Rowdies Season Opener Ends in Controversial Tie
ST. PETERSBURG — As the ultimate whistle blew Saturday night time at Al Lang Stadium, boos rained down from the introduced crowd of 6,893 for the Rowdies’ season opener, which resulted in a 1-1 tie with Indy Eleven.
The followers had been upset with a foul name within the sixth minute of harm time, which led to the game-tying penalty kick by Indy midfielder Aodhan Quinn.
Controversy over Penalty Call
Officials stated Rowdies defender Forrest Lasso fouled Indy ahead Sebastian Guenzatti contained in the field, however the followers believed the foul, if it was one, was exterior the field, a perception Rowdies coach Neill Collins shared as effectively.
Lasso, a three-time USL Championship defender of the 12 months, additionally stated the contact with Guenzatti was exterior the field.
“I knew I used to be exterior the field, however the ref made the choice (that it was inside), and that’s his perogative,” stated Lasso, who returned to the Rowdies this season after spending final 12 months enjoying in Sweden. “It stinks when you’ve got a Jumbotron and you’ll see the performs again. But you simply should respect the refs’ choice.”
Disappointment in Team Performance
Though the disputed name led to the tying penalty kick, Collins stated he was disenchanted within the general efficiency of his crew, which incorporates 10 gamers who weren’t on final 12 months’s roster.
Without 2022 league MVP Leo Fernandes (out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon) and Guenzatti (who left by mutual consent after enjoying the earlier six years with the Rowdies), Tampa Bay has needed to alter to a number of new gamers, together with ahead Cal Jennings, who confirmed flashes of brilliance but in addition some irritating moments.
Missed Opportunities and Goal
Perhaps most noticeably, Jennings had a penalty kick blocked within the twentieth minute after Indy Eleven was known as for a hand ball within the field. Jennings fired left on course, however Indy keeper Yannik Oettl guessed appropriately with a dive and punched the shot away.
After a couple of extra missed alternatives by newly signed gamers throughout a scoreless first half, it was a returner in his 99th look, midfielder Jake Areman, who lastly broke by way of with a objective within the 57th minute, a left-footed shot from a good angle that slipped into the web’s left nook. The help got here from one other Rowdies veteran, midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard, on a pinpoint cross.
Ending in a Tie
Until the ultimate drama within the additional time, it appeared the objective could be all of the Rowdies would wish to start out their season with a victory.
“Regardless if may have gotten the victory, I’d have been disenchanted in our efficiency,” Collins stated. “Our willingness to do the issues we need to do was not there.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rowdies’ season opener was marred by controversy over a disputed penalty name that led to a tie with Indy Eleven. Despite the frustration within the crew’s general efficiency, there have been moments of brilliance and missed alternatives that outlined the sport. Moving ahead, the Rowdies might want to regroup and deal with bettering their gameplay to safe victories within the upcoming matches.
FAQs
1. Who scored the primary objective for the Rowdies within the season opener?
Midfielder Jake Areman scored the primary objective for the Rowdies within the season opener, discovering the again of the web within the 57th minute with a left-footed shot.
2. Why was there controversy surrounding the penalty kick that led to the tie?
The controversy stemmed from the assumption that the foul that resulted within the penalty kick was exterior the field, whereas officers dominated it to be inside, resulting in the game-tying objective for Indy Eleven.
3. How did new gamers like Cal Jennings carry out within the match?
New gamers like Cal Jennings confirmed flashes of brilliance but in addition skilled some irritating moments, together with Jennings having a penalty kick blocked within the twentieth minute.
