Away to El Paso Preview
Date: Saturday June 17, 2023
Kickoff Time: 9:30 pm EST at Southwest University Park in El Paso, TX
Records: Tampa Bay Rowdies (24pt 7W-3D-4L); El Paso Locomotive (29pts 9W-2D-3L)
Standings: The Rowdies are 3rd in the East and El Paso are 1st in the West
The Rowdies are back in the wins column and three points better off. They now travel out west for one of the toughest games of the season only a week after playing the toughest team in the league. How will they adapt to the surroundings, the opponent, and the occasion? You’ll have to tune in later than usual to find out, on ESPN+ like you usually would!
A win is a win is a win, right?
A weekend after receiving two red cards, you could forgive the Rowdies for dropping points. However, they avoided that fate and managed to pull out a W, even if the scoreline was a little tighter than any fan would’ve wanted. Multiple factors went into this result and got the team through a silly suspension or two.
Without both Conner Antley and JJ Williams against New Mexico, some changes to the regular starting lineup were forced upon the coaching staff. Recent loan signing Laurence Wyke, well known for his versatility, helped out when he shifted out to right back. Cal Jennings stepped in up top to play the usual striker role he otherwise would. Additionally, Yann Ekra returned from injury and moved into the spot he’d had before alongside Jordan Doherty in midfield.
With Wyke, the transition from one right back to another was seamless. Essentially just plug and play, the Englishman has filled in at both midfield and right back for the Rowdies before. He was able to step up in a role that required elements of both and do so without fuss. His interchanging with right winger Sebastian Dalgaard became crucial, as the Dane was involved in both of the first goals.
Making his hundredth league appearance for Tampa Bay, Dalgaard contributed to the pressing sequence that led to the first goal. He also got the assist on the second when he found Charlie Dennis at the top of the box. All in all, the right side for the Rowdies went about how it has in recent games.
Over on the left, however, even more fireworks were found. Ryan Spaulding has recently stepped up to earn multiple assists in his short time with Tampa Bay. He finally got on the scoresheet in this one, not once but twice finding the back of the net. The first came off the aforementioned pressing sequence, and the second turned out to be the game winner in the 70th minute.
Spaulding getting on the scoresheet is extremely encouraging. However, he was also pinned back at times by the New Mexico press – as it turns out, it’s not just the Rowdies who benefit from that. New Mexico’s first goal came off a set piece that was won from that very press. Deep into first half stoppage time, Tampa Bay switched off momentarily to let one go in. It was something fans have seen before.
To give up another goal late on could be considered a fluke. It is also important to remember the suspensions and the fact that some players were just returning from injuries. Improvement on the defensive side might well be needed against the current best team in the league.
Just how have El Paso seemingly snuck into first in the West?
Yes, for the second week in June, the Rowdies have to host the best team in the West, and therefore the best team in the league. El Paso won their game on Wednesday night to earn three more points and put them level with Sacramento Republic, but ahead on the tiebreakers. Traveling out west is never easy in a country this big, and Tampa Bay will need to be sharp to stay in this one.
El Paso have a very good recent record, so form and confidence should not be a problem for the Locomotive. In addition to good results of late, the attacking unit is also very sharp. Luis Solignac is leading the way with eight goals on the year (as well as one assist). His latest goal came in the midweek win over Las Vegas Lights from the penalty spot. It was the only one he’s scored from 12 yards out so far this year.
His partners in crime up top are Ricardo Zacarias and Ukrainian winger Denys Kostyshyn. Each of them has two assists and three goals. With these two acting as scorer and provider to Solignac, and Josue Gomez contributing up top as well, El Paso has found a potent unit. They will often look to break down the right side with overloads in numbers from Zacarias and Kostyshyn combining to good effect.
Previously mentioned attackers lead the way for El Paso in chances created, with only Eric Calvillo unnamed so far from the top of that list. He and Liam Rose will likely man the center midfield to play off each other. Look for Rose to do more defensive work while Calvillo helps thread the needle from front to back. Rose leads the team in both interceptions and fouls, so his role seems pretty clearly defined.
El Paso are a team that will want to attack with speed through their dribbling wingers. The fullbacks will also look to interchange and force their way into attack, a tactic Rowdies fans should certainly be familiar with. Both Miles Lyons and Eder Borelli also show up heavily involved in the statistics so far this year. Expect them to be firm and stout through the middle, trying to create chances by winning 1v1s on the wings.
The Rowdies do have capable defenders, of course. Antley returning and Aaron Guillen using his speed will be important to rein in Kostyshyn and Gomez on either wing, while Doherty and Forrest Lasso and Freddy Kleemann behind him will have to focus on tracking Solignac and Zacarias. It was always going to be a tough job; but hopefully, the Locomotive will be a little more worn than usual, having just played an extra game this week.
Score Predictions from the RBLR Rowdies Podcast:
Carlos Rueda: 2-2 Draw
James Knowles: 2-1 El Paso
Yurika Wheeler: 1-1 Draw
Special Guest: @mtlauster2222 says 4-1 (to the f’n lads!)
