sometimes it was the offense not finishing chances. Sometimes it was lazy defending. Sometimes it was fatigue. Sometimes it was a combination of everything (I think it was the road game against the Riverhounds or Rhinos in a 2-0 loss where everything was bad).

Let's talk turf- I dislike the turf being one of the first things that come up, but in this case, I think the turf at Slugger Field played a huge factor in the Rowdies struggle to pass in Lou's half of the field and cross and shoot and do all the things that lead to scoring goals. I believe there was talk about the field condition being affected due to snow or rain from Lou's previously canceled game and it was easy to tell the Rowdies took the whole first half to figure out how the ball was going to roll and bounce.

Bear with me as I backseat coach- Obviously, my tactical football opinion means little since I only really got into soccer 4ish years ago, but I'll garishly state my opinions for debate nonetheless. The Rowdies attacking lineup going into Lou City was backward. I like Graf, Flemmings, and Morrell for road contests because they can create offense by going 1-on-1 with guys whereas Guenzatti, Fernandes, and Hristov do more work off the ball and are looking for the pass. We've seen Leo and Hristov get theirs in week 1 and 2, and I think they'll continue to be lethal at home, but they looked very uncomfortable on Slugger Field. If you have Flemmings and/or Morrell go all out for 60 minutes, I think you'll have a goal and then you can bring in a Fernandes or Guenzatti for fresh legs to slow it down and control the ball and pace of the game. But once again, I'm backseat coaching here.

One momentary slip- Lou's goal came from a beautifully rolled through ball where Najem came forward and a Rowdies defender bit on the play allowing a free run and shot at the ball. Lou City was bound to score eventually because Spencer was knocking on the door all game long up to that point. Mizell had a wicked 1-on-1 save earlier in the first half where Gorskie got torched. Collins got blown by on a Spencer run as well. This is something to keep an eye on where physical opposing strikers who can impose their will on the Rowdies back line are very dangerous.

Commentary- I had to turn the sound way down on the broadcast because often times there would be nasty static sounds. The color commentator was lauding every Rowdies player as if we paid him off. I get that our players are talented but at a point a judgmental eye can key in on specific strengths and weaknesses. I won't go full rant here, but when I heard him talk about Gorskie as an elite defender, I just don't think it's fair to throw around the word 'elite' for a guy who still needs to prove he's a quality starter.

Hakuna Matata- For now at least. As long as this doesn't become a habit and Coach Stu can figure out how to get W's on the road, I'm not worried about one close loss to a good team early in the season. This game should be a coachable moment for the players and coaches.

Looking ahead- April is gonna be some tough sledding. Red Bulls 2 are always scrappy, Charleston was a brutal matchup last year, and we haven't seen the Real Monarchs but they're off to a hot start.

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/88s3n8/unused_substitutes_coffee_talk_yep_we_definitely/

Unused Substitutes Coffee Talk: Yep. We Definitely Prefer Winning [OC] (theunsubs.com)

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/04/01/coffee-talk-yep-we-definitely-still-prefer-winning/3557

Coffee Talk: Yep. We Definitely Still Prefer Winning

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http://www.theunsubs.com/wp/2018/04/01/coffee-talk-yep-we-definitely-still-prefer-winning/3557

Coffee Talk: Yep. We Definitely Still Prefer Winning

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https://www.reddit.com/r/TampaBayRowdies/comments/88lo9a/post_match_thread_easter_is_a_time_for_traditions/

Post-Match Thread Post match thread: Easter is a time for traditions (self.TampaBayRowdies)

As is tradition, we lose on the road. Was not our best game but Mizell is a treasure whom we must protect

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http://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/rays-spending-on-pr-campaign-but-not-on-curb-appeal/67-533531307

Rays spending on PR campaign, but not on curb appeal

St Petersburg code enforcement had to notify the Rays they were failing to meet minimum standards for their signage outside Tropicana Field. But that doesn't mean the team isn't spending outside the stadium: 10Investigates found them investing on PR and marketing consultants via the "grassroots" stadium search group.

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https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/03/29/poke-bowl-and-sushi-burrito-restaurant-coming-to.html

Poke bowl and sushi burrito restaurant coming to downtown St. Pete (Renderings)

Pacific Counter plans to open this summer.

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https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/20998655/pacific-counter-st-pete-chefdriven-poke-bowls-sushi-burritos-600-block

Pacific Counter to build chef-driven poke bowls, sushi burritos on the 600 Block

How do you feel about a sushi robot? The downtown St. Pete newbie has one.

A rendering of downtown St. Pete's Pacific Counter, set to premiere sometime in summer.

Downtown St. Pete’s 600 Block is getting its own speedy destination for create-your-own poke bowls and sushi burritos. Scheduled to launch in summer, Pacific Counter — a fast-casual meets chef-driven newbie — plans to mix top-notch ingredients and technology under one roof at 660 Central Ave.

A sushi robot, for example, will help partners Tanner Loebel, Eric Bialik and Chitt Noythanongsay pull off Pacific Counter’s burritos. Flown in from Japan and billed as the first of its kind locally, the machine can churn out up to 1,200 sheets of burrito bases per hour.

