By TRAVIS CLARK
Can the Tampa Bay Rowdies slow down the Austin Aztex?
It's a question the Florida side will look to answer on a trip to House Park in Austin, Tex. Saturday evening (8:30 p.m.). Two previous matches between the two sides this season have already yielded entertaining draws, one a 3-3 encounter, the other 2-2, both back in April.
Stakes are high for the visiting Rowdies, in need of full points to solidify their chances at the playoffs. Three points would be huge, particularly against Austin. For the Aztex, new addition Randi Patterson will get a shot at playing time and show what he can do.
Here's a look at the rest of this weekend's Division 2 action:
FRIDAY
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. A.C. St. Louis, 8:10 p.m.
The Vancouver Whitecaps continually have one eye on next year, while maintaining excellent results in current league player. Forward Marlon James was released this week to make room for the addition of young striker Jonathan McDonald. At just 22, McDonald is likely an option for next season's MLS side, as well as helping the Whitcaps leave Division 2 on a high note. Friday evening's match against A.C. St. Louis is a chance for Vancouver to win for once, as opposed to their seemingly-favored ties.
SATURDAY
Montreal Impact vs. Carolina Railhawks, 7:00 p.m.
Two NASL Conference foes square off in Carolina, both looking to hunt down Vancouver at the top of the conference standings. The Railhawks enjoy the advantage of having played four less than the Whitecaps and three less than Montreal. Both will want to improve their playoff standing — Carolina currently sitting sixth and Montreal seventh respectively, and will duke it out to take all three points.
Miami FC vs. Puerto Rico Islanders, 8:05 p.m.
For as underwhelming a season that the Puerto Rico Islanders have had, they remain in the eighth and final playoff spot in USSF D2. Miami's visit to the island is an opportunity to grab all three points — Miami's woes have been well-documented. Colin Clarke has a chance to use the Islanders success in the CONCACAF Champions League to increase their focus on USSF D2 challenges that lie ahead of them.
Carolina did it, Puerto Rico didn’t. At least they had a better than average attendance.
That was a wild last 2/3 of the first half in Austin. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen anything like that live. I don’t know what happens when we play Tampa Bay, but it’s crazy. 16 goals in three games.
Well said,yankiboy.Time for the Islanders to ride on their Galaxy momentum and make some noise.Do you know what was the attendance at the game? the place looked full.
Did Manchester City send Emmanuel Adebayor on loan to the Rowdies?
Let’s go AC!
Vamos Tropa Naranja!
Puerto Rico, handle your business. Make the JRL tough place to win again and not just a place to spend four hours the visiting teams’ Caribbean vacations.
Time to make the move up in the D-2!
FC Tampa Bay wasn’t required to drop “Rowdies” from its name. There is however a lawsuit against the team for trademark rights to the name preventing them from selling merchandise with the name on it. This does not prevent them from using the name on marketing materials or in the name of the team itself.
As for the FSC deal, that was something that USL had before and the two feuding leagues, along with the USSF, decided not to spend the money on airtime this year. instead, all games are streamed for free online.
I don’t think they are…haven’t seen any games televised. It really sucks!
Douglas!!!!
FAILSIES!
Carolina needs to turn the corner and get some Ws, or I think they will fritter things away like last year.
Firsties!!
Didn’t FC Tampa Bay have to drop “Rowdies” from their name? I guess it doesn’t stop people from calling them the Rowdies though.
Is FSC still showcasing Div. 2 games on Friday nights?