The pieces of an offense are there for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Every now and then, however, that offense evaporates for the team. The Rowdies’ last four defeats have been by shutout.
The sputtering offense disappeared again Saturday night in a 1-0 loss to Minnesota.
Ben Sweat was sent off, leaving Tampa Bay with 10 men. Minnesota forward Christian Ramirez scored the lone goal of the match in the 44th minute after a defensive miscue by the Rowdies.
Midfielder Kevin Venegas whipped in a cross from the right side and caused a defensive miscommunication between Mkandawire and Pickens. The ball bounced past both Rowdies players and landed at the feet of Ramirez, who calmly tapped the ball in for his 11th goal of the season.
With just four matches left in the NASL Regular Season, the Rowdies now sit tied on points for fourth place with FC Edmonton and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The Eddies play Ottawa Fury FC on Sunday.
Up next, the Rowdies return home to face Ottawa on Saturday, October 10, at Al Lang Stadium.