“While the concept is fast-casual, our entire menu is chef-driven with a focus on integrity and consistency,” said Loebel in a statement. “We are marrying top-of-the-line ingredients with innovative tech, and the result is a superior product served quickly, which our customers can enjoy in a relaxed and fun environment.”

The Bay area isn’t unfamiliar territory for Loebel and his fellow partners. Loebel founded FoodNow and owned the restaurant delivery service until last year, when it was acquired by Bite Squad. A former general manager of Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club, Bialik most recently served as the GM for Grill One Sixteen between 2013 and 2016. And Noythanongsay, known as chef Tock, is a food industry vet who played significant roles in several sushi restaurants around town, including Samurai Blue, Sushi Rock Grill and Roy’s, where he trained under celeb chef Roy Yamaguchi.

PC Interior PerspectiveHow the fast-casual interior will look.Wannemacher Jensen Architects

With an emphasis on fresh produce and quality seafood, the restaurant’s food costs $3 to $12, while drinks are $2.50 to $5. Expect 10 signature builds that come as a burrito or a bowl — among them three vegan options. But diners can also choose from a selection of bases, proteins, toppings and house-made sauces to customize their cravings.

Specials are set to rotate daily alongside limited-time “wave items,” depending on their availability and the seasons. The signature Dole Whip (a soft-serve pineapple dessert available in cup or float form), Frostee Kirin (essentially a Kirin beer topped with frozen foam) and Sake Slush (self explanatory, right?) are also menu highlights.

Oh, and, although the restaurant hasn’t premiered yet, Pacific Counter will become the official caterer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in May, serving up post-practice and -game meals led by chef Tock for the team and coaching staff.

Once its doors on the 600 Block do open, however, delivery is expected, as are to-go and catering programs. Pacific Counter’s anticipated hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until midnight for late-night guests on Friday and Saturday.

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http://www.tbo.com/sports/rays/2018/03/28/remember-when-the-last-spring-training-baseball-game-at-al-lang-was-20-years-ago-thursday/

Remember when: The last spring training baseball game at Al Lang was 10 years ago Thursday

Ten years ago Thursday, an era of baseball ended at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg.

The Tampa Bay Rays played the final baseball game in a park that was built in 1947 and used almost exclusively for baseball to that point.

Babe Ruth played there. Stan Musial played there. In addition to the Rays, the Yankees, Cardinals, Mets and Orioles called it their spring home.

Since 2011, Al Lang has been home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer club and it looks a lot different. Check out the photo gallery above to see what Al Lang looked like 10 years ago Thursday, the last time it dressed up for a professional baseball game, and the last time a baseball crowd dressed up for it.

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/902876?referrer_id=2349190

Heinemann Signs for Penn FC

Veteran forward joins former teammates Peiser, Muhammad

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Penn FC announced on Thursday it had signed forward Tommy Heinemann, pending league and federation approval.

Heinemann is reunited with Penn Head Coach Raoul Voss, who was an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies during Heinemann’s two seasons with the club. Most recently a member of the San Francisco Deltas, the 30-year-old forward also joined former teammates goalkeeper Romu Peiser and forward Saalih Muhammad with the club after the trip helped the Deltas claim a championship last fall.

A native of St. Louis, Mo., Heinemann brings extensive experience from both Major League Soccer and the lower divisions to Penn FC. The 6-foot-4 forward won the USL Second Division championship with the Charleston Battery in 2010, and subsequently joined Columbus Crew SC prior to the 2011 season.

Heinemann made 43 appearances in MLS over three seasons as he spent two years with Crew SC before joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the 2013 season. Heinemann has also previously featured for Ottawa Fury FC before his stints with the Rowdies and the Deltas.

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http://www.wmnf.org/tampa-business-leaders-make-the-case-for-an-ybor-city-ballpark/

Tampa business leaders make the case for an Ybor City ballpark

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https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/903091?referrer_id=2349190

Mizell Takes Fans’ Choice Save of the Week

Rowdies goalkeeper takes top spot in weekly poll for standout stop against Steel FC

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http://leaderpost.com/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc/tfc-scores-big-win-over-club-america/wcm/030c4371-23cb-4c41-8190-56a482749baf

LARSON: Toronto FC isn't representing MLS. They're an aberration after stunning Club America and Tigres

TORONTO — Hear, hear, Miguel Herrera.

Club America’s tough-talkin’ bench boss was 100% correct in his pre-match assessment.

“Our league (Liga MX) doesn’t compete with MLS,” he said with a hint of arrogance. It’s who he is.

“(We) compete with the leagues of Europe.”

His comments didn’t sit well before MLS fans who crave, at the very least, regional respect.

But Herrera’s harsh — but fair — indictment ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League semifinal was something of a compliment. Toronto FC certainly is an MLS anomaly.

However, the Reds aren’t representing MLS in this competition.

They’re representing this city — their club. They’ve demonstrated they’re in a league of their own.

And they’re an away performance away from appearing in a Champions League final following a monumental 3-1 win against a Mexican side that has won just about everything there is to win — including back-to-back Champions League titles.