The Tampa Bay Rowdies (7-10-6) are next up on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (12-3-8) schedule, as the sides will battle for the second time this season at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Highmark Stadium. They tied, 2-2, in their first meeting on May 19 at Al Lang Stadium.
With a coaching change in the midst of the season, Tampa Bay has fallen behind in the race for a playoff spot. Ranking 12th and sitting eight points behind the final postseason position in the Eastern Conference, the Rowdies’ season has been torn between home and road splits. At home, Tampa Bay has a 5-3-5 mark as compared to the 2-7-1 road record it will carry to Pittsburgh. The last time the club won a road match came against Toronto FC II on May 26 (4-2 final).
Over their past five matches, the Rowdies have went 1-2-2, including winless in the past four contests. The team’s last victory came on July 21 – a home match against Indy Eleven (3-1 final). The side also has been shut out in its past three matches.
Since joining the club midseason, Stefano Bonomo has taken lead in the Tampa Bay attack. The striker is tied for the team lead with six goals and also paces the squad with 15 points. Bonomo has scored three of the club’s last five goals.
Strengths
Shots: Tampa Bay is one of five Eastern Conference teams to reach the 300-shot mark this season, sitting fifth place with 301 total shots.
Tackles: The Rowdies have won well more than half of their tackles this season with a 71 percent success rate. In comparison, the stoutly defensive Hounds have posted a 68 percent success rate on tackles.
Weaknesses
Conversion rate: Despite the high shot totals, the club has logged a 13.3 percent conversion rate this season, which ranks third-to-last in the Eastern Conference.
Road woes: Currently holding a 2-7-1 road record, Tampa Bay has never won at Highmark Stadium and has been shut out in its past two road games (at Ottawa Fury FC and at FC Cincinnati).
