With their season on the brink, the Tampa Bay Rowdies turned to their favorite Savage Wednesday night.
The Rowdies earned a crucial 2-2 draw late Wednesday night when Keith Savage scored the equalizer in stoppage time. Tampa Bay trailed Minnesota United FC until Savage’s goal.
“I was in the right spot at the right time,” Savage said of his goal. “It could have fallen to anyone. We were pushing for that goal and I’m really glad we got it. It means we’re still in it, right there in the hunt for the playoffs. It’s going to be a battle to the last game.”
Minnesota took a lead twice in the match with goals in the 17th and 51st minutes via Christian Ramirez and J.C. Banks. But Georgi Hristov tied the game with his ninth goal of the season in the 31st minute, leading to Savage’s tying goal.
“We couldn’t quite get going in the second half,” Rowdies coach Stuart Campbell said. “Once again, the boys showed terrific spirit, heart and commitment. The fans dragged us over the line and kept us going right into the 95th minute and fortunately, we were able to get away with a point.”
The draw means that Tampa Bay and Minnesota move ahead of Miami in the tie for fourth place.
“If we don’t win, (we make sure) we don’t lose,” Savage said. “We know that every point counts and that’s been our motto. We want three points at home, but we’re very thankful for that point.”
Now, the Rowdies face another tough test, against FC Edmonton on Sunday afternoon. Tampa Bay then heads to Miami to face Miami FC on October 14 before hosting the Indy Eleven on October 19 in its next home game.
